과학 탐험가: 생물학 독서 모험

In this 7 week course, we will meet twice a week to explore a new topic in the exciting world of Biology. The topics have been chosen to provide learners with a general overview of Biology: Living Things, Photosynthesis, Animal Habitats, Life Cycles of Insects, Food Chains & Ecosystems, Microorganisms & Germs, and Biodiversity & Conservation. Vocabulary and key concepts related to these topics will be explored with an emphasis on common concepts that are found in each: interdependence, energy flow, and cycles in nature. 

Our lessons will be structured and follow a predictable format, but within that structure there will be lots of room for spontaneous discussion and individual choice. The first lesson of the week will begin with the introduction of vocabulary words, followed by reading a 1-2 page text containing the vocabulary and key concepts that will build learners' understanding of the topic. The text will be read by the teacher and additional readings, either in whole or in part, may be done by the learners, depending on their preferences and needs. After the reading, learners will be invited to complete a comprehension activity and to participate in a discussion to share their ideas and prior knowledge, ask questions, and engage in conversation. Following the discussion, we will record the vocabulary words in notebooks, including a written definition and an illustration (learners can choose what works best for them). The lesson will end with a challenge for the learners to further explore the topic on their own, with the intention of sharing with the group in the next lesson.

The second lesson of the week will include a review of the topic in the form of reading and discussing additional texts, sharing the results of the challenge, looking at and discussing slides, and engaging in interactive activities such as writing, labelling, illustrating, solving puzzles, and more. Activities will be chosen based on learner interest and ability, and may vary slightly from the syllabus.