The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Make Room for Mushrooms: Part 2
Make Room for Mushrooms: Part 2
A 3rd Grade STEM Lesson
Jule Abeytia
May 2024
Notes for Teachers
This is an extended exploratory unit, taking up to 3 weeks.
The unit utilizes the 5 E model for scientific exploration. It also has engineering and ELA components.
Part 1 utilizes Engage, Explore, Explain
Part 2 has an additional Explore, Explain and Elaborate.
The list of materials and lesson plan is for the entire unit in both parts, for reference. The list of materials is also for the entire unit, and is in both parts, for reference.
(Example: white button cap, portabella)
List of Materials
Links for Purchased Materials
Links for Other Lesson Materials
Standards
3.RI.3- Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
3.L1U1.5- Develop and use models to explain that plants and animals (including humans) have internal and external structures that serve various functions that aid in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction.
3.L2U1.7- Develop and use system models to describe the flow of energy from the Sun to and among living organisms.
6.1 Apply technical writing skills and use visual aids to present critical information in reports (i.e., results/outcomes, conclusions,future work recommendations, etc.)
6.2 Utilize the three stages of oral presentation (e.g., planning, practicing, and presenting)
Objectives:
Students will be able to apply the 5E model and scientific investigation to understand the structures of a mushroom and their functions, build a life-like model of a chosen mushroom and apply scientific observation when taste testing grown and harvested mushrooms in the classroom.
Agenda
Part 2 Explain 30 minutes
Part 2 Elaborate A
Create: 2 hours
Present: 45 minutes
Part 2 Elaborate B 40 minutes
Part 2 Evaluate 20 minutes
How Do Mushrooms Grow?
See ‘Detailed Lesson Plan’ on slide 5 for description of each unit section.
In this part of the unit, students will engineer a model of mushroom structures, present their model, harvest the grown kit mushrooms and taste test the harvested mushrooms after being cooked. Students will also revisit the probe and make new connections to the probe questions after exploring mushrooms with the unit.
Hands-on Activity Instructions for Part 2
Assessment
Student Journal (see ‘List of Other Needed Materials’, slide 5) will be utilized for assessment. Diagrams, wonders, reflections and participation can be monitored, accommodated and assessed with the student journal.
For mushroom model build, a rubric is utilized for assessment. (see ‘List of Other Needed Materials, slide 5)
Differentiation
Students can be given abbreviated versions of the student journal.
Students can work in heterogeneous groups based on ability level.
Students may complete only portions of unit or focus on one specific book reference.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Students can be given specific mushroom for model building.
Students can research a third mushroom type.
Students can utilize an additional text for exploration:
“Fungus is Among Us” by Joy Keller
“Magnificent Mushrooms” by Nicola Robson