Mushrooms and mycoprotein (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can investigate the growth of mushrooms and describe sustainable protein sources.
Mushrooms and mycoprotein (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can investigate the growth of mushrooms and describe sustainable protein sources.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A mushroom is not a plant; it is a fungus.
- Mushrooms are high in protein and are one of the most sustainable foods to grow and eat.
- Mushrooms grow best in dark, moist conditions and continue to provide food over several weeks.
- Mycoprotein is a sustainable protein made from fermented fungus.
- Mycoprotein is made into 'meatless' foods such as burgers, mincemeat and 'chicken'.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that a mushroom is a plant.
Explain to pupils that mushrooms are not plants (or animals), rather they are the fruit bodies of a group of micro-organisms called fungi (singular fungus).
Keywords
Protein - Protein is in foods like meat, fish, and eggs. It helps your body grow and repair.
Sustainable - If something is sustainable, it meets the needs of people now without having a negative impact on the needs of people living in the future.
Fungus - A fungus is a type of micro-organism that feeds on organic matter.
Mycoprotein - Mycoprotein is a sustainable protein made from fermented fungus.
Equipment
Commercially available oyster mushroom growing kit can be bought online or from garden centres. To keep costs to a minimum, the whole class might grow oyster mushrooms from one kit.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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