Please Note: This class is also offered in a FLEX setting and can be found at the link below:
https://outschool.com/classes/carnivora-in-depth-L1rNyqs3#usDHdU5dX8

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What does the spotted hyena, wolverine, Siberian tiger and your pet dog all have in common? They are all part of the same order of animals!  In this multi-day class, we will dive into the Mammalian order ‘Carnivora.’ We will discuss specific families and species that you can find in this group and compare and contrast their characteristics. Students will learn that there is much more to this group than being a feline or canine! 

Some of the species we will be touching on in the course include:
1) Gray Wolves
2) Meerkats
3) African Wild Dogs
4) Cheetahs
5) Red Pandas
6) Walruses
7) Honey Badgers

…and over 15 more!

Please note – while I would love to chat about every animal in each family, there are simply too many to cover (over 250 species!) I encourage (and will continue to encourage) students to do further investigation after the course has concluded. 

Classes At-A-Glance:

Class One and Two
In our first lesson, we will discuss the class (Mammalia), the order (Carnivora) and how the order is divided. We will also discuss different animals in the family ‘Canidae’ in more depth. Our second class discusses other families that are considered to be ‘dog-like carnivores’ such as pinnipeds (seals, sea lions etc.) and bears. 

Class Three and Four
In our third lesson, we will discuss what being a ‘cat-like carnivore’ is all about and focus on different animals in the family ‘Felidae.’ Our final class will continue this discussion, however focus on other families that are considered to be ‘cat-like carnivores’ such as mongooses and hyenas.

*Note that the content is more about present day creatures. Past lineages, origins, and creatures may be mentioned briefly but not detailed.

At the end of each class, we will play a short trivia game about what we’ve learned. Participation in the game is optional and students are welcome to watch or answer privately.

There is no mandatory homework, but students are encouraged to display information about their favourite learned species (or a species that wasn’t discussed) in the form of a paragraph, poster, or presentation. I will provide an outline for this task after the second class and would be happy to look at the finished product and assess it if the parent (or learner) would like. While it is up to the learner and parent if the task is completed, it is strongly encouraged. 

Optional handouts and questions to promote information retention will also be provided for each class.

This class will be more of a lecture style (yet interactive) class with a PowerPoint, photos, videos, and fascinating facts. We will have conversations about these creatures (including where they live, what they eat, and different behaviours) and students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss (although are also welcome to just absorb the information if they prefer).

Image Credit: christels of Pixabay
Image Credit: Rémi Jacquaint of Unsplash