House 1
Students will visually attend to a fungi sample or model and communicate a response or boundary.
Lesson 11 • Plants & seasons
Mushrooms and Fungi
Look closely at fungi and discover how they help break down old material.
Classroom lesson: Mushrooms and FungiToday I can…
observe fungi and show one way fungi are different from plants.
Words to know
Our five words
FUNGIMUSHROOMSPOREDAMPDECOMPOSE
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Look closely
Observe an approved mushroom photo, model, or grow block.
- 2
Compare
Find what is the same or different from a green plant.
- 3
See decomposition
Match fungi with old wood, leaves, or compost.
- 4
Mist
Help mist an approved grow block or direct a partner.
- 5
Check again
Add today's observation to the growth chart.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
LOOKDAMPGROWDIFFERENTNO TOUCH
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Approved mushroom photos, models, or grow kit
- Magnifier
- Plant/fungi comparison cards
- Mister
- Growth chart
- Gloves and tray
Safety first
Never touch or eat wild mushrooms. Use only verified classroom materials. Wash hands, avoid breathing spores closely, and discard moldy unknown materials.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Objectives by House
House 2
Students will match fungi to one feature or habitat and participate in one care action.
House 3
Students will compare a fungus and a plant and record one visible change over time.
House 4 & 5
Students will identify a decomposer role, explain one plant/fungi difference, and help maintain an observation log.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.