If you’re looking for a hands-on, standards-aligned science activity that captivates elementary students, growing mushrooms in the classroom is a fantastic option. With a simple mushroom grow kit, students can explore the fascinating life cycle of fungi, make real-time scientific observations, and even enjoy a cooking extension that connects food to the science lab. Here’s how this project fits beautifully into a 3–5 grade STEM curriculum.

Why Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are an ideal introduction to the fungi kingdom. They’re visually engaging, fast-growing, and can be observed daily. Unlike traditional plants, mushrooms offer a new window into ecosystems, decomposition, and food science—making them perfect for young scientists to investigate the natural world.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this 8-day lesson, students will:

• Understand the ecological role of fungi

• Set up and monitor a classroom mushroom grow kit

• Observe and record growth over time

• Model the mushroom life cycle from spore to fruiting body

• Analyze environmental variables like light and humidity

• Draw conclusions based on real-world data

• Extend learning through cooking and tasting edible mushrooms

Standards Aligned This lesson connects with:

• NGSS: 3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1 (life cycles, structures, decomposers)

• ELA: Writing explanatory texts, speaking and presenting findings

• Math: Measuring, graphing, interpreting data

What You’ll Need

• A mushroom grow kit (oyster or lion’s mane recommended)

• Science journals

• Rulers or tape measures

• Life cycle diagram

• Optional: agar plates for observing mycelium growth

• Optional: a sauté pan and supervision for the cooking activity

8-Day Lesson Plan Overview

Day 1: Introduction to Fungi
Students explore what fungi are, how they differ from plants, and their ecological role. Together, you’ll set up the grow kit and make predictions in science journals.

Day 2: The Mushroom Life Cycle
Use diagrams and visuals to walk through each stage—from spore to fruiting body. Students create their own labeled versions and connect the life cycle stages to what they’ll observe.

Day 3: Observing Mycelium
Introduce mycelium—the underground network. Observe the early changes in the grow kit, look for white growth, and compare to diagrams. Record initial data.

Day 4: Early Growth Observation
Students begin seeing visible growth. Record height, color, texture, and sketch changes. Discuss conditions like light, humidity, and temperature.

Day 5: Rapid Development
As pins emerge, compare to predictions. Measure and photograph growth. Discuss how fungi differ from plants in how quickly they develop.

Day 6: Fruiting Body Formation
Continue observations. Introduce vocabulary: cap, gills, stem. Record journal entries and discuss structure and function.

Day 7: Harvest & Cook
Students harvest mature mushrooms (with supervision). Cook a simple sauté (olive oil, salt) and compare taste, texture, and form pre- and post-cooking. Include a reflective journal entry.

Day 8: Sharing & Reflection
Students present growth journals or group reports. Reflect on their learning and discuss how fungi connect to environmental health, food systems, and science careers.

Why Teachers Love It This lesson is low-cost, high-engagement, and aligns with both science standards and real-world learning goals. It’s especially impactful for teachers who want to:

• Bring food and agriculture into the classroom

• Offer students responsibility through daily observation

• Build connections between ecosystems, sustainability, and nutrition
  

• Download the lesson

Final Reflection Prompt for Students
“What was the most interesting part of growing mushrooms? How do mushrooms help the environment?”

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