Students will be given the idea of an animal or possible combination of animals, and then they must decide if they think it could be a real animal or not. For example, what would happen if you combined a panda bear with an ant? Would that make a real animal, or not? Spoiler alert: there is actually an insect called the panda ant. It is an ant that has similar colorings to the panda bear. Follow-up questions are also provided to encourage students to think about biodiversity, adaptations, natural selection, and human impacts on earth's systems (with invasive and endangered species). Additional information is given about each animal, including: geological locations (maps are included), and any other cool facts about it. There are also a few fictional animals (AI and Photoshop generated) thrown in there to keep students thinking and on their toes. This class is focused on animals, and showcases some of the bizarre and beautiful creatures that are living in our world. Most of these animals can be found in the wild, if one looks closely enough.

By giving the students a chance to consider, and discuss their opinions of each animal, they will be developing logic, reasoning, and conversation skills. Students are also given the opportunity to consider the natural adaptations of these animals (i.e. why would a seahorse benefit by looking like seaweed?). Plus, if your children are anything like mine, they will absolutely love to learn about really cool and crazy things to share with their family and friends.