Contextualization

Fungi form a large and diverse biological kingdom, with over 100,000 species already identified and estimates of up to 5 million yet to be discovered. They are everywhere: in the air, on land, in water, and in our bodies. Some species are beneficial, aiding in the decomposition of organic materials, pest control, and the production of foods such as bread and cheese. Others, however, are harmful, causing diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

Fungi have enormous ecological relevance, as they play a fundamental role in the matter cycle, transforming organic waste into chemical elements usable by other living beings. They are therefore essential for maintaining ecosystem balance. At the same time, many species of fungi are of great economic importance, being used in the food, pharmaceutical industry, and even in biofuel production.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms whose cells are delimited by a cell wall composed of chitin, a substance also present in the exoskeleton of insects. They reproduce both sexually and asexually through spores. The study of fungi is called mycology, and researchers who dedicate their careers to this area are known as mycologists.

These fascinating beings are the subject of our project, where you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of fungi, their characteristics, diversity, ecological importance, and practical applications. For this, we suggest the following resources for consultation and further study:

1. How Fungi Changed History - Ophira Ginsburg Tedx Talks
2. Portal Educação - Fungi: General Characteristics
3. Brasil Escola - Fungi
4. Your Research - Fungi

Thus, we hope that this project allows you not only a greater theoretical knowledge on this relevant topic but also a greater awareness of the importance of studying and preserving biodiversity on our planet.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the Fungi Kingdom: A Journey of Learning and Discovery"

Project Objective:

The project's objective is to explore the kingdom of fungi (Fungi), understanding their general characteristics, the variety of species, and their importance for the ecosystem and life on the planet. The practical activity will allow students to interact directly with the subject, expanding their learning.

Detailed Project Description:

Each group will be responsible for researching a different species of fungus, identifying its main characteristics, habitat, role in the ecosystem, reproduction, use by the industry, and its importance for human health. Students must also create a three-dimensional model of the studied fungus using recycled materials.

Required Materials:

• Recyclable materials (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.)
• Research materials (books, internet access, etc.)
• Materials for research and presentation (paper, pens, computer, editing software, etc.)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students
2. Each group must choose or be assigned a fungus species to study
3. Conduct a detailed research on the chosen species, including its physical characteristics, habitat, role in the ecosystem, reproduction, use by the industry, and importance for human health
4. Based on the research, each group must create a three-dimensional model of the fungus using recyclable materials
5. Each group must produce a detailed report on the researched fungus species. Additionally, they must describe the process of creating the three-dimensional model, explaining the choices made in representing the species' characteristics
6. At the end of the week, the groups will present their work, including the exhibition of the model and the presentation of the report, to the entire class

Project Deliverables:

Students must deliver, at the end of the week, the three-dimensional model of the fungus and the final report. The report should contain four main topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

1. Introduction: Students will contextualize the theme, explaining the relevance of fungi, as well as the research and model construction objectives
2. Development: In this topic, students must present the research results on the studied fungus species, explaining in detail its characteristics, habitat, role in the ecosystem, reproduction, use by the industry, and importance for human health. Additionally, they should describe the process of constructing the three-dimensional model, justifying their choices in representing the fungus characteristics
3. Conclusion: Students should recap the main aspects of the research conducted, highlighting what they learned about the studied fungus species and about the Fungi kingdom in general
4. Bibliography: Students must list all sources of information used in the research and report elaboration