When we see mushrooms popping up out of the soil, we often fail to recognize that they are part of a much larger organism living underground: Fungi. They can be compared to apples fruiting from a tree, but the tree being underground and unseen by our eyes. Because they are usually hidden from view, fungi are often misunderstood and underappreciated - yet they are essential to life on Earth as we know it. In this class we will learn about the evolution of fungi and their roles in the environment; with a particular focus on their impact on human beings. Students will learn some basic identification techniques and will have the opportunity to grow and study their own oyster mushrooms in class.