This is where I try to pass on what little I know to a new generation of parent-educators, encouraging them as they teach their children, challenging them in their philosophies of education and choice of curricula, and inspiring them to innovation and creativity.

My greatest desire is for homeschool families to experience the joy of discovery, and for homeschooled children to be blessed with lifelong curiosity and a deep understanding of many subjects. My greatest concern is that the movement is too bureaucratic, too enamored of public school methods, and too commercialized. My greatest fear is that independent home education will die. Yet, my greatest hope is that home educators will come together in groups that focus on personal connection and instructional enrichment, rather than on creating school-like environments. My educational preferences are eclectic, (mostly) non-traditional, relational and unhurried, and rigorous of thought. My focus is primarily on homeschooling in Connecticut.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Neighborhood Fungus

Photo by Plush Duck

For several weeks, the Japanese maple tree across the street from our house has been sporting this interesting shelf fungus.  My daughter was the first to notice it;  today, I inquired about taking a photo. This is one of those natural phenomena that, if accessible for investigation and discovery, provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn more.  Here are some study ideas for making the most of a neighborhood fungus:

1.  Take several photos, like the one here.  Get as many close-ups as you can to collect as much identifying data as possible.  You can use the photos themselves for a photography project, while the information about the fungus can be used to direct your research, helping to learn as much as possible (age appropriately, of course) about the particular specimen under investigation.

2.  If you don't have a camera with you, make a sketch of the fungus.  You can use the illustration itself as an art project, or the drawing can serve as an accompaniment to any reports you write or presentations you create.

3.  If you can, take samples of the fungus.  Look at it under a microscope to observe cell structure, etc.  Make a drawing of what you see.  If applicable or desired, color your illustration.

4.  Using the Internet or library books, try to identify the fungus.  If you are having trouble with this task, contact your local nature center for help.  Two useful online resources in this area:
The latter site contains an entire section on studying mushrooms.

5.  If, in the process of identification, it becomes obvious that the mushroom is edible, take the samples you collected and cook them or eat them raw.  Record how you prepare them and what they taste like.

Warning:  I would have this step in the identification process completed by a professional mycologist as some mushrooms can be dangerous.  Shelf fungus, like the one pictured here, are generally NOT edible.

6.  Write about your investigation and discovery results in a journal.

7.  Make a spore print.
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