weekly
Homeschool Philosophy Club for Middle Schoolers
Completed by 11 learners
Ages 11-14
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week
2-6 learners per class
45 min
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
*Important: Due to the discussion-based and interactive nature of the class, cameras are required to be kept on for the duration of class. Thank you! :) The Homeschool Philosophy Club for Middle Schoolers is both a teacher and learner-led discussion-based class. It is ongoing club for homeschooled middle schoolers with little to no background in philosophy to come together and join in relaxed but loosely guided philosophical conversations with their peers. Each week, I will start by introducing some topic choices and/or philosophical questions. Learners will be encouraged to explore what direction the conversation takes them in. I will help by providing prompts, guidance, moderation, and but also sharing relevant vocabulary, concepts, and/or theories when applicable. *Again, this class is both teacher and learner-directed. Therefore, topic choices will come from both the teacher and students as we explore the academic discipline of philosophy together. PAST AND UPCOMING SCHEDULE (Since classes are learner-led, the schedule below applies specifically to the Friday 7:30 p.m. EST class but the schedule will be updated for other groups accordingly): *All topics are tied to different branches and elements within the academic discipline of philosophy. 9/20: Generative AI Programs 9/27: Technological Innovations 10/4: Observations of Nature and Animals 10/11: Animals, Nature, Metaphor, and Stories 10/18: Finding Good from Struggles 10/25: Reflections on Animal Natures 11/1: "Magic," Science, and Technology 11/9: Science Fiction Reflections: Time 11/15: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios 11/22: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios (Continued) 11/29: No Class (Thanksgiving Holiday) 12/6: Exploring Questions from the Main Branches of Philosophy 12/13: Humans and AI 12/20 and 12/27: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life 1/3: Philosophy and Self-Reflection 1/10: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life 1/17: Plato's Metaphysics 1/24: Questions on the Nature of Reality 1/31: Reflections on the Nature of Dreams 2/7: Reflections on the Nature of Dreams Part 2 2/14: Philosophy of Language (Valentine-themed) 2/21: Explorations in Creativity (Topic: Seasons and Nature) 2/28: Human Behavior and Ethics 3/7: Moral Dilemmas 3/14: Moral Dilemmas 3/21: Moral Dilemmas (*Note: The next subject for discussions may be subject to change depending on what the learners decide at the beginning of the meeting and if they have any different philosophical questions for the group) Drop in any time! :) Prior knowledge of philosophy is not required and advanced students may benefit more from 1:1 tutoring or my more formal academic series course.
Learning Goals
This club is meant to be a relaxed and informal social meet-up for homeschooled middle schoolers interested in engaging in philosophical discussions with others and/or exploring philosophical concepts.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class will allow for the free exchange of ideas from the learners. Therefore, parents can decide if the open-discussion nature of the class is a good fit for their learner(s). Of course, all discussions will always be moderated in a way to keep examples and views relevant, appropriate, and in line with Outschool's policies.
Supply List
Some students find it fun to create art while chatting, so a notebook or paper might be good to have close by to draw, doodle or even make something with clay. This is just an optional idea and certainly not required but can increase focus and creativity in some learners. Some students may want to take optional notes as well, depending on their academic goals, but overall, it is a place to come together and engage in relaxed philosophical conversation!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I am a current homeschooler and former university instructor who specializes in making philosophy courses fun, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. I have over 20 years of experience teaching courses in philosophy and ethics. I taught for over 16 years at the university level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to focus on homeschooling my children full-time. In addition, I have over 7 years teaching philosophy courses to kids, ages 6-16. Prior to offering classes on Outschool, I volunteered at both a local public high school as well as a private school alongside performing my teaching duties at the university.
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