Lessons from a moldy orange: Practical approach to early introduce the scientific method and cover multiple biology-related subjects

To introduce the scientific method to children in early ages is challenging; however, it enables covering simultaneously several educational subjects and influences positively student formation and the society in future. Accordingly, this research involved two girls, aged nine and eleven, who were encouraged to investigate why a fungus that causes mold on an orange makes it soft and rotten. The girls assisted by a research team, composed mainly women scientists, observed and compared a ripe orange with a moldy one, afterwards formulating a hypothesis, and simple experiments to test it. This methodological pipeline applied with experimentation covering all steps of the scientific method introduced the children to topics such as mathematics, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology, sparking their interest in science. This article highlights the importance of stimulating scientific curiosity from an early age and addresses gender disparity in science by promoting scientific careers for girls. The methodology is adaptable to different educational levels, ages, and genders, and can be implemented in schools with limited resources. The approach not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also inspires the development of new scientists, promoting a solid and critical scientific education in new generations.