Mushrooms decompose, cycle nutrients, feed ecosystems, and help students understand how the planet works.
A free, standards-aligned, modular curriculum built around the Spray & Grow kit, available in 5-day and 10-day formats for grades K-8, and homeschool families. Every lesson includes a teacher guide, student observation journal, and CER writing framework.
Want every table growing simultaneously? Our mixed variety 6-pack includes two Blue Oyster, two Lion's Mane, and two Pink Oyster kits, perfect for comparative observations across student groups.
The most forgiving species for a first classroom grow. Velvety, fast-fruiting clusters appear in as little as 7–10 days, making it ideal for short units or younger students who need quick, visible results.
A favorite for sparking real curiosity: students are surprised mushrooms can look like shaggy white "pom-poms" instead of the cap-and-stem shape they expect. Great springboard for discussing fungal diversity and even medicinal mushroom research.
The most visually dramatic option: vivid pink clusters that hold students' attention from day one. A natural fit for lessons on pigmentation, growth-rate measurement, or comparing this kit side-by-side with another species.
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Downloadable NGSS-aligned lesson plans in 5-day and 10-day formats, student observation journals, and standards correlation guides.
Verified educators receive 10% off all North Spore products. Apply for your educator discount →
Grow mushrooms with your students and post about it or share photos with us. Submit proof of post and we'll unlock cash perks or a free Spray & Grow kit for your classroom. More information shared via email.
A dedicated team for educator questions: kit troubleshooting, lesson plan help, grant applications. Plus a quarterly live Q&A via Zoom with the North Spore Education team.
Are you an expert in hands-on science education, mycology, or farm-to-school programming? We want to hear from you!
A single kit typically produces 2–3 flushes over 4–6 weeks. The first flush is usually the largest and most dramatic. After harvesting, let the block rest for 5–7 days, then resume misting for a second flush, great for multi-week observation and comparison data.
No grow lights, no grow tents, no special equipment. The kits thrive under normal indoor ambient light; a countertop or windowsill works perfectly. You'll need a small spray bottle (included) and access to water. That's it.
Yes, our mixed variety 6-pack includes two Blue Oyster, two Lion's Mane, and two Pink Oyster kits at $99 total (~$16 per kit). Contact us at info@northspore.com for school purchase orders and larger quantities.
Absolutely. All kits use 100% organic, food-grade substrate and produce edible mushroom species. The spore load in a typical classroom is negligible. We recommend harvesting before mushrooms become fully mature if anyone has severe respiratory sensitivities. The harvested mushrooms can be cooked and eaten, a great culinary component to the lesson.
Yes, we offer free downloadable NGSS-aligned curriculum guides for grades K-5 and 6-8, with adaptations for homeschool families. Each includes full lesson plans, student observation journals, CER writing frameworks, data tables, and a final performance task.
The spent block is nutrient-rich, not waste. You can compost it, bury it in a shaded garden spot (it may continue producing outdoors), or use it as a visible demonstration of substrate decomposition in subsequent classes. It's a powerful way to close the matter cycling loop students studied during the unit.
Plant & Grow blocks bury right into a school garden bed and fruit in 1–2 weeks, no equipment needed. Pairs with our NGSS 5-LS2-1 decomposer curriculum.
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