Intro to Herpetology: The (Exciting) Study of Reptiles and Amphibians!
In this interactive introductory class learners will explore the basic concepts of herpetology: study methods, anatomy, identification, and fun facts for frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, and more.
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
Learners will be asked to write down their favorite reptile or amphibian, and why they chose that species at the beginning and at the end of class. We will then look and see if anything changed in their answers, and have a short discussion on why.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner Level
During this class learners will engage with me through lecture slides, interactive discussions, video clips, games, and a live animal will join us for a question and answer session at the end of the class. We will go through each class of reptile and amphibian, collectively called "herps" and explore what makes them unique from basic anatomy, natural history, taxonomic identification, scientific monitoring techniques, and unique fun facts. Amphibian genres we will cover include salamanders, frogs, toads, amphiumas, and sirens. Reptile genres we will cover include crocodilians, lizards, tuataras, turtles and tortoises, and snakes. Learners will be able to identify the differences in each genre, and take away a deeper understanding of how they are beneficial to the environment they live in. This is a great class for beginners and learners who might want to test their interest before taking one of my more in-depth herpetology classes later!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the six basic classes of reptiles and amphibians, as well as a few of their more unique relatives.Students will understand why reptiles and amphibians are important to the natural environment, and how they benefit people worldwide.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
All media content used will be rated PG. There may be images, video, and concepts considered by some to be scary or violent due to the natural behavior of animals eating, interacting or moving about their natural environment. Imagery of animals striking, swallowing prey, or hunting will possibly be used, however imagery that is particularly bloody or gory, although completely natural in the wild, will be avoided during this class.
In addition, we will have a live reptile or amphibian handled by the professionally-trained instructor at some point during the class, so although all steps to prevent a potential bite will be taken, live animals can be unpredictable at times and we cannot fully guarantee learners will not witness such behavior. If such an occurrence happens, the instructor will use the opportunity to educate about such behavior and keep a positive environment in the classroom. If it becomes a larger issue, the instructor will proceed to turn off the camera for a moment in order to deal with the situation and get back to the regular class schedule as swiftly as possible.
Supply List
Learners are encouraged to bring note-taking supplies such as pen or pencil and paper to write down their questions and answers, or even just their new favorite fun fact!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over 30 years of personal experience in the study of reptiles and amphibians, both in the field and in animal husbandry. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology / Vertebrate Ecology, with an emphasis on Herpetology in 2010 and have been continuing my wildlife education through field research, public education, worked as a park naturalist for over two years, and at a veterinary hospital for over 5 years. I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking, with a Documentary focus, from the New York Film Academy and learned accurate and entertaining storytelling skills along with my film and photography background, many of which I will utilize in this class.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$25
per classMeets once
90 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
3-10 learners per class
