Herpetology - Reptiles & Amphibians | Self-Paced (14-18)
Taught by a zoologist with over 15 years of experiences, this course provides hands-on exploration of reptiles and amphibians through interactive activities and in-depth studies on anatomy, behavior, evolution, and conservation.
Oliver Dunn
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(33)
What's included
14 pre-recorded lessons
14 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. One homework assignment will be assigned each other, that encourages learners to reflect on the week's lesson on their own time. Submitted homework will be reviewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing consistent guidance and support.Assignments
Discussion/participation based assignments will be posted in the classroom throughout the week to foster interaction with the lesson videos and optional videos/articles. Submitted responses will be reviewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing consistent guidance and support.Assessment
A self-paced open book assessment will take place at the end each unit, where learners are welcome to use lesson videos and classroom posts as reference.Letter Grade
includedProgress Report
A progress report can be provided upon request at anytime throughout the course. The progress report will include an assessment of all assignments, homework, and assessments taken up to that point.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
Ready to embark on an epic journey into the world of reptiles and amphibians? This semester-long self-paced herpetology class is designed just for teens ages 14-18 who are curious, adventurous, and eager to explore the wild side of nature! Why Join Us? - Meet the Cast of Characters: Get up close with the most incredible reptiles and amphibians, from vibrant frogs to stealthy snakes. Discover what makes each one unique and how they thrive in their habitats. - Time Travel Through Evolution: Travel back in time and see how these amazing creatures evolved. Learn about their ancient ancestors and how they've adapted to survive through the ages. - Uncover the Secrets of Anatomy: Dive into interactive activities and dissections to see how these creatures are built for survival. You’ll get to understand their unique features and how they function. - Witness the Wonders of Reproduction and Development: Explore the incredible life cycles of these animals, from their fascinating eggs to their amazing transformations. - Decode the Mysteries of Behavior: Observe and analyze how reptiles and amphibians behave, from their mating dances to their hunting strategies. See firsthand how they navigate their world. - Champion Conservation Efforts: Learn about the critical challenges facing these species and get inspired to make a difference. Discover what’s being done to protect them and how you can contribute. What to Expect in This Self-Paced Course: - Weekly 30-Minute Lesson Videos: Each week, you’ll dive into a new video lesson that brings the world of herpetology to life. - Supplementary Videos: Throughout the week, enjoy optional videos that expand on the lesson topics and introduce you to captivating documentary footage of reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. - Interactive Guided Discussions: Engage in classroom discussions where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other students and the instructor. - Weekly Interactive Homework Assignments: Test your knowledge with fun and engaging homework assignments posted each week, designed to reinforce what you’ve learned. Every week is packed with exciting lectures, hands-on activities, and engaging projects that bring herpetology to life. Whether you’re field exploring, diving into group discussions, or unleashing your creativity, this class promises a dynamic and unforgettable learning experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the thrilling world of reptiles and amphibians. Enroll now and become a herpetology hero!
Learning Goals
Explore Diversity: Identify and describe a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, understanding their unique features and ecological roles.Understand Evolution: Explain the evolutionary history of reptiles and amphibians and how their adaptations have enabled them to survive in different environments.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)4 Units
14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksUnit 1: Foundations
Lesson 1:
Introduction, Systematics, Phylogenetics, Taxonomy, Biogeography
Discover the basics of herpetology, including how scientists classify and study reptiles and amphibians, and explore the concepts of species diversity and distribution across different environments. Lesson 2:
Structure, Function, Temperature Regulation
Learn about the anatomy and physiological functions of reptiles and amphibians, focusing on how they regulate their body temperature to survive in various climates. Unit 2: Amphibians
Lesson 3:
Origins and Evolution of Amphibians
Trace the evolutionary history of amphibians, from their ancient ancestors to their modern forms, and understand the key adaptations that have enabled their survival. Lesson 4:
Caecilians
Delve into the hidden world of caecilians, these unique and elusive amphibians, exploring their anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles. Other Details
Learning Needs
My zoology class is uniquely designed for neurodivergent minds, with a special focus on ADHD. As someone with ADHD, I incorporate engaging, interactive learning methods that keep attention anchored and foster curiosity.
Parental Guidance
All classes are grounded in the accepted consensus of the secular scientific community, and will include discussions of evolution by natural selection. Course materials are drawn from primary sources within the fields of biology, zoology, and evolutionary science.
Pre-Requisites
A keen interest in the animal kingdom is recommended!
Joined May, 2021
5.0
33reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Science from University of Texas at Arlington
Master's Degree in Science from University of Central Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree in Science from University of Central Arkansas
Oliver holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas and has completed partial PhD coursework in Quantitative Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington. With nearly sixteen years of experience in the zoo and aquarium community, Oliver has contributed to various projects worldwide, including rehabilitating injured seabirds in South Africa and tracking tigers in central India. Oliver has worked with a variety of species at renowned institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, making significant contributions to wildlife conservation efforts. Their academic background and extensive hands-on experience in animal science provide a solid foundation for teaching zoology, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and informed education in the subject.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$8
weekly or $100 for all content14 pre-recorded lessons
14 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 14-18
