The Science of Dragons - Using Mythical Creatures to Learn About Real Science
Based on the very popular "How to Train Your Dragon and the Scientific Method" class, we provide a more focused look on particular types of science each week, providing experiments and investigations for young dragon enthusiasts.
Jamye E Carr
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(373)
Rising Star
What's included
14 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will be completing homework projects on their own and submitting them via the classroom on Outschool for grading and peer review. Projects will vary in length depending on student age and complexity, and student choice boards will be made available to accommodate different types of learners.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This class will teach science through the use of dragons from popular culture (movies, tv shows, books) to engage students in the process of learning. Using instructional videos through the Outschool platform, I will guide students through the Socratic method (questioning) and the use of visual tools and online resources and simulators the topics of genetics, natural selection, ecology, animal behavior, and animal adaptations. As a former marine biologist, I like to use my personal experiences to tell the children stories of how real science works and give examples of historical scientific figures and how they have used these techniques to learn more about the world. This flex class will allow learners to listen to and watch the instructional video while participating in offline investigations and then bring those experiences back to me and the rest of the class to share. References to the movies will be made and short video clips (each less than 10 sec in length) will be used for educational purposes only. It is important that learners have watched at least the first How to Train Your Dragon movie, which is available on Amazon Prime (free for subscribers) and on DVD and Blu-ray.
Learning Goals
Week 1 : Introduction to the Scientific Method in action: Skills every scientist needs, how these skills translate into the cycle of the scientific method, how to keep a scientific journal, how to stay safe while doing science. (For learners who have taken the 1-shot class this will be a review rather than new material). Activities and journal assignments will be included for each week.
Week 2: Animal Adaptations (Behavioral and Physical): Learners will identify dragon traits and behaviors (learned and innate) as adaptations and relate to how they can benefit the dragon in its habitat.
Week 3: Dragon Genetics: How are the traits we learned about in week 2 passed on from the parents? Mendelian and Nonmendelian genetics, DNA, and heredity.
Week 4: Fossils and Classification: How are animal groups organized, and how is this related to how they share traits or characteristics? Where did the mythology of dragons come from, and how is it that all cultures have some history of dragons?
What is in a scientific name?
Using the Socratic method in this class means that learners are encouraged to ask questions, of each other and of the instructor, and I will provide guidance via chat or by recording personal videos for students to address their questions.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)4 Units
14 Lessons
over 4 WeeksUnit 1: Introduction to the Scientific Method
Lesson 1:
Video 1, Part 1
What is science? How do Hiccup and Toothless show us how science is done? 23 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Video 1, Part 2
Can you spot the science in the movie? 17 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Discussion Questions for Unit 1
Questions to discuss with family and friends, or to use as writing prompts. Unit 2: Dragons and Animal Adaptations
Lesson 4:
Video: Animal Adaptations
Physical vs. Behavioral and Learned vs. Instinctual Adaptations 20 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The topic of Dragon genetics has the potential to involve questions regarding reproduction, which can be handled by parents at home or by me. I will use biologically appropriate and correct terminology (sexual vs asexual reproduction, reproductive organs, words like penis, sperm, egg, vagina, uterus are important for students to know for correct anatomy). If this is objectionable I need to know before the class begins so I can make a note in the learner's file and be aware of this when providing feedback to students and answering their questions.
Supply List
Printouts for student work will be provided each week with the videos for the class. Each experiment will have supplies which can be readily purchased from the grocery store or online retailers. Alternative simulator experiments will be provided in case students are unable to find or purchase materials.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A2)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will refer to the How to Train Your Dragon movies, as well as some pop culture references to other movies, books, tv shows.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
373reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Texas A&M University
I have been a scientist for 22 years, working in the field as a marine biologist studying Kemp's Ridley sea turtles in Mexico, and working in veterinary pathology for the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. For the last 16 years, I have worked in science education, and I have certifications to teach all science courses at the secondary level in both Texas and North Carolina.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$18
weekly14 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 60 learners
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Ages: 10-15
