So Science: Bugs 411, Entomology Full Year Course
In this course, students will acquire a knowledge of insect biology and evolution. I will be highlighting insects with unusual features, bizzare behaviors and lifestyles as well as collection, identification, and display skills.
Tamera Hunter, MS Biology
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(3)
What's included
15 live meetings
13 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This course will teach students:
*What insects are
*Insect structure and biology
*Diversity and evolutionary adaptations
^advantages of different life cycles
*The role of insects in ecosystems
^as herbivores, predators, and scavengers
^diversity and biomass
^as pollinators, decomposers, recyclers
^as water quality indicators
*Major insect orders (groups) and examine their diversity
*Body parts and functions
*Insect mating behavior
*Insect reproduction
*Research methods for study of insects
*The role of insects as decomposers and how this is important to forensic investigations
*Co-evolutionary relationships
*History of pollination
*Importance of pollinators, both economically and ecologically
*Positive and negative influence in relationships with other organisms
*Positive and negative relationships with humans
^Commercial products
^Food production
^Pests (to crops, stored food, housing)
^Cost to livestock and pets
^Diseases caused by insects and impact to human history
*Insect population management
^Economic benefits
^Increased resistance
^Risk to human health
^Risk to beneficial insects
^Benefits and risks of GM's to control insects
*Strategies for collecting and building insect collections (Final Project)
Syllabus*
Week 1 Introduction to Arthropoda, Insect Diversity, External Anatomy
Week 2 Internal Anatomy/Physiology
Week 3 Classification, Collecting and Preserving
Week 4 Mating Behavior, Development
Week 5 Mechanics of Movement
Week 6 Decomposers
Week 7 Insects and Plants, Feeding and Defense
Week 8 Pollination and Social Behavior
Week 9 Predatory Insects
Week 10 Ground dwelling Insects
Week 11 Aquatic Insects
Week 12 Parasitic Insects and Disease
Week 13 Importance of Insects
Week 14 Pest Management
Week 15 Insects and Humans
*Syllabus subject to change in that we may continue one week into the next to fully explore the content.
Class will be taught via lecture, discussion, interactive labs, projects, individual and group work. I use demonstration, facilitation, and provide information so that my students can develop questions, solve problems, and become independent learners.
Students should have some prior knowledge of life science but it is not essential to be successful in this course.Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
*Define what an insect traits.
*Describe insect structure
*Identify insect taxonomy to order
*Discuss evolutionary relationships and ecological roles of insects
*Evaluate positive and negative effects on humans
*Assemble an insect collection with identification to order.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Understanding of basic biology is helpful.
Supply List
Handouts will be provided as needed. Students are expected to access handouts in split screen or print form as their resources make available. A notebook, either digital or print, should be compiled as class progresses. Student should have a device that allows split screen or be able to print documents.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
5.0
3reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Science
Texas Teaching Certificate in Science
Utah Teaching Certificate in Science
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Georgia State University
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Shorter College
Hello and Welcome!
I teach science, life skills, and facilitate book clubs. I’m working to expand my offerings in each of these areas.
Professional background:
• 12 years brick and mortar teaching science
• 5+ years online science
• Courses I’ve taught: high school biology, chemistry, physical science, physics, environmental science, and marine science, middle school earth science and robotics at general and honors level
Education:
• Undergraduate -Shorter College BS Biology, minor Chemistry
• Graduate -GA State University Masters Biology, concentration Applied Environmental Microbiology
I love to learn and love helping kids learn. My classes are:
• Fun and engaging; lots of laughter
• Related to real world experiences
• Sprinkled with historical and interesting stories about scientists
• Designed with activities to promote learning; not just memorizing
o Coming soon: Skills to Improve Learning and Retention
• Goal oriented to student success and confidence
I am:
• A total nerd
• Somewhat clumsy – I can’t seem to eat without getting food on me or vacuum without getting tangled in
the cord and pulling the plug out of the wall.
• Lifetime learner - all subjects
• Animal lover
• Mom and Grandmom – aka Nana Banana
My philosophy:
• Believe in yourself
• You can if you try
• No fear – learn from mistakes
• Read first, ask questions later… Then, ask lots of questions!
I encourage you to reach out to me regarding class schedules. I will work with you to schedule class availability to fit within your timeframe! Thank you!Reviews
Live Group Class
$120
for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-10 learners per class
