Byte-Sized Biology: The Biology of Botany - July Intro Price!
Uncover how plants grow and thrive just like a real botanist. Make your own seed art and learn how plants make their own food! Opt into XplorStem Academy for engaging videos, Q&A, summaries, assessments, and downloadable work samples.
XplorStem
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What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students can review class content using the XplorStem Academy App. They'll complete individual lab reports and assessments. Parents can print final PDF reports with covered standards, lab reports, key concepts, vocabulary, and assessment results as class summaries. This homework is not required but is provided as a way for students to reinforce concepts and for parents to document learning progress.Assessment
An online assessment will be offered to the student. It will consist of 3-10 questions in a multiple-choice format. One goal is to allow students to practice taking online assessments that will prepare them for state and national science testing.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner - Advanced Level
In this introductory Byte-Sized Science Career class, explore the life of a real botanist and learn how botanists are scientists who study the biology of plants. All our classes are NGSS-aligned and offer a science lesson and hands-on sampling of various science career paths, giving students a glimpse into their exciting possibilities. In this class, students learn about botany and the key concept that plants can make their own food from the sun, air and water. Plants are at the base of the food chain and without plants' ability to change the sun's energy to food, we would have no life on Earth. So, not only are plants beautiful, they are essential for life. Pretty amazing! While learning these concepts, students will be making a seed mosaic out of salt dough and seeds. Students may keep this art project or instructions will be provided to plant the project outside and watch their art transform into nature’s combination of art and machinery, the plant. Students will have access to XplorStem Academy the day before and after the lesson. XplorStem academy includes additional short-format videos, vocabulary and key concepts covered, question and answers, lab report and an assessment that reinforce what was learned in class. All concepts will be covered during the virtual session. XplorStem Academy is a way to extend learning. A PDF summary of learning may also be generated out of the academy to provide work samples and document learnings.
Learning Goals
Botany is the study of plants.
Botanists are biologists who study plants.
Plants and animals need energy to live and grow.
Plants can generate their own food from the sun, air and water.
Animals rely on plants for food.
Students will also learn key vocabulary words that support these learnings.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This course provides complimentary access to XplorStem Academy, a STEM education platform funded by the National Science Foundation. Through interactive Q&A sessions and concise educational videos, students delve into scientific concepts. Additionally, the platform offers detailed instructions for hands-on lab activities conducted in class. Following each session, students engage in wrap-up questions and an online evaluation.
We will provide login information at time of enrollment
Parents have the option to generate a comprehensive PDF summarizing the covered topics, alignment with NGSS standards, lab reports, and assessment outcomes for future reference and documentation.
While utilization of the platform isn't mandatory, our research indicates enhanced learning outcomes for students who engage with it. Rest assured, the platform maintains anonymity and does not gather any personal information about the student and is consistent with Outschool policies.
For some lessons, we may provide links to peer-reviewed articles outlining the history of the career and science topic covered in class. This will be provided in the parent PDF and it is up to the parent to review with the child.
ADVISE: Please have the supplies ready for this class. Please provide your learner a clear space to work, any necessary eye, clothing or hand protections. Parents are encouraged to supervise from a distance and provide assistance as needed.
Supply List
A one-page handout for the lesson will be provided upon enrollment. Participants will need to supply flour, salt, oil, plate, fork, bowl, measuring spoons and cups and an assortment of seeds (could be a mix).
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
The building of the curriculum and platform was overseen by Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows. Dr. Meadows has a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology field for 30 years. She has broad experience in chemistry, biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
Dr. Vicki was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to build the XplorStem Academy application which has been kid-tested and approved in public school classrooms and afterschool programs. Dr. Meadows has successfully taught and mentored students from pre-school through Ph.D. All XplorStem teachers have contributed to building the curriculum and have extensive hands-on teaching experience in K-12.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
2-6 learners per class
