Educating the Fungi Enthusiasts of Tomorrow: What is the Fungi Foundation Fungi Education Program?

More information about our Education program

September 13, 2023

Diana Richards

FFungi Staff

Education Lead

FFungi Volunteer

Imagine a world where students across the globe have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of fungi, understanding their potential and appreciating the vital roles they play in our ecosystems. Envision a future where countless mycologists emerge from the upcoming generations, armed with knowledge about these incredible organisms. The Fungi Foundation is on a mission to turn this vision into reality through our Fungi Education Program!

In collaboration with Reconsider and Fantastic Fungi, the Fungi Foundation has taken a monumental step towards addressing the lack of fungi education in schools. Our dedicated team has developed a free mycological curriculum designed to empower educators and inspire young minds to explore the captivating world of fungi. We believe that by fostering a deeper understanding of fungi, we can pave the way for a more ecologically aware and sustainable future.

Our engaging Fungi Education Program comprises an array of free resources aimed at educators, students, and curious minds alike. Here's a glimpse of what we offer:

1. The FF Curriculum: Our curriculum is a carefully crafted collection of five modules and lessons suitable for middle (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9-12), with suggestions for elementary students (K-5). Aligned with NGSS and Common Core Standards, these modules introduce students to the enchanting world of fungi. Each module also includes a short film clip from the renowned Fantastic Fungi Education Film. The curriculum is available in English and Spanish!

2. Fantastic Fungi Education Film: For a captivating introduction to the fungal kingdom, we encourage educators to organize Fantastic Fungi Education Film screening events. This mesmerizing film will spark curiosity and ignite a passion for mycology among students. The film is also available in English and Spanish

3. Activities for Kids (K-5 Resources): We understand that learning should be fun, especially for our younger learners. That's why we've put the "fun" in fungi education with a plethora of free and engaging activities designed for K-5 children. These activities range from online explorations and experiments to printable resources, such as the full educator guide called, “The Fungus Files.”

4. Fungi Education Workshop Training Videos: To ensure educators feel confident teaching our curriculum, we've created a series of instructional videos featuring experienced mycologists. These videos provide valuable insights and model effective teaching methods for the FF Curriculum and The Fungus Files.

At the Fungi Foundation, we're passionate about making Fungi Education accessible to all. We believe that by equipping educators and students with knowledge about fungi, we're nurturing a generation of changemakers who will contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious world. 

We invite you to embark on this fungal journey with us, by going to fungieducation.org, to explore the mysteries of the fungal kingdom, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all educators for their invaluable role in shaping the future through education. Together, we can cultivate a deep appreciation for fungi and empower the mycologists of tomorrow.

Our work continues on as we expand our curriculum into more comprehensive lessons for each grade level with the help of world renowned educators and mycologists from all over the world, so stay tuned for more!