What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, students will receive a pre-recorded video lesson (15-30 minutes) of me teaching the weekly topic and a guided notes sheet that students may use if they would like. Supplemental videos, discussions, and homework assignments will also be in the classroom to allow students to explore further. Students will also be prompted to answer discussion questions and interact with peers around the world. There will be a short quiz each week and a test at the end of the unit. Both are optional. I will provide feedback to all submitted work and can provide a numerical grade if desired.Assessment
Feedback will be given on all submitted assignments. If desired, I can provide a formal numerical grade.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Have you ever heard of the mountain pygmy possum? What about the resplendent bush frog or Scott's stick insect? In this class, we will learn about some of the rarest and most vulnerable species on earth and how we can help protect them. In each lesson, we will learn about one main cause of endangerment and extinction, as well as several animals at risk from this issue. Using slides, photos, short videos, and discussion, kids will get to learn the ecology, physiology, and behaviors of these unique creatures. The class will focus heavily on causes of extinction and endangerment, including the nuances of poaching and hunting, deforestation, palm oil plantations, the pet trade, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and diseases/pathogens. There may be mention of how governments do or don't support animals in a location, but no political stances are expressed other than those related to the conservation of animals. We also treat the existence of anthropogenic climate change as fact, as does the global scientific community at large. We will also discuss the conservation status, current population data and if there's anything that we can do to help protect our animal friends. We will rely heavily on data and information provided by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. Students will learn about hunting, poaching, habitat loss, invasive species, diseases and pathogens, climate change, and pollution. While it is sometimes discouraging to learn about threats to animals, we spend part of every lesson by talking about solutions and success stories in conservation. Each lesson includes pre-recorded video lesson (15-30 minutes) of me teaching the topic. Supplemental videos, discussions, and additional activity ideas will also be in the classroom to allow students to explore further. Students will also be prompted to answer discussion questions. There will be a short quiz that accompanies each lesson and a test at the end of the unit. As they are multiple choice, they are automatically graded and return the student's results immediately. My teaching style is energetic, humorous (at least I think so...), and supportive. I strive to create classes that are simultaneously rigorous, challenging, approachable, and fun for all learners. No prior experience or knowledge is required.
Learning Goals
After six less, students will be able to thoroughly discuss major issues in conservation and how they affect animals. Students will have a comprehensive understanding of several species of wildlife and strategies that humans can use to combat extinction.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Hunting, poaching, and the pet trade
In this lesson, we start exploring the impact of human activities on wildlife, covering topics such as charismatic megafauna, hunting, poaching, zoonotic diseases, and the pet trade. We will also explore IUCN distinctions, the role of bushmeat and subsistence hunting, the trade of ornamental products, the concept of Whole Animal Equivalents (WOEs), and the significance of apex predators in ecosystems.
Lesson 2:
Deforestation and habitat loss
This lesson examines the causes and consequences of deforestation, habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation. Topics include the impacts of urban sprawl, the importance of wildlife corridors, and practices like slash-and-burn agriculture. Additionally, we will discuss solutions such as the use of 100% post-consumer paper products and reforestation efforts.
Lesson 3:
Invasive and non-native species
This lesson explores the distinctions between invasive, non-native, and introduced species, and the various ways species can be transported, such as through ballast water. Case studies include the introduction of cane toads in Australia and the impact of feral pigs and cats.
Lesson 4:
Diseases and pathogens
This lesson examines wildlife diseases, including chytrid fungus in amphibians, sea star wasting disease, prion diseases in cervids, and phocine distemper in pinnipeds. We will discuss the impact of climate change on disease spread. It's not all bad though! We will wrap up by discussion solutions such as vaccinations, treatments, education, research, and quarantines.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Video lessons are hosted on Youtube and quizzes are on Google Forms. Students do not need to log in or have any account.
Supply List
There are no other supplies needed, but students may choose to use Google suite (documents, slides, etc) for notes or activities. Students may also choose to use art supplies for some projects but are not required to use any of these materials. Students may want to print out class materials, but again, not required.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Science
I got my bachelor's degree in biology (wildlife ecology) and my Master's in science education. I am a high school biology, environmental science, and zoology teacher and have experience working with many animals, including from sloths to poisonous frogs to sea anemones. Animals are my favorite thing to teach! Before teaching, I conducted small mammal research in Florida and worked at an aquarium, two major science museums and a primate sanctuary. I love zoology and giving students the chance to expose themselves to more specialized topics.
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $60 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 7 learners
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Ages: 8-12