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Harmonizing Nature, Education, Engineering and Creativity: An Interdisciplinary Educational Exploration of Engineered Living Materials, Artistry and Sustainability Using Collaborative Mycelium Brick Construction

Summary

Middle-school students created artistic structures from mycelium (mushroom) materials, learning science, engineering, and art simultaneously. Students designed clay forms, cast them in plaster, filled the molds with mycelium mixture, and watched the living material grow into interconnected sculptures. This hands-on project taught students about sustainable materials, three-dimensional thinking, and teamwork while revealing significant gaps in their understanding of ecology and environmental concepts.

Background

Mycelium-based engineered living materials (ELMs) offer sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to traditional materials. Educational integration of mycelium materials presents a unique opportunity to combine scientific principles, sustainable practices, and artistic expression in interdisciplinary learning. This workshop explored how mycelium materials can engage middle-school students in hands-on learning across multiple disciplines.

Objective

To design and implement an interdisciplinary middle-school curriculum integrating mycelium brick construction with art, biology, and engineering principles. The study aimed to develop students’ competencies in spatial thinking, fine motor skills, sustainability awareness, and collaborative problem-solving through collaborative mycelium brick construction.

Results

Students developed significant competencies in spatial thinking, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and creative expression through hands-on mycelium material manipulation. Notable gaps in ecological and sustainability knowledge were identified among participants. Students demonstrated varied engagement levels, with hands-on activities generating greater excitement than theoretical presentations. The collaborative sculpture successfully demonstrated practical application of three-dimensional thinking and teamwork principles.

Conclusion

Integrating mycelium-based ELMs into interdisciplinary middle-school curricula effectively fosters holistic learning experiences encompassing art, science, and sustainability. The project demonstrates that hands-on engagement with living materials cultivates essential 21st-century skills including creativity, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Future educational initiatives should continue leveraging innovative biological materials to inspire sustainable thinking in younger generations.
  • Published in:Biomimetics,
  • Study Type:Educational Case Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39329547, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9090525
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