Bacteria CAN be collected at home, but bacteria and mold cannot under any circumstances be grown at home and MUST be grown in a BSL 1 or BSL 2 lab.
If your school does not have a BSL 1 or 2 lab, please call Jody Oostema at 801-585-9109 and she can put you in contact with a school lab near you.
https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/Resources/BSL1-Checklist.pdf
https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/Resources/BSL2-Checklist.pdf