Playfully Exploring Fungal Ecology

Accompany the researcher “Maxi” into the forest, across a meadow, and into the laboratory to identify fungi – this is now possible thanks to an interactive video format developed at the University of Bayreuth. The so-called branching scenario was created for this year’s Bayreuth Mushroom Days through a collaboration between the Chairs of Agroecology and Fungal Ecology, the Institute for Franconian Regional History, and the Centre for University Teaching (ZHL). At the end of each video sequence, viewers decide how the story continues – for example, whether Maxi examines the mushroom using a field guide or in the lab. The videos provide background knowledge on ecological relationships and the scientific practice of fungal identification.

“Our aim for the Bayreuth Mushroom Days was to make science communication lively and accessible, offering the wider public insights into the research carried out at the University of Bayreuth,” says Dr Franziska Zahn from the Chair of Fungal Ecology, one of the event organisers. The interactive format is particularly designed to appeal to young people and families, enabling them to learn about fungal ecology in a playful way.

The concept and script were developed by Zahn together with Andreas Wild (Chair of Agroecology) and Tom Zimmermann (Institute for Franconian Regional History). Fabian Merks and Jonas Würdinger from the ZHL were responsible for video production. Paul Dölle from ZHL provided didactic advice and was the main source of ideas for the format that has now been created. Daniel Schultes from ZHL was also responsible for post-production of the videos. The project was supported by the University of Bayreuth’s OUTREACH funding line for knowledge transfer to society.

“One of the main challenges was to simplify complex scientific processes of fungal identification so that they are understandable for a broad audience while remaining scientifically accurate,” Zahn explains.

During the Bayreuth Mushroom Days, the branching scenario was very well received, with the station attracting a high level of interest throughout the event. Many participants played through the scenario several times to explore different decision paths. The opportunity to actively engage and experience mushroom identification in a playful way was particularly appreciated.

If you would also like to develop an interactive learning scenario with the support of the Centre for University Teaching, please contact zhl@uni-bayreuth.de.