Shark Teeth Fossils in the Potomac River: Ecology, Evolution, and Fossilization
Explore the fascinating world of shark teeth fossils found in the Potomac River. Learn about ancient marine ecosystems, shark species, fossilization, and the ecological significance of shark teeth.
Dr. Lopez
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(461)
Rising Star
What's included
6 live meetings
4 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. review the in class lesson and/or continue research as requestedGrading
rereview the in class lesson and researchClass Experience
This in-depth course explores the fascinating world of shark teeth fossils found in the Potomac River, offering learners a unique opportunity to delve into ancient marine ecosystems, the evolutionary history of sharks, and the process of fossilization. Throughout the course, learners will learn about the key shark species whose teeth have been discovered in the region, including the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark, Basking Shark, and Dogfish Shark. The course begins with an introduction to the science of paleontology, explaining key concepts such as fossilization and stratigraphy. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how shark teeth contribute to our knowledge of prehistoric marine environments, feeding behaviors, and ecological relationships. The course will cover the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, when the Potomac River area was submerged by warm, shallow seas, creating ideal conditions for the shark species of the time. Learners will explore the unique adaptations of shark teeth across different species, with a focus on how these adaptations reflect their diet, habitat, and feeding strategies.
Learning Goals
Learners will have a comprehensive understanding of shark ecology, the fossilization process, and the rich fossil record of the Potomac River regionThey will also be equipped with the knowledge to identify and interpret shark teeth fossils, understand their ecological significance, and appreciate the broader implications for the study of prehistoric life.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to sharks
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Continue introduction to sharks
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Shark research 1
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Paleontology
40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Science from Rice University
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Dr. Lopez has been teaching science-related courses on Outschool since March 2020. Some of the general topics she has taught include Microbiology, Marine Biology, Ornithology, Botany, Herpetology, environmental science with research and presentation components.
She previously taught undergraduate non-science and science major courses in Ecology, Tropical Biology, and Life Sciences at University of California, Irvine. Furthermore, she lead undergraduate field and lab courses in Ornithology, Ecology, and Biodiversity at Rice University.
EDUCATION
Dr. Lopez earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Rice University in Houston, TX and earned a B.S. in Biology from University California, Los Angeles.
Research Experience
Dr. Lopez has conducted research in various ecosystems including mudflats and salt marshes (marine ecosystems), freshwater wetlands, and coastal and riparian terrestrial habitats. Her research has focused on species interactions (herbivore- plant, and plant-plant, predator- prey) and how climate change, water pollution, Nitrogen deposition, and invasive species affect these interactions at the species and community level.
GOALS
Dr. Lopez enjoys motivating and inspiring learners via her teaching to increase interest in science fields. In her courses, Dr. Lopez focuses on transferable skills that learners can use and apply to different areas and career paths. Furthermore, she provides the information necessary so that learners are equipped to make decisions as informed citizens of society in the future about the future of science and current environmental issues.
COURSE POLICIES
1. The courses follow the ‘Limited’ refund model. Parents may withdraw up to a week before class starts with a full refund. Within this timeframe, parents may request a transfer to a new section no less than 72 hours before class is scheduled to start.
2. If your learner has not joined the meeting 10 minutes after the scheduled class start time, the meeting will be cancelled. This is considered a missed meeting and you are not entitled to a refund.
3. If your learner misses 3 consecutive class meetings without previous communication with Dr. Lopez, you forfeit the class fee (no refunds), and any remaining sessions of the class will be cancelled.
4. In the event that a learner misses a class, recordings are privately made available in each classroom upon request if at least one learner is in attendance for that session. However, a recording is not available for sessions in which there is only one learner enrolled.
5. Learners must be respectful at all times of Dr. Lopez and ALL other learners in the class with no exception.
6. Make-up sessions will be provided if there is a problem and Dr. Lopez cannot attend class due to an unforeseen emergency.Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
weekly1x per week, 6 weeks
40 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-4 learners per class
