What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Learners should have their specimen 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 shark dissection before each class.Assessment
Learners will be assessed by informal assessment. A handout will be provided before the class. The students may complete this before class. This handout can also be used by parents as an informal assessment at home after class. A vocabulary quiz is available at: https://quizlet.com/_8t1r0a?x=1qqt&i=320l2kClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
In this 1 class online course, we will dissect a shark to learn more about its body and how it compares to other animals. This will be a hands-on dissection course where learners have the opportunity to dissect their own specimen under teacher direction. No prior knowledge is required. Hand-outs will be provided. The class will begin with a short greeting time and then we will proceed directly to the shark dissection. Learners should have their specimen 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 shark dissection before the class. Hand-outs and answers will also be provided so that learners can have a written sheet to help them remember important details about the shark dissection.
Learning Goals
Learners will improve their understanding of shark body type/systems and the special features of the shark as compared to other animals.
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 shark. The specific kit needed can be found at this website: <https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/shark-dissection-kit/#> 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."
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 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 One-Time Class
$30
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-6 learners per class