Animal Science: Learn Anatomy, Nutrition, and Behavior of Pets

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝗪𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞!

Why do birds have hollow bones? What makes a horse’s digestion so unique? In this engaging science class, learners will explore the anatomy, nutrition, and behavior of animals big and small. Each week brings a new species or system to examine—no prior knowledge required. Through discussion, comparison, and guided exploration, learners will build real biological knowledge they can apply to the world around them.

𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

This class empowers learners to ask big questions and investigate how animals survive, adapt, and thrive. Whether they’re future vets or just fascinated by living things, they will leave with a deeper understanding of what makes animals work—inside and out.

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Learners can drop in any time without feeling lost, as each week features a brand-new topic that's engaging and easy to jump into—no matter how long the class has been running. Every day is a great day to start!
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Weekly Breakdown

Week of May 5: Common Diseases and Parasites in Small Animals  
Week of May 12: Caring for Aquatic Pets and Reptiles  
Week of May 19: Nutrition for Aquatic Pets and Reptiles  
Week of May 26: Common Diseases and Parasites in Aquatic Pets and Reptiles  

Week of June 2: Caring for Birds: Traits and Housing Needs  
Week of June 9: Bird Nutrition: Supporting Health and Vitality  
Week of June 16: Common Diseases and Parasites in Birds  

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Week of September 7 – Animals & Society
Session 1: How Animals Have Shaped Human History
Session 2: Domesticated vs. Wild: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Week of September 14 – Nutrition
Session 1: Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore: Diet Types and Needs
Session 2: Digestive Systems: Ruminants, Monogastrics, and Hindgut Fermenters

Week of September 21 – Anatomy: Skeletal & Muscular Systems
Session 1: Skeleton Structure and Locomotion Across Species
Session 2: Muscular Systems and the Science of Animal Movement

Week of September 28 – Behavior
Session 1: Instinct vs. Learned Behavior: How Animals Respond to the World
Session 2: Predator or Prey? Behavior Driven by Survival

Week of October 5 – Communication
Session 1: Animal Communication: Signals, Scent, Sound, and Posture
Session 2: Social Structures: Herds, Packs, and Colonies

Week of October 12 – Reproduction
Session 1: Mating Systems and Reproductive Strategies
Session 2: Gestation, Birth, and Early Development

Week of October 19 – Genetics & Traits
Session 1: Inherited vs. Environmental Traits
Session 2: How Selective Breeding Changes a Species

Week of October 26 – Skin, Hair, Fur, Feathers
Session 1: Animal Coverings: Structure and Function
Session 2: Seasonal Changes: Shedding, Molting, and Camouflage

Week of November 2 – Senses
Session 1: Vision, Hearing, and Smell: Super Senses in the Animal Kingdom
Session 2: Echolocation, Magnetoreception, and Other Unusual Senses

Week of November 9 – Health & Disease
Session 1: Recognizing Signs of Illness in Animals
Session 2: Common Diseases and How They Spread

Week of November 16 – Parasites
Session 1: Internal Parasites: Worms and Their Hosts
Session 2: External Parasites: Fleas, Mites, and Ticks

Week of November 23 – OFF (Late November Break)

Week of November 30 – Animal Waste & Elimination
Session 1: How Animals Eliminate Waste (and Why It Matters)
Session 2: What Feces Can Reveal About an Animal’s Health

Week of December 7 – Thermoregulation
Session 1: How Animals Stay Warm (or Cool)
Session 2: Hibernation, Torpor, and Cold-Weather Adaptations

Week of December 14 – Shelter & Habitat Use
Session 1: How Animals Build or Choose Shelter
Session 2: Nests, Dens, Burrows, and Beyond

Week of December 21 – OFF (Winter Break)

Week of December 28 – OFF (Winter Break)

Week of January 4 – Animal Intelligence
Session 1: Problem-Solving in Birds, Mammals, and More
Session 2: Tool Use and Long-Term Memory in Animals

Week of January 11 – Animal Emotions
Session 1: Do Animals Feel Joy or Sadness? What Science Says
Session 2: Stress and Trauma in Animals

Week of January 18 – Animal Adaptations
Session 1: Structural Adaptations for Survival
Session 2: Behavioral Adaptations to Environment

Week of January 25 – Defense Mechanisms
Session 1: Camouflage, Mimicry, and Deception
Session 2: Venom, Quills, Shells, and Other Natural Defenses

Week of February 1 – Water Animals
Session 1: Aquatic Adaptations: Gills, Blubber, Fins, and More
Session 2: Comparing Freshwater and Marine Species

Week of February 8 – Birds
Session 1: Flight Mechanics and Feather Function
Session 2: Nesting, Migration, and Bird Behavior

Week of February 15 – Amphibians & Reptiles
Session 1: Life Cycles of Amphibians
Session 2: Cold-Blooded Strategies: Reptilian Physiology

Week of February 22 – Mammals
Session 1: What Defines a Mammal?
Session 2: Specialized Mammal Adaptations (Bats, Whales, etc.)

