Kingdom fungi is a unique group of heterotrophic, eukaryotic organisms that many people confuse with being a plant. The students learn how these fungi gain energy, reproduce, and their life cycle. Students study both the sexual and asexual reproductive life cycle. They also love to complete a desk draw of the anatomy of the mushroom with specific detail to the spores, gills, stipe, fruiting body and veils. We compare the three types of fungi; mold, yeast and mushrooms. As the students sing songs, dance, and draw they master the characteristics.

In this lab, the students set up an experiment that tested three different foods for the yeast to consume. Using warm water to bring yeast out of a dormant state, the children set up three different bottles, each with a different food source for the yeast. When the yeast eats, it gives off carbon dioxide that will be collected into balloons. The students measure the circumference of the balloons to determine which food the yeast ate the most of; sugar, coke, or baking powder.