Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What types of mushrooms or fungi have been seen in forests or parks?
- Why might scientists want to study mushrooms and fungi?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- species /SPEE-sheez/
[noun] – a group of animals or plants whose members are similar and can produce young animals or plants together
The forest is home to many different species. - researcher /ri-SUR-chur/
[noun] – a person who studies something carefully to discover new information
A researcher studied plants in the mountain forest. - document /DOK-yuh-ment/
[verb] – to record information about something carefully
Scientists document rare animals in the wild. - network /NET-wurk/
[noun] – a system of connected parts
Tree roots and fungi form a large network underground. - threat /thret/
[noun] – something that may cause damage or danger
Climate change is a serious threat to forests.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Scientists and nature enthusiasts recently explored forests in Napa County, California, hoping to find a rare yellow mushroom called the Manzanita butter clump. The mushroom is extremely uncommon and has been seen only along parts of North America’s western coast. The search highlights growing interest in fungi and the importance of studying the many unknown fungal species on Earth. During the trip, researchers instead discovered many types of lichens on rocks and trees. These organisms, created by partnerships between fungi and algae, show how diverse fungi can be even in a small area of forest.
Scientists say fungi are essential to life on Earth. They help forests recycle nutrients and support many plants and animals. Experts estimate that about 2.5 million fungal species may exist worldwide, but scientists have managed to document only a small portion of them. Much of fungal life grows underground as a huge network called mycelium, which makes fungi difficult to study. Climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and overharvesting are major threats to many fungal species. Because of these risks, scientists and volunteers increasingly work together to observe and record fungi in nature.
Scientists say fungi are essential to life on Earth. They help forests recycle nutrients and support many plants and animals. Experts estimate that about 2.5 million fungal species may exist worldwide, but scientists have managed to document only a small portion of them. Much of fungal life grows underground as a huge network called mycelium, which makes fungi difficult to study. Climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and overharvesting are major threats to many fungal species. Because of these risks, scientists and volunteers increasingly work together to observe and record fungi in nature.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did scientists search for the rare mushroom?
- What is the name of the mushroom they hoped to find?
- What other organisms did researchers observe during the trip?
- Why are fungi important in forests?
- About how many fungal species do scientists believe exist?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen unusual mushrooms in a forest or park? If so, what did they look like? If not, would seeing rare mushrooms be interesting?
- Have you ever taken photos of plants or animals in nature? If so, what was photographed? If not, would helping scientists with photos be interesting?
- Do you agree that ordinary people can help scientists study nature?
- Why might fungi be important for forests and wildlife?
- What might happen to forests if important fungi disappeared?