News

Experiential Learning
A hands-on Mushroom Cultivation Workshop was conducted on 9th January 2026, at LTC Lab and the Old Refectory for students of St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School (SJBHS), Speakers were Mr Jashid Hameed and Ms Prithvi from Nuvedo Labs.

The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from 132 students, aiming to introduce them to the fascinating world of fungi and the science behind mushroom cultivation, with a special focus on White Oyster mushrooms.

The workshop was conducted in an interactive and experiential manner. Students were first introduced to the art of living fungi, understanding that mushrooms are not plants but fungi with unique growth patterns and nutritional value.

Key activities included:
● Introduction to different types of edible mushrooms, with emphasis on White Oyster mushrooms
● Explanation of the life cycle of fungi and conditions required for mushroom growth (humidity, temperature, cleanliness)
● Demonstration of mushroom cultivation techniques using growing kits
● Hands-on inoculation session, where students actively worked with the growing kits and inoculated the substrate with White Oyster mushroom spores
Students handled the materials themselves, following proper hygienic practices, which enhanced their confidence and curiosity.

The session encouraged open discussion, where students asked questions about:
● How mushrooms grow without sunlight
● Time taken for fruiting
● Nutritional and medicinal value of mushrooms
● Career opportunities in mushroom cultivation and agri-science
Real-life examples and simple explanations helped students relate scientific concepts to everyday life.

By the end of the workshop, students were able to:
● Understand fungi as a separate group of living organisms
● Explain the basic steps involved in mushroom cultivation
● Identify the importance of cleanliness and environmental conditions in fungal growth
● Gain practical experience in inoculating mushroom growing kits
● Develop interest in sustainable agriculture and hands-on science

The Mushroom Cultivation Workshop proved to be a highly engaging and educational experience for the students. The combination of theory, demonstration, and hands-on practice made learning meaningful and memorable. Such workshops play a vital role in nurturing scientific temper, environmental awareness, and practical life skills among students.

Ms Harshitha R