$12
weeklyKeystone Species and Their Roles Within Ecosystems (Animal Science / Ecology)
Completed by 15 learners
Ages 8-13
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week
1-9 learners per class
30 min
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Amongst pockets of coastal tide pools and expansive grasslands to lush rainforests and frigid polar regions, the earth is home to a variety of ecosystems regulated and balanced by interconnected pieces, the life that calls them home. Keystone species have the power to define entire ecosystems and can be any organism from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals, they are vitally important in the functioning and dynamics of all ecosystems ultimately holding these systems together. Although all of an ecosystem's many components are intricately linked, these living things play a larger effect than most. These organisms need not to be the largest or most populated in number within their ecological community to make their impacts. If removed, trophic cascades and ecological domino effects occur leading into dramatic change to the ecosystem or it ceasing to exist all together. Environments without keystone species often undergo constant imbalances of food, water, shelter, and loss of species diversity as well as influxes of invasive species. Keystone species can hold a variety of ecological positions such as predator, prey, ecosystem engineer, mutualist, plants, and others. Through their existence these organisms maintain local biodiversity (the variety of life) of an ecosystem, influencing the abundance and the different types of species that can exist. Most typically these species play massive roles in food webs and the transfer of energy, they also can provide shelter, breeding areas, protection, amongst so many other benefits. This is a class all about keystone species that can be found across many of Earth's ecosystems. Learners will virtually travel our planet visiting terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) habitats and biomes in order to learn about unique species and the parts they play in the environments they are found within or even build themselves, like mangroves and coral reefs! We will learn about notable keystone species, their food webs, and the impacts they influence locally and globally, especially on the other organisms within its ecosystem. There will be plenty of facts provided on these plants/ animals as well as their characteristics, behavior, species diversity, and what makes them so special! We will work on broad (all encompassing) and narrow topics. There will be a focus on each species's natural history, evolutionary relationships, biology, anatomy, and the interactions/dynamics present within their ecosystems and beyond. Certain classes we may have video clips to watch, activities like games/coloring pages/etcetera, and discussion about these flora/ fauna. If you have questions regarding the schedule please reach out. *Tuesday 10:45am EST 3 weeks behind; Tuesday 8pm EST 4 weeks behind* August 11- Week 1: Sea Star August 18- Week 2: Sea Otter August 25- Week 3: Beavers September 1 - Week 4: Wolves September 8 -Week 5: Bison (American and European) September 15- Week 6: Prairie Dogs September 22- Week 7: Tiger September 29- Week 8: Elephant (African and Asian) October 6- Week 9: Krill and Diatoms October 13- Week 10: Bees October 20- Week 11: Mountain Lion October 27- Week 12: Cactus November 3- Week 13: Vultures November 10- Week 14: Salmon November 17- Week 15: Great Apes November 24- Week 16: Manatees December 1- Week 17: Lynx (Eurasian and Canada) December 8- Week 18: Snowshoe Hare December 15- Week 19: Mangroves December 22- Week 20: Sharks December 29- Week 21: Jaguar January 5- Week 22: Native Trees - Oak, Fig, and more! January 12 -Week 23: Hummingbirds January 19- Week 24: Native Grasses/ Wildflowers January 26- Week 25: Corals February 2- Week 26: Wildebeest February 9- Week 27: Termites February 16- Week 28: Gopher Tortoise February 23- Week 29: Oysters March 2- Week 30: Pika March 9- Week 31: Leopard March 16- Week 32: Australian Dingo March 23- Week 33: Lichens March 30- Week 34: Tasmanian Devils April 6- Week 35: Snow Leopards Students will also learn about these plant's and animal's conservation/ preservation, concerns, and threats as habitat loss amongst many other impacts affect these species. EDUCATION is the first step in conservation! These animals are absolutely necessary to the proper functioning of ecosystems globally and they need our help! This is a lecture style, interactive class with many opportunities to ask and answer questions from myself or other students. No prior knowledge or experience is needed to take this course. A love for nature is most definitely appreciated :) Flexible Age Range!!! Join on whatever week you would like!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about various keystone species of plant/ animal and their lives on our planet as well the massive roles they play within native environments.
An understanding of the plant/ animal’s biology, ecology, and natural history will be obtained amongst many other facts and scientific knowledge.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from The Pennsylvania State University
Hello prospective parents and guardians! My name is Greg or "Mr. G" and I'm an educator from New Jersey, U.S.A..
For over two decades I’ve had a fascination for all there is to do with the natural world and the creatures that call it home. I have worked with and cared for a multitude of species (dogs, frogs, cats, birds, rodents, lizards, snakes, turtles, hedgehogs, fish, various other wildlife, and much more!) throughout the entirety of my life as I tend to my own mini animal sanctuary, love, and work conserving/ researching animals from around the world. I have been teaching learners from over 50 countries here on Outschool since early 2021! :D
I graduated from The Pennsylvania State University where I received a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences! My coursework in university focused on veterinary sciences, biological/natural sciences, and wildlife (Mammalogy, Ornithology, Herpetology, Conservation, and Management). I spent time as a veterinary assistant, have participated in university studies and ongoing research regarding plants and animals (invertebrates, reptiles, various flora), have worked as a fauna and flora surveyor through college and beyond. My continued research of the world around us and outreach is one of my greatest missions. I love hearing about my students' interests and knowledge and look forward to imparting my own to them as well!
My focus as an educator is fostering a love for learning, animals, and what the world has to offer past, present, and future. My teaching style is inclusive, interactive, and hands-on. I believe learning should be fun, enjoyable, and thrilling for both student and teacher. I have a variety of animals that can be incorporated in class to help get learners engaged and excited about nature and the world we live in. We need to get our next generation connected to nature and the organisms that live alongside us to pass the torch and save all that we can!
My passions apart from animals are cooking, art, conservation of the planet, and outdoor activities such as hiking and animal surveying.
I absolutely adore what I do and I'm so excited to meet and teach your learner! Thanks for stopping by and remember... never stop learning!
For specific scheduling requests/ class times, please send me a message!
*Recordings not shared*
*Class is available at the time you are signed up for*
*Message me prior to class such that appropriate action (transfers, etc.) can be taken to get things sorted for you and your learner*
Have a wonderful day :)
Reviews
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