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A mushroom spore is too small to see without a microscope. But millions of spores together look like dust. You can see them by making a spore print. Here's how:

What You Need:

• portabella mushroom from the grocery store
• light-colored sheet of paper
• wide drinking glass or bowl
• can of hairspray or spray fixative from an art supply store
   

What You Do:

1. Remove the stem from the mushroom cap. 
2. Place the cap on the piece of paper with the underside facing down. That's where the gills are, and the spores fall out from between the gills.
3. Cover the mushroom cap with the glass or bowl.
4. Leave it covered for 24 hours Don't peek! 
5. When time is up, carefully remove the cover and mushroom cap to see your spore print.
6. Spray the print with the hairspray or fixative to keep the spores in place.
7. You can make a picture using the spore print. Draw petals around it to make a flower; give it a head, antennas and legs to make a bug; or come up with ideas of your own. You can even use several spore prints together to make a scene.
8. Hang up your spore print or picture for everyone to see. 

— Kathy Kranking

 

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