Biology for Middle School
In this bi-weekly 12-week STEM academic science course, students will learn genetics, cell biology, nutrition, health, antibiotics, the history of blood typing, vaccines, the nature of the coronavirus, microbiology, genes, medicine, bacterial illnesses, and histology all in 24 sessions. #Academic
What's included
24 live meetings
20 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework is available upon request.Assessment
Additional assessments will be available upon request.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This class will meet bi-weekly for twelve weeks. I am glad that you are here to read about my upcoming class. I am passionate about Biology and it shows in my enthusiasm during class time. I want to impart my enthusiasm with each and every learner. Biology is about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and public health. Biology encompasses microbiology. But most importantly, Biology is about life. I am also curious to find out what aspect of Biology is of most interest to the student. Do you think your student will enjoy learning about genetics, the anatomy of the spine, cell biology, smallpox, polio, tuberculosis, histology, the coronavirus, bacteria, or nutrition and health the most? All those topics and more are covered within this 24-session class. As a teacher, I do incorporate the usage of Latin roots during or course of study of Biology. I do take time to engage with each student to learn the student’s individual personality. In my opinion, information is better retained in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. So, I strive to have a lively class. One of my best days as a teacher, was this review that I received about my Histology class (included in this class): “You know it's a good class when your kid comes out of it feeling like an area that they previously thought was too technical and tricky would actually be a possible career choice! Excellent teaching here in the truest sense of the word.” "Optional"-Grades can be assigned if a parent/caregiver gives notification by the first day of class and after all completed assignments have been returned to the teacher. A quiz assignment will be given at the each of the week for those who have decided to enter into the grading program. A final grade will be given once all completed assessments have been returned to teacher and class presentation has been completed. The course components are weighted as follows: -Quiz Assessments-50% -Class Presentation of Nutrition Project-30% -Class Attendance and Active Class Participation-20% Class 1: Cell Theory will be discussed via PowerPoint, class discussion and a short video. We will learn about the life and discoveries of Louis Pasteur. Class 2: We learn about Prokaryotic cells via modeling, discussion, and a PowerPoint presentation. Class 3: Eukaryotic cells and organelles via modeling, discussion, and a PowerPoint presentation. Class 4: PowerPoint lesson about Fungi. We will also discuss the penicillin discovery of Alexander Fleming. Class 5: We will learn all about Bacteria through an interactive PowerPoint presentation. Week 6: We will learn about Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton. Class 7: We will learn about the Cardiac System. Class 8: Blood Types Explained 1: We will examine the ABO and Rh blood typing system via PowerPoint. Class 9: Blood Types Explained 2: In this interactive class, there will prediction of varying blood types depending on student's own blood types (if known) or chosen blood types. Deductive and analytical reasoning skills will be used to determine parental blood types in family pedigree presented on the board by the instructor. Class 10: Genetics Class 11: Punnett Square Class 12: We will discuss the genetic disorders of Sickle Cell Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Marfan Syndrome and their hereditary characteristics and typical symptoms. Class 13: Genetic Recessive Diseases Class 14: Gregor Mendel and Mendelian Genetics Class 15: "How can Two Brown-eyed people have a blue-eyed baby?" Class 16: "Think Like a Doctor Nutrition"-We will also learn how to read food labels as a group. Class 17: There will be a PowerPoint presentation on Nutrition including Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins Class 18: There will be an instructor led Vitamin C Experiment, a presentation and group discussion on how to read food labels. In addition, the diseases associated with a lack of nutrition will be presented in PowerPoint. Class 19: We will discuss macronutrients, the roles of oils, protein, carbohydrates, and fats in our diet. GMOs, organic food, and gluten-free products will be added to the discussion and PowerPoint presentation. Class 20: Case studies will be presented based on the information of vitamins and nutrients that we have learned together in class. Students should be able to deduce what vitamin or nutrient deficiency the patient is experiencing based on symptoms. Class 21: Histology: During class we will learn the anatomy and features of cardiac tissue, bone tissue, red blood cells, white blood cells, and fat cells by viewing Microanatomy slides. There will be a short visual quiz to review the material at the end of class. Class 22: Public Health: We will learn about Smallpox, Polio, and Tuberculosis via a PowerPoint lecture and discussion. Class 23: Final Project Presentations on Nutrition will be due. Class 24: During this class, we will examine the anatomy of the spine via PowerPoint plus a special group project. All above subject matter will be covered however the schedule may change slightly due to classroom dynamics.
Learning Goals
To learn advanced topics in Biology
Syllabus
24 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Cell Theory
Cell Theory, Spontaneous generation, and Pasteur
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Prokaryotic Cell
Components and Characteristics of a Prokaryotic Cell.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Eukaryotic Cell
Components and Characteristics of a Eukaryotic Cell
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Fungi
Fungi characteristics and fungal infections
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental guidance is needed for scribbl.io
Supply List
A second device will be needed in one class due to the fact that we will be playing a Kahoot! game. Playdoh or modeling clay will be needed for two classes The materials needed for this class will be licorice whips, hard candy livesavers and livesaver gummies.
3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Xavier University of Louisiana
My degree is in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Xavier University. I have a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Nutrition from Tulane University. I have In the last 1990s, I completed three semesters of medical school classes along with the medical school students at Case Western Reserve University.
I was hired by an exam corporation to write practice test questions for the MCAT(Medical College Admissions Test).
Reviews
Live Group Course
$38
weekly or $298 for 24 classes3x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 195 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
6-12 learners per class