Students do not need any special knowledge to take this class, only a curiosity about Australia and its special animals! In this multi-day class, students will find out why so many of Australia's animals are endemic. That means they are only found in Australia! We will talk about how Australia came to be on its own, not connected to other land masses, and how that impacted the plants and animals that evolved there. We will learn about marsupials and how they differ from other mammals, monotremes, which are egg-laying mammals, and some of the venomous species that are abundant here. We will also understand how Australia has come to have so many invasive species and how they affect the environment. 
Students will see lots of photos and videos and hear lots of interesting facts. Students will be encouraged to participate and share their thoughts and knowledge about this amazing place and its animals!
Day 1: Australia's geography and overview of its many unique, endemic species and its non-native, invasive species
Day 2: Marsupial and placental mammals
Day 3: Venomous animals, birds, and monotremes