Fungi are some of the most overlooked life forms on the planet, but life, as we know it, would not exist without them. Fungi change our habitat through decomposition, the creation of soil, and nutrient utilization. As a food, fungi have many antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be consumed for many health benefits. Fungi can also adapt to the environment very quickly (and change an environment) and may be part of future solutions concerning climate change.

Fungi travel and communicate in vast unseen networks underground. This concept will be replicated through game mechanics concerning how the students can move through the game. The movement pattern resembles a traditional gym game called "Pac-Man." Fungi players must move along the lines of the gym, similar to how Pac-Man moved to collect dots in the video game. Predator players will have less restriction on their movement as they try and eat the mushrooms. This team-based tag game offers a variety of gameplay for everyone.

Materials: 

·      This game is best played in a gym with various lines that help dictate the mushrooms' path.

o   If the game is played outside, the teacher can place many cone paths for the students.

·      A sizeable 55-gallon garbage can

·      Lots of various sports balls to fill the container

·      Cones

·      Basketball Hoops

o   For the 9-12 version of the game

Minimum Students Needed for the Game: This game needs at least five players, four fungus players, and one predator. However, this game is much more fun with a whole class (20+).

Age: Lower and Upper Elementary