Exploring Fungi: Growing Mushrooms as part of a STEM curriculum

In the vast world of science, mycology - the study of fungi - stands as a fascinating and often overlooked facet. In 1969, Fungi was established as its own kingdom, separate from Flora and Fauna. As such, we believe that Fungi is a crucial part of any well-rounded STEM education. And the great news is that it is easy, fun, and inexpensive to incorporate mushrooms into a classroom setting via grow kits and workshops. We have a golden opportunity to introduce young minds to the captivating world of mushrooms and mycology, unlock a whole new realm of scientific curiosity, and teach about sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Our mushroom lesson plan can be adjusted for any age group (K-12 and adult learners) and is a fun and engaging way to make nature more accessible at any time of the year.

LESSON GOALS:

• Understand the life cycle and characteristics of fungi, specifically mushrooms.

• Apply scientific inquiry and observation skills to document mushroom growth.

• Analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about mushroom growth.

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.

• Communicate findings and understanding of mushroom growth through presentations or reports.

PACING:

1. Introduction: Mycology unveils the mysterious and diverse universe of fungi. From the delicate beauty of mushrooms to the hidden network of mycelium beneath the forest floor, these remarkable organisms play an essential role in nature's ecosystem. We will teach about the different varieties of mushrooms that we grow at the farm, and the fascinating characteristics and benefits (both in terms of personal and environmental health.) We will discuss the role of mushrooms in the ecosystem, and leave time for discussion at the end.

2. Growing Mushrooms: We’ll teach about how we make our mushroom grow kits that we use at the farm, from creating the “mushroom food” (substrate) to inoculating the kit with our desired strain of fungi. We’ll talk a bit about everything from spore dispersal to fruiting body development, covering the full fungal life cycle. Kids will be able to pass around and handle the materials being mentioned, as well as touching various different kinds of mushrooms to make the learning experience even more captivating. We will provide each student or group with a mushroom grow kit, and review the instructions for setting the kit up in the classroom or at home.

3. Environmental Stewardship: We will teach kids the importance of environmental stewardship and how fungi play a crucial role in ecological sustainability. Explore how fungi aid in decomposition, recycling nutrients, and creating symbiotic relationships with plants, fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving the natural world. At the end, we’ll show how our spent grow kits can be recycled into rich mushroom compost to be used in the garden.

Mycology offers an enchanting and educational journey for kids within the realm of STEM. By incorporating the captivating world of fungi into the curriculum, we ignite a spark of curiosity in young minds, encouraging them to explore the intricacies of the natural world. From understanding biodiversity to environmental stewardship and innovative applications, mycology opens a whole new avenue of scientific wonder. So, let's embark on this exciting adventure, where the exploration of mushrooms and mycology empowers young learners to become enthusiastic and responsible stewards of the planet.

If you’re interested in booking one of our mushroom workshops for your school or other group, contact us at info@henosismushrooms.com!

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

• making a wine cap mushroom bed outdoors, and teaching about how mushrooms can create a living mulch and share nutrients with veggies

• cooking mushrooms together

• making mushroom spore prints

COMMON CORE STANDARDS:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

• K-2: LS1.A: Structure and Function

• 3-5: LS1.A: Structure and Function, LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

• 6-8: LS1.A: Structure and Function, LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms, LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

• 9-12: LS1.A: Structure and Function, LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms, LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms