A Plethora of Fungi: Teaching a Middle School Unit on Fungi. (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Green, Kathryn; Roller, Christine; Cubeta, Marc
• Is Part Of: Science activities. Volume 56:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Fungi -- case study -- middle school science; Science -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Periodicals; Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Periodicals; 507.1
• DOI: 10.1080/00368121.2019.1682961
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-8121

Abstract

Abstract: While fungi play a vital role in Earth's ecosystems, they are not highlighted in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This article contains a unit plan to introduce students to the fungal kingdom, characteristics of fungi, and their role as decomposers. The unit plan is written in a 5E model format and can be adjusted for any type of lesson planning format. Students explore fungi through hands-on activities, a jigsaw activity that makes use of collaborative learning, and analysis of case studies. Teachers can use this unit without a strong background in mycology, the study of fungi, or costly materials. A summative assessment is included at the end of the unit plan.