FLEX High School Animal Science 1 - Cows and Goats - Oh My!

I'm excited to offer a new high school level animal science course that I adapted for high school. This course is geared towards animal production! This is a great opportunity to see how animal production works for learners interested in 4-H, FFA, biological sciences, and veterinary medicine!

This course will include short lectures, selected reading guided notes, interactive online activities, writing in response to reading/videos, a weekly discussion forum, graphic organizers, and demonstrations. 

New content will be posted TWICE a week on Monday and Thursday.

We learn best when we are engaged and interested in a topic. I believe in creating engaging learning experiences and I also believe that learners can demonstrate content mastery in a variety of ways.  I'm always surprised and excited by my students' creativity and unique ideas.  I'm excited to begin a journey of discovering animal science with your learner!

Week 1 - Introduction to Animal Science
Familiarize yourself with the origins of animal domestication and its profound influence on human evolution, culture, and society.
A broad overview of the multifarious disciplines within contemporary animal science.

Week 2 - Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
Delve into the anatomical and physiological adaptations that have allowed animals to colonize almost every habitat on Earth.
Gain insights into the evolutionary pressures and ecological roles that have shaped the myriad forms of life.

Week 3 - Ruminant Nutrition
Explore the specialized and fascinating ruminant digestive system.
Understand the pivotal role ruminants play in transforming plant matter into nutrients, and their importance in human agricultural systems.

Week 4 - Beef Production
Trace the journey of beef, from pasture to plate.
Engage in discussions surrounding the environmental, socio-economic, and ethical complexities that underscore the beef industry.

Week 5 - Dairy Production
Unpack the processes, technologies, and challenges of modern dairy farming.
Debate the balance between productivity, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability in the dairy sector.

Week 6 - Sheep and Goat Production
A deep dive into the world of wool, meat, and beyond.
Compare and contrast global sheep and goat farming practices, highlighting cultural, economic, and environmental nuances.

Week 7 - Genetic Selection in Domestic Animals
Introduce the cutting-edge world of animal genetics, exploring techniques, potential, and ethical boundaries.
Evaluate the implications of genetic interventions in animals for biodiversity, agriculture, and society at large.

Week 8 - Animal Behavior and Welfare
Probe into the minds of our domesticated animals, understanding their behaviors, emotions, and communications.
Ponder upon the human responsibility towards ensuring animal welfare, discussing real-world scenarios, challenges, and moral imperatives.

A flex course allows learners to cover material during a time that is convenient for them each week.  Students are encouraged to check in with the teacher weekly via the Outschool classroom/private learner messaging, which will allow for more engagement between the teacher and learner.  After weekly lessons, students can collaborate with their peers by replying to the announcements and lesson postings in the Outschool classroom.

Participation will include an introduction post, discussion posts, assignments, and projects in the Outschool Classroom/private learner messaging. This allows students to process what they are learning by collaborating with peers and the teacher.  Participation in assignments allows students to practice and reinforce learning.  This also provides opportunities for the teacher to gauge student learning and provide interventions if necessary.  Private messages or classroom comments are usually responded to within 24 hours with the exception of weekends.  

This is a FLEX course and students can request a time extension if needed.  Courses are not graded unless requested.  If grades are needed, please let me know upon enrollment or prior to the course beginning to arrange submission of work for grading/feedback.  Thank you!