Week of March 1 – Insects & Invertebrates
Session 1: Exoskeletons and Segmented Bodies
Session 2: Pollinators, Decomposers, and the Ecosystem Role of Insects

Week of March 8 – Human Impact
Session 1: Habitat Loss, Climate Change, and Extinction
Session 2: Captivity vs. Conservation: Zoos, Sanctuaries, and Rehab

Week of March 15 – Ethics & Welfare
Session 1: Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare
Session 2: Responsible Ownership and Ethical Care

Week of March 22 – Rescue & Recovery
Session 1: Animal Shelters and Rehabilitation Work
Session 2: Case Studies: Rescued Wildlife and Pets

Week of March 29 – Unusual Species
Session 1: Animals with Extreme Adaptations
Session 2: Species with Rare Behaviors or Traits

Week of April 5 – OFF (Spring Break)

Week of April 12 – Animal-Human Relationships
Session 1: Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals
Session 2: Working Animals in Law Enforcement, Farming, and Therapy

Week of April 19 – Social Structures
Session 1: Pack, Herd, Flock: Animal Group Dynamics
Session 2: Leadership, Cooperation, and Conflict in Animal Groups

Week of April 26 – Lifespan & Aging
Session 1: How Long Do Animals Live—and Why?
Session 2: Signs of Aging and Senior Animal Care

Week of May 3 – Waste, Cleanliness, and Grooming
Session 1: How Animals Stay Clean (or Don’t)
Session 2: Grooming Behaviors Across Species

Week of May 10 – Tracking & Observation
Session 1: Reading Tracks, Scat, and Signs in the Wild
Session 2: How Scientists Study Animal Behavior

Week of May 17 – Endangered Species
Session 1: What Makes a Species Endangered?
Session 2: Conservation Efforts That Work (and Don’t)

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Our classrooms are rooted in the Socratic teaching approach, where curiosity and critical thinking come to life. Learners are guided through open dialogue and meaningful conversations, allowing them to explore topics more deeply and develop a thorough understanding.

To accommodate diverse learning styles, we thoughtfully combine traditional methods—like videos and carefully chosen presentations—with interactive discussions. This balanced approach ensures that every learner feels engaged and supported in their journey.

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Please note that we value mental health and are committed to preventing teacher burnout. 

To support our team’s well-being, we take company-wide breaks during which no classes will be held and emails will not be answered.

You may experience a delay in responses during the following dates:


2025

April 19 - April 20 (Easter Break)
Week of June 30 (Beginning of Summer Break)
Week of Sept 1 (End of Summer Break)


Week of November 23, 2025 OFF (Late November Break)
Week of December 22, 2025 OFF - (Winter Break)
Week of December 28, 2026 OFF - (Winter Break)

2026

Week of April 5, 2026 - OFF - (Spring Break)


In addition, teachers may need time off outside of these breaks as emergencies do happen. We always try our best to give ample notice when we can. You will never be charged for a day that we cancel classes.

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Policies and Guidelines 

🌟 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵
We believe in empowering educators to teach from the heart, embracing their unique styles and approaches. Each of our instructors brings their own passion and expertise to the classroom, which means not all classes will be taught in exactly the same way or use the same materials and assignments.

While the core topics and themes will always remain consistent, the teaching methods and resources may vary from class to class. This diversity enriches the learning experience and allows students to benefit from a range of perspectives and approaches.

We encourage our educators to stay true to their individual teaching styles while maintaining the high standards of engagement and quality that define our programs. This approach not only supports the creativity and authenticity of our teachers but also ensures that every class is an authentic and meaningful experience.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆
We strictly adhere to Outschool's refund and rescheduling policy for all of our classes. Once a class has been paid for, there will be no deviation from Outschool's guidelines. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling outside of what Outschool allows.

We follow a structured classroom weekly breakdown schedule to maintain consistency. In cases where an instructor is unavailable, we will provide a substitute teacher whenever possible to ensure the course or club/enrichment classes remain on track. If no substitute is available for a scheduled class, refunds will be issued. Please note that no refunds will be given for choosing not to attend a substitute-led session.

🌟 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆
To ensure a safe and secure learning environment, students are required to keep their cameras on for an initial visual verification at the beginning of class. After verification, students are welcome to turn their cameras off if they prefer, unless they have been verified by Outschool and have the verification badge, which exempts them from this requirement.

We understand that every learner has different comfort levels, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and supported. We meet students where they are, honoring their individuality and comfort while maintaining a safe, welcoming space for all.

🌟 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
We believe that every learner deserves to feel valued and included. Our classrooms are welcoming and safe spaces for students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.

🌟 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆
In compliance with Outschool's policies, we do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former families on any social networking site (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn). Additionally, we do not provide or ask for any personal information, including email addresses or phone numbers.

🌟 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆
Our approach to homework prioritizes meaningful reinforcement rather than quantity. We assign one targeted activity each week that directly aligns with the material covered in class. These assignments are thoughtfully designed to help students apply what they’ve learned in a purposeful and effective way.

It is important to note that our organization does not offer classes that guarantee an hour of homework each week. Instead, we focus on comprehension and retention through thoughtful in-class discussions and purposeful assignments, avoiding excessive or repetitive work.

All homework assignments must be submitted during the week the lesson was taught in order to receive feedback. Writing assignments must be submitted in a typed format—either as a Google Doc, Word document, comment, or private email on the platform.
Photos of handwritten work will not be accepted since they are often too difficult to read and provide feedback on.

Learners who need assistance with typing are welcome to have someone type for them, as long as the work itself remains the student's own ideas and words.

All writing assignments will be assessed based on a rubric, and feedback will be given using that rubric to ensure clarity and consistency.

🌟 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
We believe that learning is a collaborative process that involves the whole family. We regularly provide feedback to families because we value open communication and want to make sure everyone feels informed, supported, and involved in the learning journey. Our goal is to ensure that both learners and families feel confident and happy with their progress and experience.

We truly value family input and encourage open communication. Whether it’s celebrating successes or discussing areas to improve, we’re here to make sure everyone feels included in the process.