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$33

weekly
or $290 for 18 classes
Class

Exploring Life Part 1: The Basics (Biology Curriculum Grades 4-6)

Completed by 5 learners
Ages 9-12
Live Group Course
Part 1 of a year-long course is perfect for middle school students to learn the basics of Biology. Uses the Real Science Odyssey curriculum.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(230 reviews)

Live video meetings
2x per week, 9 weeks
4-8 learners per class
45 min

What's included

18 live meetings
13 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. There is homework associated with this class. Students will be expected to read 1-2 pages each week from their Science Journals. There are also a couple of outside labs students are should complete.
Assessment
As a teacher that values individual progress, I am constantly monitoring my students for understanding in class. I adjust my teaching, as well as assignments and activities, based on the needs and learning of the students. Students receive feedback from myself and classmates on projects and longer labs. Upon request of the parent, I will also provide letter grades or written evaluations.
Grading
Upon request

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
Beginner Level
This biology course for grades 4-6 gives students an overview of biology.  Using the REAL Science Odyssey curriculum as a foundation, students learn what life is and how it functions.  Students meet twice a week to learn concepts, complete experiments, and review assignments.  

This class is PART 1 in a 4-part series.  Students may take this class as a stand-along class, however, when combined with the other 3 parts it makes a full 36-week curriculum.  In PART 1, students learn:
 
-What makes something alive?
-Cell structure
-Genetics

*******************
EXPECTATIONS
*******************
There is a lot of content in this class.  Students will be expected to do some reading outside of class, as well as participate in class discussions during class.  Students may adjust their participation in class experiments based on the supplies they have, and their ability to do the experiments independently.  Some students may require a parent nearby to help with certain experiment, while others can complete them all independently.  Still others may wish to observe the experiments instead of participate.  

***********************
CLASS STRUCTURE
***********************
Each week students will receive homework, which usually consists of short readings (1-2 pages).  After the readings students should jot down any questions they have, as well as interesting things they find in the reading.  During the live class, we will start by discussing the reading and answer any questions the students have. 

Usually students will have at least one lab or activity in each live class.  Students often have science journal pages to complete with the activities.  Some activities, such as the Nature Scavenger Hunt, will need to be done outside of class.  I will give you plenty of instruction and time to complete these activities at your convenience.  

Along with the reading discussion and class labs, I supplement all material with interesting books, videos, and interactive slides.  However, this class is not set up like a lecture. Students are always encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and participate often.  We are a talkative bunch that love to learn from each other!

Learning Goals

After completion of this class, students will be able to:
-List the characteristics of life
-Understand what a cell is and what it looks like
-Name some single-celled organisms like bacteria and amoeba  
-Describe the importance of DNA 
-Determine the components of healthy eating

Syllabus

4 Units
18 Lessons
over 9 Weeks
Unit 1: Intro to Biology
Lesson 1:
My Pet Tardigrade
 Student meet a fictional pet tardigrade that will be with them throughout the year to teach them Biology. They also see what real tardigrades look like under the microscope. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Tardigrade Poster
 Students make a poster of a Tardigrade, which they will add to throughout the year. This will help them make connections from what they're learning to something they already know. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
What is Alive
 Students look at characteristics of life and decide what makes something alive. They learn about the scientific process. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Nature Observation Project
 Students are introduced to a Nature Observation Project that they can work on for the next 7 weeks. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Students will be doing experiments both in and out of class. Some of these experiments involve using sharp tools, such as knives and scissors. Please be advised that your student may need supervision during these activities.
Supply List
Students will need the following for class.  These materials are used in ALL FOUR PARTS of this Biology course, so if you purchase them for this class, you will not need to purchase them again.  

Biology 1 Student Pages ($24):  https://www.pandiapress.com/product/real-science-odyssey-biology-level-1-student-pages/

A 3-RING BINDER is also a good idea as a place to store lab pages, notes, and drawings as we work through the experiments. 

In addition to the textbook and workbook, students will need other materials for labs.  You will receive a detailed supply list before the first class.  Most items may be found around the house, but occasionally you will need to purchase special materials, such as:

-Petri Dishes
-Small live plant
-Bean seeds, pots & soil
-Frog for dissection (available online at Home Science Tools)
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Source Materials: REAL Science Odyssey, Biology, Level 1: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/real-science-odyssey-biology-1/ TedEd Student Materials: Biology Student Pages $24: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/real-science-odyssey-biology-level-1-student-pages/

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2020
4.9
230reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a certified CO Teacher with over 20 years experience in teaching students in grades K-8.  I have taught in public school, an independent school, and worked in a variety of environments working with homeschoolers.  I have also homeschooled my own 4 children.  I have been teaching science, math, and social studies on Outschool for over 4 years.  

Reviews

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