Fungi Facts for Kids

Mushroom hunting, also known as foraging, is a fantastic activity that offers a unique blend of education and adventure, perfect for kids seeking to connect with nature. It is one of my favorite ways to enjoy nature! Engaging in mushroom foraging teaches children valuable lessons about fungi, biology, ecology, and the importance of environmental stewardship, while also fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world. This is a perfect activity idea for some backyard science, summer camp, or as part of a summer adventure. Let’s dive into the world of mushrooms and fungi!

Fungi and Mushrooms: Adventures in Nature

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All my life I have loved hiking. So from the moment my kids were old enough I have enjoyed taking them hiking. Over the years I have discovered that it often helps to incorporate other activities or themes into our hikes. Sometimes we are searching for fossils or rocks, other times it might be specific landscape features we are searching for, like waterfalls or caves. But recently we have really enjoyed learning about mushrooms and going hiking and searching for mushrooms. It is a fantastic activity to do with the kids and teaches them some valuable lessons about nature and a vital member of the ecosystem, fungi.

First let’s learn more about the importance of mushrooms and why we find them so cool!

Fungi or Mushrooms? What’s the Difference?

Fungi and mushrooms are not exactly the same (although many people use the terms interchangeably), but they are closely related.

Fungi is the kingdom that encompasses a wide range of organisms including yeasts (yes, like used in making bread!), molds, and mushrooms. A kingdom is one of the highest categories of life forms. Starting from the most broad, to the most specific the categorization of life forms is: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

The Fungi kingdom is characterized by organisms that absorb nutrients from their surroundings through their mycelium—the network of thread-like structures that penetrate the growing surface or substrate. More on this in a moment.

Mushrooms, on the other hand, are a subset of fungi. They are the fruiting bodies of certain types of fungi, which are produced when the fungus reproduces. Mushrooms are the visible structures that emerge from the mycelium, and they often appear above ground for short periods after the rains. Their primary role is to produce and release spores, which are the means by which fungi spread and propagate.

So, while all mushrooms are fungi, not all fungi are mushrooms. Mushrooms are essentially the reproductive structure (kind of like flowers on some plants) that some fungi produce, making them a part of the broader fungal kingdom.

So now that we know fungi are their own kingdom of organisms that are distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria, and the mushrooms are kind of like their flowers.

See why I am obsessed with mushrooms? They are so interesting once you start learning more about them. Let’s dig in some more.

The Fascinating World of Mushrooms

Fungi play critical roles in the ecosystem and are fascinating both biologically and ecologically.

Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb nutrients from the materials they grow on, whether it be living or dead organisms. This makes them powerful decomposers and recyclers in the ecosystem. They help to clean up nature!

Fungi are essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Many fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, known as mycorrhizae, where they exchange crucial nutrients with the roots of plants, aiding in their growth.

The fungal kingdom is incredibly diverse, encompassing an estimated 2.2 to 3.8 million species, although less than 100,000 have been formally described. This includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Just on a walk near my house I can find dozens of different types of mushrooms. Here are some pictures I took recently of my finds.

Weird Fungi Facts

Some fungi emit light, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. This rare trait can be seen in species like the Jack-o’-lantern mushroom, which emits a greenish glow.

One of the largest living organisms on Earth is a fungus. In Oregon, there is a honey fungus that measures about 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometers) across!

Fungi have been used for thousands of years, not just for food but also for medicinal purposes. Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was derived from a fungus, and fungi continue to be a source of important pharmaceuticals.

Beyond the natural world, fungi are also explored for their potential in biotechnologies, including as sustainable packaging materials and as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional building materials.

Mushrooms can be cultivated on various organic materials, including wood, straw, and even coffee grounds, making them a popular and sustainable choice for local food production.

Fungi are much more than just mushrooms; they are a foundational element of the Earth’s biodiversity. Their ability to decompose material, form relationships with plants, and their use in both traditional and modern industries make them an endlessly interesting subject. Whether in the wild or in controlled environments, fungi offer a window into a part of the natural world that is often overlooked but is vital to the planet’s health and our own.

Educational Benefits of Mushroom Hunting

Why should you get out in nature and look for mushrooms with your kids? There are lots of reasons, but here are just a few:

Understanding Ecosystems

Mushroom hunting can illuminate the roles fungi play in various ecosystems. Children learn how mushrooms decompose organic material, recycle nutrients, and form symbiotic relationships with trees and other plants, crucial for sustaining forest health.

Botanical and Biological Science

As children search for mushrooms, they gain hands-on experience in identifying different species, understanding their life cycles, and recognizing their habitats. This practical experience can be vital in sparking a lifelong interest in science.

Safety and Responsibility

Foraging teaches critical lessons about safety, such as identifying which mushrooms (and other plants) are safe to touch and eat and which should be avoided. This knowledge encourages a careful and respectful approach to interacting with the natural environment.

How to Start Mushroom Hunting

Before you head out looking for mushrooms, here are a few tips based on my experience.

Learn from the Experts

Look up your local mycological society and see if they have any workshops, open foraging days, tours or local experts that can come and talk to your group. Learning from experts that are passionate about fungi is a wonderful way to learn about local species and the unique characteristics of mushrooms in your area (including any safety concerns around specific species). Using experts can also help prevent disappointment by teaching you when and where to look for mushrooms and fungi.

Guided Learning

Equip yourself with a good mushroom field guide or a digital app that can help identify different species during your hunt. Make sure your guide is written for your area. A personal example of the importance of this was a lesson I learned last year. Fly Agaric Mushrooms, the ones that have red caps with white dots (you see them pictured in lots of kids stories and in popular art), actually have yellow caps where I live! If I was using a guide from a different area, I would not be able to properly identify this mushroom. Here is a picture of one I found near my house.

Leave No Trace

One of the most important rules of being in nature: Leave No Trace! Teach children the importance of respecting nature by not disturbing the natural habitat more than necessary and by practicing sustainable foraging techniques that leave little impact on the environment. In our case, this means that we almost never pick any mushrooms. Instead we bring a camera and take pictures of all of our finds!

Safety First

Safety is paramount when it comes to foraging for mushrooms. Here are key safety tips:

Never Eat Unknown Mushrooms. Many mushrooms can be toxic, and it’s crucial to only consume mushrooms that are positively identified as safe.

Check Local Regulations. Some areas may have specific rules about foraging. Always check the local regulations before you start picking mushrooms. Or don’t pick any at all, instead bring a camera and just take pictures, so everyone else can enjoy them too!

Be Prepared. Bring a first aid kit, water, snacks, and ensure that your phone is fully charged. It’s also wise to inform someone about your foraging location and expected return time.

Wear proper shoes and clothing. When searching for mushrooms often you are getting off the beaten path. Proper hikers or runners long pants, and long sleeved shirts or jackets are important to protect your skin.

Want to learn more? Check out the Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungi.

Mushroom hunting is a fantastic activity for Summer fun. Whether you are looking for something to do as a family or at a summer camp. By blending earth sciences with outdoor adventure, kids can learn about the wonders of the fungal kingdom, develop respect for nature, and foster important values of conservation and curiosity.