Animals are amazing! In this course we will explore the world of animals. Learners will be introduced to key ideas in zoology such as classification, behavior, physiology and evolution. We will also look at examples of animals from many different environments with diverse survival strategies. We will pay close attention to the roles animals play in their ecosystems and how those roles may have developed. 

Learner will get to chose an animal to do a final project on. 

We will investigate questions such as:

How are animals different from other living things?
Why did metamorphosis evolve?
How do we classify animals?
What kinds of different invertebrates are there?
What is metabolism?
How do animals shape and influence their environments?

This is a highly interactive course. Students will learn through an image  filled presentation and discussion. Students’ participation and questions are regularly encouraged. Classes are designed to encourage learner engagement and follow their curiosity. 

Week One: Introduction
Week Two: Classification
Week Three: Growth, Development, and Reproduction
Week Four: Metabolism 
Week Five: Invertebrates Part I
Week Six: Invertebrates Part II
Week Seven: Vertebrates
Week Eight: Projects

Final Project:
Learners will complete a final project on an animal of their choice. They have creative options on how to complete the project and will collaborate with the instructor to determine what format works best for their learning style.  Students will share their project with their classmates in the final meeting, respond to questions and comments, and ask questions about their classmates’ projects.   

There is no prerequisites for this course, just a love of learning and curiosity about the living world.