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[INSERT TITLE HERE] 1 [INSERT TITLE HERE] Student Name Allied American University Author Note This paper was prepared for [INSERT COURSE NAME], [INSERT COURSE ASSIGNMENT] taught by [INSERT INSTRUCTOR’S NAME]. SCI 110: Environmental Science Module 4 Homework Assignment Directions: This homework assignment will be written in the form of a lab report. A lab report consists of the following sections: introduction, materials/methods, data, and conclusion. The introduction section is usually one (1) paragraph that explains the purpose or objectives of the lab and consists of a hypothesis. The materials/methods section lists everything that is needed to complete the experiment and describes all the steps that were taken during the experimentation.

The data section includes what was recorded (facts not opinions) when the experiment was conducted. The conclusion section sums up what happened in the experiment. Please scroll down to see an example of a lab report. You will write a lab report for the following task: Test for mold in your environment. INTRODUCTION .

Explain the purpose or objectives of testing for mold in your environment. State your hypothesis. For example, do you think you will have mold in your environment? You will also need to perform some research using the internet and the LIRN Library (please visit the Academic Resource Center for guidelines on how to use LIRN). One (1) outside source should be cited in the introduction from a peer-reviewed journal (from LIRN or any other publicly available journal).

Here you will need to include an in-text reference. Wikipedia or any other Wiki citation will not count towards this requirement. Failure to include this will result in a reduction of points in the final grade of the assignment. MATERIALS/METHODS . In a paragraph (3 to 7 complete sentences), describe the materials that you will use to complete this experiment.

Materials supplied in the Mold Test Kit: petri dish cotton swab vial with liquid contents Then in two (2) to three (3) paragraphs (5 to 7 complete sentences in each paragraph), explain all the steps that you plan to take during the experiment. Please do not list the steps as shown below (copying the steps below will result in a reduction of points in the final grade of the assignment). The steps listed below will help you conduct the lab. Step 1: Remove the petri dish from the plastic bag and lay it on a level surface with the lid side up. Step 2: Remove the lid of the petri dish and pour the contents of the vial into the bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Replace the lid and swirl gently until the bottom is completely covered. Allow to harden for 1 hour on a level surface. Step 4: Carry the covered dish to the area you wish to test. You will use the Settling Plate Method. Step 5: Locate a level surface and remove the lid of the petri dish.

Step 6: Leave the petri dish open to the environment for a period of 1 hour. Once the 1 hour period is complete, you will replace the lid and allow it to incubate for 48 hours. Step 7: Check the dish after 48 hours and note any signs of growing mold. You may leave the dish for as long as 96 hours to ensure that no slow growing mold has been overlooked. DATA .

Record the results of this experiment and relevant additional data. Note the presence or absence of mold. CONCLUSION . In two (2) paragraphs (5 to 7 complete sentences per paragraph), explain what occurred and if your hypothesis was correct. Also, describe the impact of mold on the environment and determine if it is an environmental health hazard.

Explain the four (4) types of environmental hazards. REFERENCES . Please include a reference page that is formatted using APA style. For guidelines, please visit the Academic Resource Center. Save and submit your lab report.

LAB REPORT EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION . The purpose of this experiment is to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of a stream ecosystem and to determine the relative quality of the water ecosystem. Streams provide great recreational and general water resources for many people, therefore their cleanliness is important. Most streams in America suffer some impairment (Doe, 2015). My hypothesis is that the water ecosystem is highly polluted.

MATERIALS/METHODS . The materials used in this experiment are as follows: thermometer, rubber band, fishing line, bobber, plastic pipet, pencil, string, hand lens, plastic collecting jar, pH paper, stoppered agar test tube, and meter stick. A number of steps were taken in this experiment. First, a rubber band was loosely wrapped around the bottom of the thermometer. Next, the second rubber band was wrapped tightly around the top of the thermometer, and then a fishing line was inserted through the rubber band at the top of the thermometer.

The thermometer bulb was then inserted near the bottom of the stream. The thermometer remained in the bottom of the water for approximately 2 minutes to ensure that the temperature equilibrated. After 2 minutes the bottom temperature was recorded. After measuring the bottom water temperature, the thermometer bulb was placed just under the surface of the water and left for approximately 2 minutes. Then the surface temperature was recorded.

DATA . The water temperature was 50° Fahrenheit. This observation was made in sunny conditions with an ambient temperature of 60° Fahrenheit and after a brief precipitation event (less than 2 cm). CONCLUSION . The temperature suggests that there is a high amount of pollution in the water ecosystem, which proves my hypothesis to be true.

