The Science of Dragons - Using Mythical Creatures to Learn About Real Science
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...
4 units//14 lessons//4 Weeks
Unit 1Introduction to the Scientific MethodIntroduction to the Scientific Method3 lessons1 WeekWeek 1Lesson 1Video 1, Part 1What is science? How do Hiccup and Toothless show us how science is done?Lesson 2Video 1, Part 2Can you spot the science in the movie?Lesson 3Discussion Questions for Unit 1Questions to discuss with family and friends, or to use as writing prompts.Unit 2Dragons and Animal AdaptationsDragons and Animal Adaptations4 lessons1 WeekWeek 2Lesson 4Video: Animal AdaptationsPhysical vs. Behavioral and Learned vs. Instinctual AdaptationsLesson 5Discussion: The SnaptrapperBackground Research and Investigation into the adaptations of the SnaptrapperLesson 6BattlesWhat advantages would each dragon have over the others. Discussion and essay writing prompts.Lesson 7Discussion: The Crimson GoregutterBackground Research and Investigation into the adaptations of the Crimson GoregutterUnit 3Dragon GeneticsDragon Genetics4 lessons1 WeekWeek 3Lesson 8Video: Dragon GeneticsAll about Traits! How are traits passed down through generations?Lesson 9Dragon Genetics WorksheetDragon genetics basics worksheetLesson 10Discussion QuestionsDiscussion questions and writing prompts for dragon genetic problemsLesson 11Advanced Genetics Lab ProjectWill require background knowledge and research. Optional Activity for older or advanced students.Unit 4Dichotomous Dragons: Taxonomy and ClassificationDichotomous Dragons: Taxonomy and Classification3 lessons1 WeekWeek 4Lesson 12Video; Dichotomous DragonsHow Taxonomy and Classification work in BiologyLesson 13Activity and Information SheetReading, Prelab, Lab activities to completeLesson 14Discussion QuestionsDinosaur fossils and their relationship to dragons
This class is taught in English.
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.
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.
Homework Offered
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.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Feedback will be provided on a mastery based grading scale as follows: 1 - No materials completed to prove mastery of topic 2 - Minimal understanding of concepts, but attempt was made 3 - Some understanding of concepts but some misconceptions need work 4 - Mastery of concepts and topic with near-complete understanding 5 - Exceeds expectations - learner has developed connections of learning to concepts outside of the boundaries of the classGrades Offered
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.
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.
We will refer to the How to Train Your Dragon movies, as well as some pop culture references to other movies, books, tv shows.
I have 20 years of experience in public school teaching, specializing in Biology, Chemistry, Aquatic Science, and Astronomy. My teaching style incorporates student guided inquiry based learning, Socratic instruction, and adaptive lessons. In...
Self-Paced Class
$15
weekly or $60 for all content14 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 49 learners
Ages: 10-15