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Dissecting Food Webs: What Happens When Animals Disappear?

In this one-time course, students will learn about the importance of food webs, different diet types, and the trophic energy chain in managing healthy ecosystems.
Shaelynn Settanni, B.S. Biology
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(49)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

What happens when a necessary species disappears from the food web?
In this 45 minute class, we will be learning how food webs work, and why every species is necessary for ecosystems to balance and thrive (no matter how small!). We will discuss how each species' dietary requirements and environmental role affect food chains, whether they are an herbivore or carnivore, or where they land on the trophic energy pyramid. Understanding the differences in diets and environmental roles is essential to be able to recognize issues that are playing out in any environment today.
This class is a combination of lecture and discussion on slides, as well as a game I have created with slides that we will play and go over in detail. The game will require students to use their critical thinking skills to decide what events might occur when certain species are taken out of a food web. 
This course is designed for students who want to learn about managing healthy ecosystems, and love of animals, nature and learning! No prior knowledge is needed for this course, but it does require a good amount of student discussion and participation.

Learning Goals

Students will gain an understanding of food webs, the importance of them being balanced for a healthy ecosystem, and what happens when a key species disappears. They will also learn the differences in animal diets and trophic energy levels, and their necessity to food webs. The information given in this course will allow students to identify food webs in their own environment and what might happen if certain species vanish.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
I will be supplying slides for the game we play, nothing is needed on the students end!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2020
5.0
49reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Saint Xavier University
Hello, everyone; my name is Shaelynn Settanni! I specialize in biology education and have taught on Outschool for 2 years.

I currently offer biology classes focusing on wildlife studies, animal behavior, anatomy/physiology, and nature conservation. I am particularly passionate about these topics and aim to help learners develop a deep appreciation for this crucial and fascinating part of our world. 

Although I do not have a formal teaching degree, I have often found myself in teaching roles. I have worked at pet stores and hospitals educating pet parents, volunteered with local animal rescues and animal control to inform the public, and have conducted wildlife research in the greater Chicago area, including Brookfield Zoo. I received my Bachelor's in Biology in 2017 from Saint Xavier University with an emphasis on Wildlife management, animal behavior, and environmental conservation. I currently hold a substitute teaching license in the state of Illinois as well.

I am deeply passionate about our world and am always eager to learn and share my knowledge with others. My guiding philosophy has always been, "The more you know, the more you grow," and I am committed to helping learners achieve exactly that! As an educator, I find great joy in witnessing the "light bulb" moments when students grasp concepts and become excited about learning. When students are engaged and inspired by topics they find interesting, they excel. My main goal is to spark inspiration in students, encouraging them to explore the world and have fun in the process!

When I'm not teaching, I try to get outside and move my body as often as possible, whether it's swimming, hiking, or roller skating! I'm a big punk and alternative rock fan, and I have 2 wonderful cats, Pumpkin + Luna!

I'm so excited to be your student's teacher!

***Disclaimer:
My classes are set up for smaller groups or individuals, so everyone has a chance to express their thoughts and not feel overwhelmed. With that in mind, however, my classes do require a lot of participation and discussion in whatever way is most comfortable for the learner. Being actively engaged in one's education is the best way not only to enjoy learning more but also to have important lessons stick with us.

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$15

per class

Meets once
45 min
Completed by 93 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-4 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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