This is a full year course using a curriculum supplied by the teacher.

This course provides students with the fundamentals ofn animal biology. Students will study the major divisions of the animal kingdom. Additionally, the students investigate animal anatomy, classification, and identification.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of basic biology.

Lessons include

Students will study zoology through readings, videos, hands-on in-class activities and a variety of online activities. Students will study the main branches of the animal kingdom including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and fish, as well as others. They will study animal habitats, behaviors, diets, and adaptations. Special studies on endangered species, classification, mimicry and camouflage, as well as ecosystems and food webs, will be conducted.

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest in various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Lecture class will meet from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The ability to attend class regularly will be important for continuity of information. Students unable to attend a class should expect additional work in order to be prepared. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

We will take attendance, but only for our own internal accountability. Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend regularly, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Assignments and Grading

There may be homework - reading and video assignments. There may also be problem-solving assignments associated with each lecture, which will be submitted on line and will receive feedback. There may be times that homework will be turned in physically, when the online format doesn't meet our needs. There will also be optional tests, which can be submitted and will be evaluated. We can issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on homework and test performance. Alternately, parents are welcome to assign their own grade for their child based on our feedback, but this will not be on a Winston Hall Academy transcript.

I will not expect any memorization. Our goal is to understand and be able to apply scientific principles. I want the students to be able to think critically, like a scientist. Anybody can look up an equation on their phone.

Students should be prepared to take notes during the lecture and to, for example, complete worksheets. Students will also need to have access to a computer, internet and a Google account. If your student does not have an email account, we can provide one @winstonhall.org. Students should also have access to a webcam with the ability to meet online. It would not be the intended method, but can be a good alternative for when weather is poor or otherwise dictated by various circumstances. We can also use online meetings for homework help/office hours.

Involvement by parents is key, but I will not expect you to do any of the teaching. What I will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to my emails, usually in the form of "Got it"
• Ensure your student(s) complete the homework and reading assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if I ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering

Involvement by your student is even more important. What I will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class
• Do your homework
• Ask questions

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into the class. Students may be denied entry into the class at my sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in science or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

There are no additional materials required beyond a computer, printing ability, pen, calculator and typical classroom materials.