We believe that children should learn as much about fungi as they do about plants and animals. Fungi are the digestive tracts of our forests, regenerating nutrients from decomposition, and keeping the cycle of life alive. Fungi are the hidden treasures in nature connecting us with the invisible and intelligent universe below our feet. 

The Fungi Foundation, Fantastic Fungi and Reconsider have partnered to implement a free mycological curriculum.  By delving into the Fantastic Fungi curriculum, students learn that the kingdom of fungi, or the variety of mushrooms, molds, and yeasts that are not plant or animal, are critical to human survival and to the survival of our planet.

FungiEducation.org not only provides access to this free mycological curriculum, it also provides many resources to learn and stay informed about the new funga research and findings, various online learning activities, as well as directions to become a citizen scientist.

We hope to inspire and educate children and adults all over the globe about the importance and applications fungi have in our world, and maybe even grow some young mycologists along the way.

Come explore the impact and wonders of fungi with us!

The Basic Mycology for educators class is an intro to Kingdom Fungi, that will include taxonomy, anatomy/life cycle, ecological roles, the importance of fungi, and will focus on Basidomycota and Ascomycota, spotlighting on a few of the most noticeable groups within the phyla. Eva will help teachers navigate through various education resources to introduce available lesson plans/hands on activities as well as how to cover the science standards while teaching mycology.

Presenter Eva Gordon

Eva Gordon has a degree in Zoology and Master’s work in Biology. She is a science educator who taught AP Biology, Anatomy Physiology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science for twenty years. She was instrumental in bringing Biotechnology to the SFUSD and San Mateo County School Districts. She has also taught STEM programs from elementary to high school level, and presented workshops to science educators. Eva is currently an author, a North Texas Master Naturalist and Vice President/Fungi Times Newsletter Editor of the North Texas Mycological Association. Eva is also on the Education Committee for the North American Mycological Association.

Websites shared: https://www.spun.earth/

Next Generation Science Standards K-12 https://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/...

North American Mycological Association:  https://namyco.org/manual_for_teacher...

Check out your local NAMA clubs for their forays and or educational programs. https://namyco.org/clubs.php

Fungi Education: https://www.fungieducation.org/ based on Fantastic Fungi Documentary

YouTube for children:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fooP...

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjFkg...

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XRHz...

Video for kids about Poisonous Mushrooms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndyld...

iNaturalist App https://www.inaturalist.org/