What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Learners should have their specimens ready to dissect upon entering the classroom. Learners may need extra time after class to complete their own dissection and/or to complete their hand-outs. Learners will benefit most if they read over material about the upcoming animal dissection before each class.Assessment
Learners will be assessed by informal assessment. A handout will be provided before the first class. The students may complete this before class. This handout can also be used by parents as an informal assessment at home after class. Vocabulary quizzes are available as listed below: - the clam dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8oxq7u?x=1jqt&i=320l2k - the fish dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qp28d?x=1qqt&i=320l2 - the crayfish dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qpcpr?x=1qqt&i=320l2k - the earthworm dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qpek9?x=1qqt&i=320l2k - the starfish dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qqgqa?x=1qqt&i=320l2k - the grasshopper dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qr7im?x=1qqt&i=320l2k - the frog dissection - https://quizlet.com/_8qrgvt?x=1qqt&i=320l2kClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
In this 6 day online course, we will dissect various animals to learn more about their body and how it compares to humans. This will be a hands-on dissection course where learners have the opportunity to dissect their own specimens under teacher direction. No prior knowledge is required. Hand-outs will be provided. Day 1: Introduction and Clam Dissection - In this class, we will discuss the rules and tools of dissection. We will then dissect a clam to learn more about how it moves on the ocean floor. Day 2: Fish Dissection - In this class, we will dissect a fish (perch) to learn more about how it breathes underwater. Day 3: Crayfish Dissection - In this class, we will dissect a crayfish to learn more about how it protects its internal organs. Day 4: Earthworm and Starfish Dissection - In this class, we will dissect an earthworm to learn more about how it open circulatory system works and we will dissect a starfish to learn more about how it uses water instead of blood. Day 5: Grasshopper and Frog Dissection - In this class, we will dissect a grasshopper to learn more about how it uses its legs in special ways and begin to explore the external traits of a frog. Day 6: Frog Dissection - In this class, we will dissect a frog to learn more about how it uses its eyes to swallow. Each class will begin with a short greeting time and then we will proceed directly to the specimen dissection for that day. Learners should have their specimens ready to dissect upon entering the classroom. I will teach with a camera over my own dissection so that the learners can see what is being done and how they should do it. They may need extra time after class to complete their own dissection and/or to complete their hand-outs. I have a relaxed teaching style and there will be opportunities for questions during the class. I can also be reached by email. Learners will benefit most if they read over material about the upcoming animal dissection before each class. Hand-outs and answers will also be provided so that learners can have a written sheet to help them remember important details about each dissection.
Learning Goals
Learners will improve their understanding of various animal body types/systems and the special features of each as compared to the human body.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners will be dissecting their own dead animal specimens and therefore should be aware of this fact.
Supply List
NOTE: I do NOT receive additional benefits through commissions or the like. I am NOT an affiliate for any website or subscription company package NOR am I an owner of any online store. Each learner will need to purchase their own dissection kit with animals. The specific kit needed can be found at this website: <https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/intermediate-dissection-kit/?nosto=nosto-page-category1>. Some kind of eyewear (glasses, goggles, etc.) is recommended. If you wish you can purchase child goggles at:<https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/safety-impact-goggles-child-size/> Additional hand-outs will be provided. The information below is from the supplier listed above: "...students are able to remember and understand complex concepts more deeply and longer-term. Studying some animal anatomy can even give students a better understanding of human anatomy...As students activate many of their senses while dissecting an animal, their memory (or recall) increases, which helps boost their overall academic performance. Students who pursue careers in biology (including researchers, medical doctors, and teachers) will benefit from remembering dissection details...Doing an activity, like an animal dissection, brings some FUN into the home or classroom, encourages student participation, and teaches important life concepts... [M]ost of our animal suppliers use formalin to embalm their dissection specimens. Formalin is a colorless and (mostly) odorless solution of formaldehyde in water. You’ll notice that many customer reviews mention the “no-smell” smell of our specimens! We understand that humane practices are a concern for many when it comes to dissection. It is important for us to communicate that source most of our dissection specimens from companies in the United States. Because of this, most of our suppliers are subject to inspections and compliance orders from the US Department of Agriculture, under the Animal Welfare Act. In addition, many of the animals used for educational dissections are often the byproducts of other industries. For example, fetal pigs come from pork manufacturers and skinned minks come from fur ranches. Rather than sending the bodies of these animals to the landfill, suppliers use them for educational purposes...Small specimens are perfect for first-time dissections! Some excellent smaller specimens include earthworms, crayfish, starfish, clams, grasshoppers, and frogs!"
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught biology at the high school level in both public schools and home schools. I have taught this particular course many times and have also completed numerous dissections myself as a high school and college student. My first college degree is in Secondary Education (grades 6-12) with four concentrations (one concentration being biology) so I am certified to teach this subject at those levels. I have also taught Human Anatomy and Physiology at the college level and taught dissections there.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$60
for 6 classes3x per week, 2 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-6 learners per class