Science Book Club : Entangled Life

Dive into the fascinating world of fungi with our four-week book club focused on "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake. This club is designed for young adults aged 14 to 18 who are curious about biology, ecology, and the interconnectedness of life. Through reading and lively discussions, we'll explore the mysterious and essential role fungi play in our environment and our lives.

Wider reading is essential for preparation for college and university, but in addition to academic success, it is important for personal growth too. This book club aims at breaking down non fiction texts into bitesize chunks and enabling discussion between peers. Perfect for future scientists, medics, engineers, conservationists, psychologists, and nature enthusiasts. 

Each week there will be discussion about the set reading, and the option for students to share their assignments. Assignments and sharing are optional extras.  

Goals:

Develop a deeper understanding of the role of fungi in various ecosystems.
Cultivate critical thinking and discussion skills through guided conversations.
Foster an appreciation for the complexity and interdependence of natural systems.
Inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

Weekly Breakdown:

Each week several chapters of reading will be assigned, along with a small optional assignment related to the reading (usually additional research or design). On the following session will begin with a discussion of the set chapters, sharing what we found to be the most fascinating part of the chapters read.

Relevant recent news articles and studies will be presented to students to prompt further discussion. There will then be an opportunity for students to share their completed assignments, prompting further related discussion. Students are welcome to share their assignments with me privately for comment if they do not wish to share to their peers. The final part of the session will outline the next weeks reading, and the optional homework assignment. 


Materials Needed:

A copy of "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake 
Notebook or journal for reflections and notes.
Access to the internet for research activities.

Facilitator:
The sessions will be facilitated by me, Jess, an experienced science teacher and form tutor, who has a background in biology and experience in youth education. I will guide discussions, provide context, and support participants in their learning journey.

Join Us:
Embark on an exciting exploration of the hidden world of fungi. Be part of a community of young nature enthusiasts, share insights, and discover how these remarkable organisms shape our world and future. Sign up today and get ready to see the world through the lens of fungi!