The Magic School Buses at the Westerworks In the enchanting world of children's literature, one series that stands out is "The Magic School Bus" books. The captivating tales take readers on thrilling adventures through science and imagination. Among the many beloved installments is "The Magic School Buses at the Westerworks." In this exciting book, author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen introduce readers to a fascinating concept - the idea of "Westerworks." These are magical workshops where students of Ms. Frizzle's class create their very own inventions.
Indoors, you can grow mushrooms on your countertop (with a kit), in jars, in bags, in a monotub, or in a martha tent. Outdoors, you can grow mushrooms in containers, garden beds, and on logs, stumps, and totems. Check out our mushroom growing guides to learn more.
In the past three years, he s started a medicinal mushroom extract company, cultivated and foraged over 20 species of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, and returned to the Fungi Academy to teach his techniques to students. The Federal Controlled Substances Act bans the sale or purchase of any substance containing psilocybin the active ingredient in mature magic mushrooms.
Frizzle's class create their very own inventions. From flying machines to teleportation devices, the young minds of the class are given free rein to explore their imagination and scientific curiosity. The Westerworks are a wonderland of tinkering and experimentation.
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New to mushrooms? We can help.
What kind of mushrooms can I grow at home?
There are A LOT of edible mushrooms you can grow at home, but it really depends on where you'd like to grow them! For the beginner, we recommend oyster mushrooms (indoor and outdoor), Wine Cap (outdoor beds) and shiitake (outdoor logs). All are reliable producers, and will increase the likelihood of a successful first attempt!
Do I need special equipment to grow mushrooms?
If you've never grown mushrooms before, we recommend starting slow and easing your way into it! Start with a Spray & Grow kit or beginner Fruiting Block kit that doesn't require any special equipment to get the feel for it. Once you're comfortable, invest in a monotub or martha tent for indoor growing. Or, if you're an outdoor grower, invest in a container or drill bit (for plug spawn) and go from there. As you become more comfortable, you can level up your equipment. But it shouldn't take a huge investment to get started.
What are the best conditions for mushroom growing?
Mushrooms prefer indirect sunlight, lots of humidity, and temperatures between 60-75 F. Some species are more tolerant of heat (like pink oysters), while others are more tolerant of humidity changes. But generally speaking, it's best to create conditions that are relatively cool, moist, and shady.
How long do mushrooms take to grow?
Many species go from "pin" to "flush" in as little as two weeks! But others, like reishi, can take months. Also note that, if you're growing on logs, you'll need to factor in inoculation time (which is generally 6 months to a year).
Can kids grow mushrooms?
Absoulately! Kids love the mushroom growing process as much as adults. As long as they have adult supervision and somebody to cook their mushrooms thoroughly, the process of growing and harvesting can be a fun year round project for children. Note that mushrooms produce spores at the end of their growth cycle, so children (and adults) with respiratory allergies or compromised immune systems should only grow mushrooms in well-ventilated areas and take extra precautions when handling (like wearing a face covering) to prevent overall spore load.
Is it safe to grow mushrooms around pets?
Most pets are generally inquisitive, and some may try to dig into substrates and/or eat raw mushrooms. For this reason, we recommend growing mushrooms in an area of your home that is off limits to pets. Mushrooms are generally safe, but like humans, pets can get sick to their stomach if they eat raw mushrooms . Or, you may come home to a floor covered in spawn and/or sterile substrate, which isn't fun to clean up.
Where can I grow mushrooms?
Indoors, you can grow mushrooms on your countertop (with a kit), in jars, in bags, in a monotub, or in a martha tent. Outdoors, you can grow mushrooms in containers, garden beds, and on logs, stumps, and totems. Check out our mushroom growing guides to learn more.
Does light impact mushroom growth?
Yes. Mushrooms don't do well in direct sunlight. However, they do need ambient light to grow. So, if you plan to grow indoors in a basement, closet, or other dark space that sunlight can't reach, you will need to supplement with an artifical grow light.
Do I need to feed or fertilize my growing mushrooms?
Mushrooms eat the substrate they grow on, so additional feeding and fertilizing are not necessary.How often should I water my mushrooms?
If you're not using a humidity-controlled environment (like a humidity tent or martha tent), you will want to generously water your mushrooms 2-3 times a day. That said, you don't want to soak them either. Spray with a fine mist until water droplets appear, then keep an eye on them for signs of moisture loss. Dry mushrooms will wilt and the edges will curl, which means they might need to be moved to a different space or be watered more frequently.
Do I need to cook my mushrooms?
Yes. If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook them thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating a particular species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.
What do you mean by "fruiting" and "flush"?
The word "fruit" can be very specific, referring to foods like berries and apples, or a bit more general to refer to how an organism reproduces. So tomatoes and rosehips are the fruits of those plants; they contain the seeds. Likewise, mushrooms are the fruits of a fungus; they contain spores. So when a fungus starts to produce mushrooms, we call that fruiting. A "flush" refers to the production of multiple mushroom fruit bodies at one time. Many of the fungi we cultivate tend to produce many mushrooms simultaneously - this is known as a 'flush' of mushrooms. Interested in learning more? Check out our mushroom growing terminology guide .
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Each student brings their unique ideas to the table, allowing for a diverse array of inventions to come to life. Ms. Frizzle creates an environment where failure is celebrated as a stepping stone to success, fostering a growth mindset among her students. Through the incredible magic of the school buses, the class embarks on their greatest adventure yet. They journey to other planets, dive into the depths of the ocean, and even shrink themselves down to explore the inner workings of the human body. The students' inventions play a crucial role in these escapades, allowing them to navigate and explore these extraordinary environments. Along the way, the students learn valuable lessons about the scientific method, teamwork, and problem-solving. As they encounter challenges and obstacles, they must utilize their inventions and knowledge to overcome them. Through practical experimentation and critical thinking, they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them. "The Magic School Buses at the Westerworks" is a testament to the power of imagination and education. It encourages children to dream big, embrace exploration, and experiment fearlessly. By highlighting the importance of creativity and scientific inquiry, this book inspires young readers to engage with these subjects beyond the pages of a book. In conclusion, "The Magic School Buses at the Westerworks" takes readers on a thrilling adventure through science and imagination, where students unleash their creativity and inventiveness within the magical world of the Westerworks. This charming book fosters a love for learning and encourages children to see the wonders of the world with an inquisitive mind..
Reviews for "Adventure Awaits: Joining the Adventure-Focused Magic School Clubs at Westerworks"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Magic Schoolubs at the Westworjs," but it left me feeling disappointed. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, making it hard to follow along with the story. The characters were also one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I was expecting more from this book and would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 1 star - "The Magic Schoolubs at the Westworjs" was a complete letdown. The story was predictable and lacked any originality or creativity. The dialogue was cheesy and unrealistic, making it cringe-worthy to read. The pacing of the book was off, with scenes that dragged on and others that were rushed. The ending was extremely disappointing and left many loose ends. I found this book to be a waste of time and would not suggest anyone pick it up.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While "The Magic Schoolubs at the Westworjs" had an interesting premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing was average at best, with overused clichés and repetitive phrases. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real development. The worldbuilding was also weak, leaving me with many unanswered questions. Despite its flaws, the book did have some entertaining moments, but overall, it fell short of my expectations.