Week 1 : Axolotl Introduction: How do you say "axolotl"? Where does the word come from? Where do axolotls come from? What is happening to their habitat? Why is it important?  What is habitat destruction and how does it impact all wildlife? What is an invasive species?
Week 2: Axolotl Life Cycle: How do axolotls reproduce? If they reproduce so much, why are they extinct? Why do they keep their gills when other salamanders don't? What are the floofs? Can they live outside of the water? What do baby axolotls look like?
Week 3: Axolotls in Medicine: Did you know Alex is a Doctor?  Dr. Alex  will discuss her role in helping medical researchers understand the process of regeneration.  We will talk about genetic modification and why some axolotls have a special jellyfish DNA that allows them to glow!
Week 4: Axolotls as Pets:  Can you keep an axolotl at home? Some of the safe ways to purchase and care for an axolotl and keep a pet happy, and basic care requirements for an healthy axie pet!

I am a retired marine biologist and axolotl mom.  I have kept axolotls for years, bred them as well as worked with their genetics in conjunction with Carolina Axolotls.  I also worked in medical research and have experience in veterinary pathology and histotechnology.  I currently teach aquatic science, biology and chemistry at the high school level.

Homework Offered
Each week will include age appropriate student options for completing work for teacher and parent review via choice board.  The choice board will offer options such as artistic, literary, auditory, visual or kinetic activities as opportunities for learners to demonstrate their understanding of the topics.  Simple models will also be assigned for use for the Axolotls in Medicine lesson. Learner submissions and questions will be answered within 24-48 hours, and follow up questions may direct students to further learning exploration.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Complete feedback will be provided for work completed, including an informal written report at the end of the class.  Learner questions will be answered after each video on the class board here on Outschool.
Grades Offered