High school students, as scientists, investigate natural selection and fungi to answer the driving question: Why are Valley fever case numbers increasing over time? Students begin by considering causes of illness in general, and learn about Valley fever, which is caused by two species of Coccidioides fungi. Students analyze data and notice that cases have been rising. Students create an initial model to explain the rise in Valley fever cases and consider how they might investigate their questions. Next, students evaluate information to try to determine if humans have changed, if the two Coccidioides species have changed, or if the environment has changed during the time period of the increase in Valley fever cases. Finally, students develop a Class Consensus Model that explains the factors that could have contributed to the increase in Valley fever cases. Students also consider strategies that could protect people from Valley fever.

This lesson plan was created in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University Press, the Johns Hopkins Office of Research, and Dr. Arturo Casadevall, based on his 2024 Wavelengths book, What if Fungi Win?

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Student Materials

• Student Guide

Teacher Materials

• Additional Fungi Resources