High School Biology Course: Animal Anatomy & Dissection Alternative (Zoology)
High School Biology - Curious about characteristics of animal anatomy? Take a closer look at a different animals with detailed 3D paper models. Learn about hidden world of animal anatomy, deepen your understanding of human body! #ACADEMIC
Jennifer Anderson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(17)
What's included
20 live meetings
18 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Print "color template" pdfs, **CUT pieces in preparation for class. Print "numeric key" pdf. (functions already completed) Optional: Color your own "black-line" pdf. Complete "pre-filled student key" pdf. (list functions of parts) If student has not completed model in class, this will become homework to complete on their own.Assessment
Students may request a lab practical, however it is not required.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
This course is perfect for learners curious about the internal working of animals. Beneath the surface of animals big and small are surprisingly complex specializations, as well as common structures of body systems. Learners will make paper models of: sponge, clam, starfish, squid, shark; grasshopper, snake, rat, pigeon and sea gull. These models are not typical paper diagrams, they will layer in the body systems: reproductive, digestive, respiratory. They will view cut-away sections showing nervous system, circulatory, skeletal and muscular systems. External features mimic actual animal, they will cut external layers allowing them to view internal organs as with an actual specimen (animal insides). By studying different animals in this survey course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how living animals....live and function. It is nothing short of fascinating! For example - a sponge: It just sits there, sucking in and pumping out sea water all day, easy. What is complicated about that? Did you know sponges - seemingly simple, have layers of anatomy, and different kinds of microscopic cells? Insects are everywhere - do you know how they eat/ how their mouth works? (Hint: We will be making a model that is the grasshopper head by itself! How do animals without teeth eat? Are animal body systems all the same? How can animal body systems help me understand human body systems? We will go on a journey studying animals small to large, interweaving study of human systems as we go - because if anatomy were a language, the language we are most familiar with is human anatomy! Each animal study will begin with overview of animal, external and internal anatomy. Learner choice allows learners to choose additional animals to be studied, and further study of questions learners may come upon during the course of study. Class will include lecture and video for animal overview. Putting together models, learners will follow step, by step pictures and spoken instructions. **This is not a dissection course, however if learners are interested in viewing anatomy of real specimen or performing dissection, support and guided video is available upon request. Class 1: Classification of Animals Class 2: Overview of body systems Class 2: Sponge Class 4: Starfish Class 6: Clam Class 7: Body systems/ Learner Choice Class 8: Squid Class 9: Shark Class 10: Shark Class 11: Review / Learner Choice Class 12: Grasshopper (External) Class 13: Grasshopper (Internal)/ Learner Choice Class 14: Snake (External) Class 15: Snake (Internal)/ Learner Choice Class 16: Rat (External) Class 17: Rat (Internal)/ Learner Choice Class 18: Bird (Pigeon - External) Class 19: Bird (Sea Gull - Internal) Class 20: Human Eye
Learning Goals
Students will create 3D dissection models of animals.
Students will learn about increasing complexity of specimens as we move from simple to more complex animals
studying the organs of each specimen and contrasting differences.
Students will become familiar with external and internal systems of different animals.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Course involves printing, cutting out pieces and use of a numeric key.
Learners wishing to practice dissection techniques are encouraged to practice dissection on non-animal or food items. Those who choose to may simulate use of dissection tools. Pinning model (specimen) to cardboard and using probe to examine layering of organs.
Note: models are anatomically correct and mimic dissection of preserved specimens. Students interested in seeing real dissection of specimen can go to site given in class.
Supply List
-Print digital files prior to class -Lab notebook/ or white paper -Pen, colored pencils (if coloring model) -Glue stick or glue dot -Optional Dissection supplies: pins, probe (toothpick), scalpel (knife), tweezers, cardboard or Styrofoam trays Fruit with skin: kiwi, grape, cucumber or other choice
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2021
4.9
17reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from State University of New York College at Brockport
Associate's Degree from Salvation Army School for Officer Training
I have completed several units of Biology Essentials: Dissection Alternatives and incorporated student feedback to enhance them. The classes include color models, additional step-by-step images, opportunities to practice dissection on non-animal specimens, and pinning modeling exercises. The external and internal parts and their functions are discussed through lecture while students assemble models. These classes showcase the distinct features of each animal and also highlight similarities between animal systems, making for an engaging study.
For a few years, I served as an in-person Biology lab instructor for multiple sections at a local co-op. During my tenure, I guided pupils through dissection exercises featuring real specimens such as crayfish, earthworms, perch, and frogs. I also helped students develop their lab techniques and taught them how to identify hard-to-spot details.
I aim to support your student in building confidence and practical skills through guidance in their studies. Although books have their uses, nothing compares to the benefits of hands-on learning and witnessing the marvels of Biology. My love for Biology stems from its deceptive simplicity, which upon deeper examination reveals a truly astounding complexity.
My area of study is Biology, and I hold a Bachelor of Science degree where I learned about microbiology, histology, and aquatic invertebrates. In my co-op lab classes, I gained hands-on experience with microscopes and learned how to create slides rather than just viewing prepared ones. I am now providing microscope classes through Outschool, where students are encouraged to use their compound or digital microscopes during open lab time. I utilize digital cameras to share my own microscope view, as well as encourage students' to share their microscope view. While I value traditional lab techniques, I also believe that technology can enhance the lab experience when appropriate.Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly or $330 for 20 classes1x per week, 20 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-8 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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