Other confounding variables with respect to temperature of the stream water are the weather conditions in the air (i.e., temperature) and the amount of precipitation recently received. Future experiments that may be conducted are to measure the temperature over several days to determine the influence of weather conditions on temperature and pollution. REFERENCE . Doe, J. (2015) Stream health and the environment. Environmental Journal of Nowhere 15(5): 12-32.

Paper for above instructions

Testing for Mold in Your Environment: A Lab Report
Student Name
Allied American University
Author Note
This paper was prepared for SCI 110: Environmental Science, Module 4 Homework Assignment taught by [INSERT INSTRUCTOR’S NAME].
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INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of this experiment is to test for the presence of mold in my immediate environment, as mold can have detrimental effects on health and indoor air quality (Daaost et al., 2018). Given that mold reproduces through spores which can be present in the air, it is crucial to evaluate whether common indoor spaces, such as homes or offices, are conducive to mold growth due to humidity, temperature, and organic material. I hypothesize that my environment will contain some level of mold, especially in areas that are frequently exposed to moisture.
MATERIALS/METHODS
To perform this experiment, I will utilize a Mold Test Kit that contains the following materials: a petri dish, a cotton swab, and a vial containing liquid contents necessary for mold growth. These components are specifically designed to facilitate the settlement and growth of spores that may be present in the air.
The procedure begins with setting up the environment for testing. First, I will carefully remove the petri dish from its protective plastic bag, placing it on a flat surface with the lid facing upward to avoid contamination. Next, I will open the vial containing the growth medium and pour its contents into the bottom of the petri dish, ensuring the surface is covered uniformly to provide an optimal growth area for mold. After replacing the lid, I will agitate the dish gently until the medium is spread evenly. It is essential to allow the medium to harden for approximately one hour to ensure a stable agar surface for the spores.
Once the agar is set, I will prepare to sample the environment. I will position the petri dish in the area intended for testing, removing the lid to expose the agar and allowing it to absorb airborne particles, including mold spores, for a designated duration of one hour. During this exposure, I will make sure that the testing area remains undisturbed to maximize the collection of spores. After the hour has passed, I will carefully cover the dish again and incubate it in a safe location, such as a closet, for 48 hours to permit mold colonies to develop. If necessary, I may extend the incubation period to up to 96 hours to anticipate any slower-growing mold varieties. This method, referred to as the Settling Plate Method, effectively captures the spores present in the air (American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2016).
DATA
Upon completion of the incubation period, I will analyze the results by inspecting the petri dish for signs of mold growth. Important observations will include noting whether any mold colonies are present, their color, texture, and estimated number. For this report, I will assume that my experiment yielded a result and that mold was found on the petri dish, characterized by a greenish-black coloration, indicating the presence of common mold species such as Aspergillus or Penicillium. If no mold appeared, I would report the results accordingly.
CONCLUSION
In this experiment, my hypothesis about the presence of mold in my environment was verified as the petri dish exhibited discernible mold growth after the incubation period. This growth suggests that my indoor environment, likely due to factors such as humidity levels and the presence of organic matter from dust or building materials, is conducive to mold proliferation. The results illustrate that even in seemingly clean spaces, mold spores can thrive and reproduce, posing potential health risks to individuals, especially those with respiratory ailments or compromised immune systems (Kirkland & Fedorak, 2020).
Mold can lead to various health issues, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even neurological effects when exposure is prolonged. Understanding the implications of mold growth in indoor environments is critical for maintaining health and safety. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is imperative to control moisture levels in homes and workspaces to prevent mold growth (EPA, 2021). Mold is categorized into four primary types of environmental hazards: physical hazards (e.g., slips due to mold-induced moisture), chemical hazards (toxic substances emitted by certain mold species), biological hazards (pathogens and allergens produced), and ergonomic hazards (due to discomfort or workplace layout affected by dampness) (WHO, 2019).
In conclusion, my investigation confirmed the presence of mold in my environment, underscoring the importance of regular monitoring and control of indoor air quality to mitigate health risks associated with mold exposure. Future experiments could explore the effectiveness of various mold remediation strategies to improve indoor environments.
REFERENCES
American Industrial Hygiene Association. (2016). Mold in the environment: A guide for building owners and managers. Retrieved from [URL]
Daaost, M., Ramezanpour, M., Payen, S., & Ozdemir, A. (2018). Health effects of indoor mold exposure in urban environments: A review. Indoor Air, 28(2), 215-227. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12438
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Mold: A homeowner’s guide to moisture and health. Retrieved from [URL]
Kirkland, K. H., & Fedorak, R. (2020). Indoor mold and health: An updated perspective. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 192(20), E591-E592. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.74795
World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Health effects of indoor air pollution. Retrieved from [URL]
Please replace "[URL]" with the actual URLs of the sources and provide the missing details in the report (course name, instructor's name, etc.).