Middle School Life Science-Semester 2
This course covers the grade 7-8 biology curriculum, providing learners with the skills needed for success in high school biology. Hence this course ensures academic readiness, fostering confidence and competence in scientific endeavors.
Dr. Lee, PhD, Biology and Life Science
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(263)
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What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Homework will be assigned weekly, consisting of a variety of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answers, essays, and problem-solving exercises. The assignments will be posted every Friday, and students will have the weekend to complete them. Grading will be available upon request, ensuring students receive timely feedback and support for their learning progress.Assessment
A comprehensive end-of-course exam will be administered at the conclusion of the program to assess the students' overall understanding of the material.Class Experience
Welcome to the exciting world of middle school biology! In this course, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore the wonders of life and the natural world. Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and thought-provoking discussions, students will develop a deep understanding of fundamental biological concepts, from evolution to ecology. Our classroom is a place of curiosity, respect for diverse perspectives, and the cultivation of critical thinking skills. Together, we will unlock the mysteries of life and inspire a lifelong love for science and the living world. The format of this class will be powerpoint-based lectures and optional homework will be given. I will grade homework every week and provide the feedback accordingly. There will be 3-5 multiple choice questions during the class to reinforce what they have learned. Prior understanding of the subject is not required; all that is required is an open mind and an interest in the information provided. Therefore, the topics will not cycle back to the beginning or if new topics will be introduced in upcoming weeks; the meetings will not build on knowledge, skills, or assignments from previous weeks. Here are potential topics to be covered for 2024, Spring Semester. Week 1: Introduction to Biology (January 15th) What is biology? The scientific method Characteristics of living organisms Week 2: Evolution (January 22nd) What is evolution? Evidence for evolution (fossils, homologous structures, etc.) Natural selection and adaptation Week 3: The Five Kingdoms (January 29th) Introduction to classification The five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia Characteristics of each kingdom Week 4: Microorganisms (February 5th) Bacteria, viruses, and archaea Microbial diversity Role of microorganisms in ecosystems and human health Week 5: Plant Biology (February 12th) Structure of plants (roots, stems, leaves) Photosynthesis and respiration Plant reproduction and life cycles Week 6: Plant Diversity (February 19th) Mosses, ferns, and gymnosperms Angiosperms: monocots and dicots Plant adaptations to different environments Week 7: Ecology (February 26th) Ecosystems and biomes Food chains and food webs Biodiversity and conservation Week 8: Microorganisms II (March 5th) Beneficial and harmful microorganisms Microbes and disease Antibiotics and vaccinations Week 9: Animal Diversity (March 12th) Invertebrates vs. vertebrates Adaptations of different animal groups Animal behavior and communication Week 10: Human Impact on the Environment (March 19th) Pollution and environmental issues Climate change and global warming Conservation efforts and sustainability Week 11: Ecology II (March 26th) Population ecology Ecosystem services Human impact on ecosystems Week 12: Biomes (April 2nd) Major terrestrial biomes Aquatic ecosystems Adaptations of organisms to specific biomes Week 13: Wildlife Conservation (April 9th) Threats to wildlife Conservation strategies and organizations Role of parks and reserves Week 14: Review and Projects (April 16th) Review of key concepts Group projects on ecology-related topics Presentation of projects Week 15: Final Exams and Conclusion (April 23rd) Comprehensive final exams Reflecting on the course Future of biology and careers in science
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In our middle school biology curriculum, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolution—a fundamental concept in biology supported by scientific consensus and evidence. We respect diverse beliefs and encourage open, respectful discussions. It's essential to acknowledge that evolution is widely accepted in the scientific community and is not a matter of personal belief. Please guide your child to ask questions and engage in conversations, as these discussions can help them gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
I am trained to create a respectful classroom environment where all students, regardless of their beliefs, feel safe and valued. They will present evolution as a scientific theory based on evidence, without promoting or undermining personal beliefs. Instructors encourage students to ask questions, fostering open and respectful communication about the topic.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2022
4.9
263reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology from University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Wisconsin - Madison
⭐⭐⭐⭐New to Outschool learners, use code DrLeePhDBi20 for $20 off your first class on Outschool. Let me know if you use this code :)⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Please feel free to reach out for inquiring new classes (ANY topics related to biological sciences), new time slots
⭐Grades: Grades are available upon request for all of my classes - please contact me regarding this
⭐If you miss the class, you can access all lecture recordings from the Outschool main page within a day.
Hello everyone! I am from South Korea. I am Dr. Lee and have a PhD in immunology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. I also worked at Yale University for two years, where I examined the role of immune cells in the process of aging. I have extensive scientific teaching experience in high school and college settings. I have developed and taught various introductory biology courses in tutoring and in a classroom setting. I have also taught Korean in various settings in high school and college level.
In my class, I will utilize various teaching methods that will help the students to learn biology, including cam-doc, PowerPoints, and worksheet. The students will also reinforce their knowledge by writing down the notes, which is an important aspect of future career. During the course, it is my goal to foster critical thinking, stimulate intellectual growth, enhance engagement and participation, and inspire students to reach their full potential. For me, teaching is another form of learning; my interactions with students ignite a continuous urge to learn more, trigger new ideas and engender strength to move forward.
I will also incorporate diversity of student backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses and problem solving skills to customize my teaching style. Students needed to identify the experimental goals and organize fundamental biological concepts and my role as a teacher is to effectively guide students to a complete understanding of the subject.
I am also available for additional sections (requested by learners) and individual tutoring. Please drop me a message to schedule additional sections if you would like to schedule other time-
Class policy:
⭐ If nobody shows up in the classroom within 10 minutes after the start time of the class, the teacher will cancel the class for that day, and there won't be any makeup classes.
⭐ The teacher will provide grades to those who request them. However, to receive a grade, students must complete all optional quizzes, homework, and labs.
⭐ All students must show respect towards the teacher and their peers throughout the class.
⭐ Students are not required to use their video camera during class, but they must turn it on when they join the class every day. It's recommended to use a microphone instead of typing in the chat for better learning experience.
⭐ The teacher will only arrange makeup classes if they are unable to attend the class. There won't be any makeup classes if a student misses the class. However, students can view the recorded class if at least one other student was present in the class.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
3-18 learners per class
