| Fungus Among Us (FULL read) |
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Print these posters and assemble into a larger, 4-part classroom posterFungus Among Us – A Little Bit MoreWhen most of us think about nature and the organisms we see there, we think of animals and plants, not fungi. But the fungi are an integral part of the natural world and extremely important, not to mention, just about everywhere. Fungi take many forms, are found in many different habitats all around the world and do much to help plants obtain nutrients and water in their growth. In fact, it is estimated that about 95% of the world’s plants have a symbiotic relationship (each benefits from the other) with fungi. Guess we need to be more “respectful” of the fungi we see. Any walk in the woods and you’re likely to find some kind of fungus growing on a tree or emerging from the ground. But fungi can be found in almost any habitat on earth. It is interesting to note that people are reasonable well acquainted with fungi but they may not think about it until it’s pointed out – grocery store mushrooms. Mushrooms people buy in the store are especially common and in recent years, newer varieties have become available for people to try. I think it goes without saying that although those in stores are edible, those growing in the wild should NOT be eaten. Trying wild mushroom is very much like playing Russian roulette!! Fungus Among Us – See For YourselfActivity: Science – Taste Test Objective: See that there are differences beyond the visual Materials: Select mushrooms from the grocery
When we discuss fungi or mushrooms, we often refer to the many different varieties that exist but for most students, the only ones they’ve ever really experienced are the “typical” grocery store mushrooms they eat on pizza or in a salad. Why not pick up a few different other varieties and fry them up for your students to taste? I’m suggesting that if you can purchase several different kinds of mushrooms – be sure to include the standard ones too – you can provide a taste test for your students that should be interesting. Granted, some will say they don’t like mushrooms but that’s a bit like saying “I don’t like fruit” – there are all different kinds with different flavors. I realize that not all schools provide a place where you can fry up some mushrooms but if not, maybe you can fry them at home and bring in to class then warm in a microwave. In any case, be sure to label the different ones, fry them separately, and have students decide which one each feels tastes best. This exercise should be fun and also add to their understanding and appreciation of mushrooms.
National Science Standards Addressed: Standard C- 1.Structure and Function in Living Systems 2. Life cycles 5. Adaptations of organisms Standard F- 1. Environments 2. Natural hazards
Key Terms Addressed: Fungi Symbiotic decomposer mycorrhizal fungi mycelial threads mushroom
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