Kids get curious about the diversity of life on earth in this weekly Science class. This is the perfect class for kids who are interested to learn exactly how jellyfish sting, how dogs evolved from wolves, or why bacteria are so important - all through kid-friendly, interactive learning activities. 

Students go beyond the basics and start exploring taxonomy, evolution, ecology, cell Biology, genetics, & more. This is a good chance for kids who love to learn and talk about animals and other living things and connect with others who share the same interests. 

Over the weeks, we will deepen our knowledge about 'fan favorite' animals like dolphins and dogs and we will also learn to appreciate the less recognized, but critically important, life forms like fungi and sea weed.  We will also consider living things fit together in ecosystems. 

Classes are interactive and thought-provoking. Learning is accomplished through a variety of activities including:
-direct teaching using slides
-inquiry and class discussion
-collaborative activities 
-biological drawing
-creative drawings to explore Biology themes

Student are given time at the end of each class to write notes and/or draw what they have learned in class. During the final minutes, students can share their biggest 'take-aways' from the class. 

This is class is ideal for kids who:
-want to go beyond the basics and start learning real Biology
-thrive in a small class environment where they have ample opportunity to share their ideas and questions
-enjoy using drawing as a tool to learn Science and express ideas creatively 

Why study Biology?
Learning Biology deepens students' understanding and appreciation of the world we live in and equips them to be the future decision-makers, taking care of the natural world. I studied Biology at university and also worked a a Biology lab assistant (and forestry researcher) before becoming a teacher. I am glad to be able to pass on my knowledge and experienced on to my student in my 'Life on Earth' class. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or comments! I hope to meet your learner in one of my classes. 
-Beth-Ann

Winter/Spring Themes 2024:

BACTERIA & CELLS
Week of Jan 8: Intro to Biology (The scientific study of life) 
Week of Jan 15: Bacteria and simple cells. A look inside the cell.
Week of Jan 22: How Bacteria changed the world.
DOGS
Week of Jan 29: The evolution of dogs (Focus on Wild Dogs)
Week of Feb 5: The co-evolution of dogs and humans (Pleistocene Dogs) 
Week of Feb 12: The Biology of dog breeding (Early Egyptian and Chinese dog breeds)
ARTHROPODS
Week of Feb 26: Classification and the 5 Biological Kingdoms, Intro to Arthropods
Week of Mar 4: Arthropod Characteristics and Paleo Bugs
Week of Mar 11: Insects and prehistoric GIANT bugs
Week of Mar 18: Insects in the age of dinosaurs
**Week of March 25:  NO CLASS 
Week of Apr 1: Arachnids 1
Week of Apr 8: Arachnids 2
Week of Apr 15: Crustaceans 
WHALES:
Week of Apr 22: Mammal overview, evolution, and anatomy
Week of Apr 29: Whale behaviour and social life
Week of May 6: Baleen Whales
Week of May 13: Whale ID and conservation
**Week of May 20: No class
Week of May 27: TBA
Week of June 3: TBA
Week of June 10: TBA
**Classes end for Summer Break**

Explore more interesting Biology themes and keep drawing! Keep an eye open for my Life on Earth summer camps.