What's included
14 live meetings
10 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. One "take home" assignment will be assigned for students each week to complete on their own time prior to the next class.Assignments
Assignments will be posted in the classroom throughout the week to foster interaction amongst learners and/or take place during course throughout the course.Assessment
A fun, gamified assessment will be posted in the classroom at the end of each unit of study.Letter Grade
includedProgress Report
A progress report can be provided upon request at anytime throughout the course. The progress report will include an assessment of all assignments, homework, and assessments taken up to that point.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
Ready to soar into the amazing world of birds? Ornithology 101 is your gateway to exploring the skies and beyond, offering high school students an unforgettable journey through the fascinating science of avian life. Dive into this dynamic course and unlock the secrets of the feathered world! What Will Be Taught? In Ornithology 101, you'll embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the wonders of birds. From their intricate anatomy and unique behaviors to their epic migrations and conservation challenges, this course provides a comprehensive look at everything that makes birds so extraordinary. Discover how they navigate the globe, communicate, and adapt to their environments. Topics Covered -Bird Basics: Get to know the anatomy and physiology that make birds unique. - Avian Behavior: Explore the intriguing ways birds interact, communicate, and survive. - Migration Mysteries: Learn about the incredible journeys birds undertake and how they find their way. - Evolution & Classification: Uncover the evolutionary history and diverse classifications of our feathered friends. - Conservation Challenges: Delve into the pressing issues facing bird species and what we can do to help. - Virtual Field Adventures: Experience hands-on birdwatching and virtual field studies to bring your learning to life. In Ornithology 101, you’re not just a student; you’re an explorer! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with Oliver through: - Dynamic Lectures and Q&A: Gain deep insights and have your questions answered. - Engaging Games and Simulations: Reinforce your knowledge with interactive exercises. - Virtual Field Trips: Experience birdwatching and field studies to see your learning in action. - Personal Feedback: Receive regular feedback on assignments and projects to guide your progress. Join Ornithology 101 and take flight into the amazing world of birds. Discover their mysteries, marvel at their diversity, and become a part of the global effort to understand and protect them. Enroll now and let your avian adventure begin!
Learning Goals
Understand Bird Anatomy and Physiology: Identify and describe the key structures and functions of bird anatomy and how they support various life processes and adaptations.
Explore Avian Behavior and Communication: Analyze bird behaviors, vocalizations, and social interactions, and understand how these contribute to survival and reproduction.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction, Avian Diversity, and Biogeography
Explore the basics of ornithology, uncover the incredible diversity of bird species, and learn how their distribution is shaped by biogeographic factors.
45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Bird Orders, Families, and Species of the World
Delve into the classification of birds, understanding the major orders, families, and notable species across the globe.
45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Adaptations for Flight and Feather Structure
Discover the unique adaptations that enable birds to fly and the intricate structure of feathers that support their aerodynamic abilities.
45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Species, Speciation, and Systematics
Examine how bird species evolve, the processes of speciation, and the systematic methods used to categorize and understand avian diversity.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
My zoology class is uniquely designed for neurodivergent minds, with a special focus on ADHD. As someone with ADHD, I incorporate engaging, interactive learning methods that keep attention anchored and foster curiosity.
Pre-Requisites
A keen interest in the animal kingdom is recommended!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Science from University of Texas at Arlington
Master's Degree in Science from University of Central Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree in Science from University of Central Arkansas
With nearly sixteen years of experience in the zoo and aquarium community, Oliver has a wealth of practical knowledge to help learners succeed in their career goals. Oliver has helped with projects around the world from rehabilitating injured seabirds in South Africa to tracking tigers in central India. Currently, Oliver is the Content & Community Operations Manager for zoolife.tv.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$10
weekly or $140 for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-15 learners per class