Lesson Objectives Children will be able to describe and identify different types of Fungi.

Resources Fungi ID sheet

Activity Outline The accurate identification of the species is not necessarily important at this stage, however children often find it rewarding to know the names of species they see. The ability to describe and compare different fungi species is an important part of understanding the world we live in. It is important to explain that some fungus species are poisonous and you should never touch fungus unless an adult is absolutely certain that it is safe.

Questions to extend learning Can you describe the similarities and differences between the different fungus species you see? What environment is the fungus growing? Does the fungus remind you of anything? Can you make up your own fun name for the fungus? Wearing gloves, can you look at the underside of the fungus? What do you notice? What shapes, colours and patterns can you see? Can you make up a tale about the fungus and why it is there?

Curriculum Links EYFS PSED: Choose resources they need for chosen activities. C&L: Can follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. PD: Moves confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. L: Can read some irregular common words. M: Uses everyday language to talk about size, shape and position. UW: Talks about features of their immediate environment; Makes observations of plants. EAD: Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques.

National Curriculum Science: (Y1) Observe changes across the four seasons; Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees; Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees. (Y2) Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants; Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy; Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other. (Y3) Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants; Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth and how they vary from plant to plant; Investigate the way in which water is transported within plants; Explore the part that flowers play in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal (Y4) Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways; Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment; Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things; Construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey; Observing closely, using simple equipment; (Y5) Describe the life process of reproduction in some plants; (Y6) Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals; Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics. (KS1 SE) Identifying and classifying; Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions. (LKS2 SE) Using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions. (UKS2 SE) Recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.

FungiEXTENDED LEARNING

ACTIVITIES

SPECIES

IDENTIFICATION

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Chicken of the woods

Yellow Brain Dead Man’s Fingers

Birch Bolete

Fly Agaric Shaggy Ink Cap

Yellow Spindle Coral

Stinkhorn

Waxcap

Jelly EarTurkey Tail

King Alfred’s Cakes

Morel

Scarlet Elf CupSt. George’s Mushroom

Giant puffball

Beefsteak Fungus

Birch Bracket

Candle-snuff

fungus

Yellow stagshorn

Sulphur Tuft

Fungi ID SheetEXTENDED LEARNING

ACTIVITIES

SPECIES

IDENTIFICATION

www.outdoorlearningmadeeasy.co.uk ©