NOTE Course has FALL and SPRING Semesters 18 Weeks each:
       Fall semester includes micro level biology (genetics, cell bio, ect); Following SPRING Semester includes dissection. 

During the Spring Semester, we will study different types of animals. We'll begin by examining protists and fungi, then move on to plants. After that, we'll study the Animal Kingdom, starting with sponges, then moving on to crustaceans and insects. Later, we'll focus on vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Although the labs mainly involve observing large specimens, it's recommended for students to have their own microscope and slides on hand in case they become curious and want to take a closer look. The course includes a dissection portion where human anatomy is briefly discussed, and some body systems will be studied to help students better comprehend the animals being examined.

The lab session will start with a brief introduction and explanation of the tasks for the day. Students are advised to maintain a lab notebook to keep track of their experiments and observations. The lab provides dissection models of earthworms, crayfish, perch, and frogs. These will used in preparation for dissection or as a dissection alternative.  Students may choose to dissect a live specimen during the lab, but it is not mandatory. Models and videos will be utilized to assist those who opt to conduct a dissection. Students who choose not to dissect a specimen in class will engage in other lab activities instead.

Protist and Fungi 
Week 1: Protozoans, Algae & Pond Life
   -Make observations of micro-organism in water sample
   -View prepared slides of various protozoans and sketch.
Week 2: Molds and Fungi
   -View bread and fruit mold from various specimens under microscope.
   -View Mushrooms and spores on slide. 
   Optional: Observe yeast reproducing under microscope.

Plant Diversity & Reproduction
Week 3: Flower anatomy
  - Compare different types of flowers, noting similarities and differences. 
  -View different kinds of pollen under microscope
Week 4: Fruit Classification  
  -Dissect and compare different kinds of fruit.

Plant Structure & Function
Week 5: Cross sections of roots, stems, and a leaf
  - View prepared slides monocot and dicot stems/ roots; leaf cross section. 
Week 6: Anthocyanins and pH help determine leaf color
   - Use red cabbage to demonstrate how anthocyanins change color with different pH.
 
Diversity of Invertebrates
Week 7  Invertebrates
Sponge spicules and sponge model
  - Observe spicules in natural sponge, create Instructible model of sponge anatomy.
   Observe Hydra
   - Observe prepared slide of hydra.
Week 8: Earth Worm Dissection (Model)
  - Prepare model of earth worm, become familiar with anatomy and body systems.
  - Practice basic cutting and pinning techniques either in preparation for or in place of specimen. 
  (optional: prepared slide, planarian)
Week 9 -  Worm anatomy/ Human digestive system
  -Study mechanical and chemical digestion using crackers
  -(optional student dissection of worm specimen)

Animals - Invertebrates Part 2 Arthropods & Insects
Week 10: Crayfish (External Anatomy)
  - Prepare model of crayfish, become familiar with anatomy and body systems 
Week 11: Crayfish (Internal Anatomy)
 (optional: dissection of crayfish specimen)
  -Human heart and circulatory system study

Animals - Chordates Part 1 - Characteristics of Vertebrates/ Fish
Week 12: Perch (External Anatomy & Model)
  - Prepare model of perch, become familiar with anatomy and body systems 
Week 13: Perch (Internal Anatomy) 
  (Optional: dissection of perch specimen)
 -Human brain and nervous system - Nerve impulse lab

 Amphibians/ Reptiles
Week 14: Frog (External Anatomy)
  -Prepare model of frog, become familiar with anatomy and body systems 
Week 15: Frog (Internal Anatomy)
   (Optional: dissection of Frog or Chicken Wing)
   -Human Muscle and Skeletal System 

Week 16: Review of Animal Systems and Models
  -Review anatomy and choose topic of interest to further investigate.
  
Week 17:  Animal Behavior: Bird Observation
  -Learn about different birds in North America 
  -Practice using field guide and keeping field journal
Week 18: Conservation & Environment
   - Choice topic based on learner interest