Mammals are absolutely magnificent members of our Earth! These animals have adapted over the course of tens of millions of years to have a variety of shared characteristics like fur, food production for babies (milk) and energy conservation (Homeothermy or a maintained body temperature). There are approximately 5,400 species ranging from the smallest of Bumblebee Bats to the largest animal to ever live, the Blue Whale. Most of these creatures do have live birth as well, however there are a few that lay eggs due to more primitive evolution (Monotremes). 
There are so many awesome species to love and learn about no matter where you may be across the planet, our own human species included! Mammals are some of the most successful and diversely speciated vertebrates/boned animals to ever evolve. There are animals adapted to live under the ground, on top of it and all over it, within water, and even the sky!
The Earth has an immense variety of environment and ecosystem combinations that mammals have been capable to survive and thrive within. These unique places across our planet all vary in moisture and temperature, as well as many other factors like light, air quality, and other living things which all play a part in how these animals will adapt. Mammals are present worldwide on each of the continents, as well as the surrounding waters and sometimes their skies!

This is a class all about the different groups and species of mammals that can be found across 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. We will learn about specific notable species and overall groups of animals that can be found on each of the continental land masses as well as our oceans and seas!

There will be plenty of facts provided on these animals as well as their characteristics, 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 groups natural history/biology, anatomy, and unique adaptations.
 Certain classes we may have video clips to watch, activities like games/coloring pages/etcetera, and discussion about these creatures.

 
If you have schedule questions please reach out.

(March 3-) Week 1: Monotremata - Platypus, Echidna
(March 10-) Week 2: Diprotodontia - Kangaroos, Wallaby, Koala, Possums, Wombat and many others Marsupials!
(March 17-) Week 3: Dasyuromorpha - Quoll, Numbat, Tasmanian Devil and Carnivorous Marsupials - 
(March 24-) Week 4: Didelphimorphia- American Marsupials - Opossums
March 31- Week 5: Peramelemorphia - Bandicoots and Bilbies
April 7- Week 6: Cingulata- Armadillos 
April 14- Week 7: Pilosa - Sloths and Anteaters
April 28- Week 8: Rodents- Myomorpha- Mice, Rats, Lemmings, Voles, and more; Sciuromorpha- Squirrels, Chipmunks, and more
May 12- Week 9: Rodents- Hystricomorpha - Caviomorphs, Porcupines, and more ; Anomaluromorpha- Springhare, Scaly Tail Squirrel, and others ; Castorimorpha- Beavers, Kangaroo Rats
May 19- Week 10: Lagomorpha- Rabbits, Hares, Pikas 
May 26- Week 11: Chiroptera - Yangochiroptera "Microbats"
June 16- Week 12: Chiroptera - Yinpterochiroptera "Megabats"
June 30- Week 13: Soricidae - Shrews, Talpidae- Moles, Solenodontidae
July 7- Week 14: Afrosoricida - Tenrecs, Golden Mole, and Otter Shrews
July 14- Week 15: Erinaceomorpha - Hedgehogs, Gymnures / Moonrats/ Hairy Hedgehogs
July 28-Week 16: Macroscelida - Elephant Shrew
August 4- Week 17: Scandentia - Tree Shrews
August 11- Week 18: Dermoptera- Colugo; Primates-Lemurs, Galago, and Loris
October 20- Week 19: Primates- Apes, Monkeys, and Tarsiers
October 27- Week 20: Carnivora- Caniformes - Bears, Mustelids, Pinnipeds, and Canines
November 3-  Week 21: Carnivora- Feliformes - Hyena, Mongoose, Civet, and Felines
November 10- Week 22: Perissodactyla - Odd Toed Ungulates - Tapir, Horse, and Rhinoceros
November 17- Week 23: Artiodactyla - Even Toed Ungulates - Cattle, Deer, Pigs, Camelids, Hippos, Sheep/ Goat and others.
November 24- Week 24: Cetaceans - Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales
December 1- Week 25 Sirenia - Manatees and Dugong
December 8 Week 26: Proboscidea- Elephants

Students will also learn about these animal's conservation/ preservation, concerns, and threats as habitat loss amongst many other impacts affect these species. EDUCATION is the first step in conservation! Roughly one-fifth or 1/5 of these species are conservation status's trending within threatened to extinct. Some of the most endangered are Carnivores and Primates.

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!!!