A Fungus Among Us
Students in Aklima Ali’s 9th grade biology class finished the school year with a month-long ecology project. With our campus in the heart of the “City in the Forest” and Paideia’s gulch easily accessible to students, research topics were plentiful. 9th-graders observed bacteria in the creek’s water, pH levels in the soil and a variety of other microecosystems. When students Maya Brambrut ’28, Clara Bryson ’28 and Sophie Lee ’28 identified a potentially dangerous species of fungi, they turned their research into an opportunity to educate our broader community.
In this independent study, 9th grade biology students had the freedom to explore one of the many microecosystems around Paideia. Maya, Clara and Sophie chose a log in the Paideia gulch. After flagging off the area surrounding the log, the students used an AI plant identification app “PictureThis” to identify organisms in the microecosystem. “The app notified us that the fungi was a potentially dangerous species called Trichaptum Biforme, so we wanted to confirm the species, so we could put up signs,” said Sophie.
Following Aklima’s advice, the group emailed Georgia State University biology professor, Jessica Joyner, who specializes in microbial ecology. They hoped Dr. Joyner could provide more information about the fungi species and share resources the group could use as they continued their research. “Dr. Joyner told us that the fungi was not Trichaptum Biforme, the species we initially suspected, and she gave us some websites to reference which helped us in our identification of the fungi,” Clara shared.
Using protective gear including gloves and masks, the group collected fungi specimens and pore samples on the underside of the fungi. “We know AI can sometimes be wrong, so we needed to do experiments to determine the correct species” explained Maya. The students examined the specimen under a microscope, looking for chlorophyll growth, which is characteristic of another fungi species Cerena Unicolor, also called Mossy Maze. To support their research, the group ran a second experiment using a water sample from the gulch. Mossy Maze has algae growth, which distinguishes it from other fungi, since algae carries out photosynthesis and undergoes transpiration. By submerging the fungi specimen in the water sample, the students could observe the formation of bubbles by the algae during transpiration. The group confirmed the fungus was Mossy Maze, which is inedible to humans and animals, but not poisonous.
Having noticed Elementary classes in the gulch while collecting their samples, Maya, Clara and Sophie were interested in sharing their discovery with other students. They planned to create signs to hang in the gulch, warning foragers and pet owners alike to avoid these fungi. With Aklima’s help, the group connected with Kaela and Isaiah’s 1-2 class, who studied trees as their central subject during the 2024-25 school year and frequently visited the gulch.
In May, Maya, Clara and Sophie visited Kaela and Isaiah’s class to share a presentation about their project, detailing the experiments they ran and their conclusion. While the high school group’s research was complex, they explained each step of their project in a simple manner and asked questions, like “who has looked through a microscope?” to engage and relate with the younger students. In return, the seven-and-eight-year-olds asked many thoughtful questions about the fungi, such as their physical characteristics, what environments they live in and whether or not students should touch them. Maya, Clara and Sophie ended their presentation by reminding Elementary students that the research continues with them – that they can ask similar questions, make their own observations and conduct experiments as they move through the Elementary, Junior High and High School.
Through their project, Maya, Clara and Sophie exemplified the importance of sharing knowledge. They benefited from asking for the help and expertise of Dr. Joyner, but they also helped Kaela and Isaiah’s class by sharing important information about fungi safety, as well as their excitement for research. Their collaboration embodies the value of social responsibility that is so important to our school, using the opportunities and resources available to them to solve problems and share solutions with our community.
