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Exploring Life Part 2: Characteristics of Life (Biology Curriculum Grades 4-6)

In Part 2 of this full-year course, students spend 8 weeks learning about human body systems and the characteristics of life. Uses REAL Science Odyssey as a base. No pre-requisite.
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(225)
Class

What's included

16 live meetings
12 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 teaches students about the characteristics of life and the systems that make those functions happen.  Using the REAL Science Odyssey curriculum as a foundation, students learn, explore, experiment, and discuss scientific topics related to biology.  

This class is PART 2 in a 4-part series.  Students may take this class as a stand-alone class.  However, when combined with the other 3 parts it makes a full 36-week curriculum.  In PART 2, students learn:
 
-Characteristics of Life
-Human Body Systems*

*Please be aware that human reproduction is discussed in Week 8.  Students are introduced to the male and female reproductive organs, as well as how babies are made.  Parents always have an option to skip this lesson if you feel it is not appropriate for your child.  

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EXPECTATIONS
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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.  

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CLASS STRUCTURE
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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 growing plants, might 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
-Explain the function of each body system in both humans and plants
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
16 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Organisms Grow
 Students create a large model of themselves, which they will add to as they learn about each body system.  Students also add body systems to their Tardigrade poster, from Part 1. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Plants Grow, Too
 Students look at the plants they started growing in Part 1.  Using observations and physical data, they learn about plant growth. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Organisms Respond
 Students learn about the nervous system and the brain.  They see how their eyes respond to light, and how good their reaction times are. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Protecting My Brain, part 1
 Students use eggs to model how fragile their brain is, and then design a "helmet" to protect the "brain" when dropped. 
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. In addition, during Week 8, we will be covering human reproduction. In this class we discuss both male and female reproductive systems, as well as details on how babies are made. Parents always have the option of skipping this class if you feel it's not appropriate for your child.
Supply List
Students will need the following for class.  These materials are used in ALL FOUR PARTS of this Biology course, so if you already purchased them for Part 1, 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:

-plants, pots, and soil
-chicken wing (from the grocery store)
-Flower
-Live plant for dissection
-Seeds
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
225reviews
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

Live Group Course
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$33

weekly or $258 for 16 classes
2x per week, 8 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
4-8 learners per class

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