Zoology Weekly for Gifted & Curious Kids - Animal Science Ongoing
In this ongoing zoology class, students will learn a new animal science concept weekly. Join anytime, catch anything you missed as the class cycle repeats every 30 weeks, and leave anytime. Not a slideshow lecture. We model, chat, & game!
Mrs. Scott - Animal Science Teacher
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(62)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Join any time of the year! Catch anything you missed when the class cycle repeats every 30 weeks. Leave anytime and then jump back in! My lessons are full of discussion, visual examples, and include short games and challenges. Students receive hands-on learning opportunities including a population count lab, building food chains, and modeling structural adaptations. A typical class includes: 10 minute explanation of concept through pictures, models (real specimens, bones, x-rays, fossils, and more!) 10 minutes of discussion & students demonstrating understanding, and 5 minutes of games and/or questions Supplemental activities and information may be posted to the classroom to help students understand the topic of the week. I provide many tactile learning activities to reinforce vocabulary and understanding (matching, sorting, cut & paste, and other activities). Printing these materials is useful but not mandatory. The schedule for weekly lessons is as follows (cycle repeats after 30 weeks): WEEK OF ... April 27 What is an animal & characteristics of living things May 4 Classification & animal phyla May 11 Mammals May 18 Homologous & Analogous structures May 25 Animal symmetry June 1 Organization of living things June 8 Population counts June 15 - skip week - June 22 Ecosystems June 29 Food chains/webs July 6 Symbiotic relationships July 13 Introduction to adaptations, skull adaptations, & predator/prey July 20 Animal adaptations - Physiological July 27 - skip week - Aug 3 Animal adaptations - Structural Aug 10 Animal adaptations - behavioral Aug 17 Animal coloration - mimicry, cryptic color, countershading & more Aug 24 Types of dormancy Aug 31 Extreme adaptations - from deserts to hydrothermal vents Sep 7 Careers in animal science Sep 14 Dichotomous key - lizard identification Sep 21 Human impact, endangered species, & meet a prehensile-tailed skink Sep 28 Animal trafficking - exotic pet trade, animal testing, traditions & medicine Oct 5 Ancient animals Oct 12 Animal genetics week 1 Oct 19 Animal genetics week 2 Oct 26 Domesticated animals & artificial selection Nov 2 Hybrids & speciation Nov 9 Life history strategies & limiting factors Nov 16 Unusual animals Nov 23 Monkeys vs apes Nov 30 Big cats vs small cats If you feel your child would do better in a small group setting using a workbook to follow along, my small group zoology class covers a different animal each week and utilizes a Thinking Tree funschooling journal which provides fabulous structure for children with alternative learning needs. See it here: https://outschool.com/classes/zoology-small-group-animal-science-multi-curriculum-with-math-language-arts-CCnybyTK?refuid=3WvkBSLr
Learning Goals
Students will develop a general understanding of zoological concepts.
Other Details
Learning Needs
Students will be invited to participate in discussion, but will never feel pressured. I adapt to students who prefer to use the chat, turn off cameras after attendance, or that have many questions. ADHD or neurodivergent, all are welcome!
Parental Guidance
Animal trafficking and predator/prey relationships are discussed with no graphic images or details. Adaptations are described as happening because traits that make an animal better suited for survival cause them to live and pass on their genes.
Supply List
Paper and pencil are needed to participate in some basic drawing and diagramming (no art skills or talent needed!) We have a couple of opportunities to model with play doh or clay, too! Students may choose to draw, instead. For our "population counts" week I do a lab demonstration using dried white beans. Students may choose to follow along with their own dried beans, but small cut squares of paper work just fine.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2023
4.9
62reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Science
I have a bachelors degree in biology, specifically ecology. As a licensed teacher, I have spent time in a brick and mortar classroom teaching ecology, biology, and life sciences. My zoology classes on outschool include concepts from all three, as well as my personal experiences volunteering with zoos and working with the California Department of Fish and Game.
Before I became a teacher I worked with wildlife, in a microbiology lab, and also in animal welfare. I have always been called to work with children and have volunteered at girl scout camps, zoo camps, and children's hospitals. As a teacher on Outschool, I am committed to bringing visual and tangible content to the classroom. I believe teaching is more than just a lecture. My students learn best by seeing examples of concepts, and by breaking new content down into manageable pieces. I am always available for questions and support!Reviews
Live Group Class
$9
weekly1x per week
25 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
4-8 learners per class
