Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, chupacabra, the kraken.......are they real? Is each a hoax? The branch of cryptozoology believes these creatures exist. In this class, we will use both sides of science to let each student determine whether these animals are real or not. Students will be presented with evidence for and against a variety of folklore legends to determine for themselves if they truly exist. This class meets once a week for 4 weeks. In the first three weeks, many different cryptids (the rumored animals) will be presented. After this, each student will choose one of the animals we have studied and write a 4-paragraph essay on why they believe the animal truly exists or why they believe it is a figment of imagination.

The class will utilize slides that include many, many pictures of evidence or hoaxes for each cryptid. Videos will be shown as well. Class discussion is crucial. Students will interact with each other during the lecture and each week will feature a review game. By the end of the first three weeks, students will have enough knowledge to write a short paper on their chosen animal to determine whether the information they have learned helped them to believe or disprove their cryptid. The last class on week 4 will be where students present their papers. The class, along with the teacher, will discuss each paper.

There is no required knowledge needed for this class. Maybe students have heard of some of these cryptids....many may be new. Bring your theories with you to class!

Week 4 Essay: 
Paragraph 1- Introduction of cryptid. Include history and any pertinent information.
Paragraph 2- Evidence #1 For/Against
Paragraph 3- Evidence #2 For/Against
Paragraph 4- Conclusion. State your position and summarize why this animal does/does not exist.

Please see the Syllabus for a sneak peak at which cryptid(s) we will be discussing each class. 

Please note, fewer numbers of students may result in a shortened class time. 

There will be no refunds issued for a student(s) missing class.