This class is taught over two one-week periods. Classes are held from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. We will provide lunch.

This course provides students with the fundamentals of microbiology and insight into the microscopic world. It is meant for students who are interested in science and would like to learn using real laboratory equipment. The class will model microbiology concepts on a large scale and also use actual microscopes. We may meet at a nearby body of water, collect samples, prepare slides and view them under the microscope.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of some elementary school level biology and chemistry. This class is meant for students who are comfortable with material typically learned by public school students in the 4th - 7th grade.

Lessons include

• Introduction to Microbiology
• Genetics / DNA
• Your Immune System
• Bacteria and Archaea
• Good and Bad Bacteria
• Viruses
• Virology: Infection and Immunity
• Uses of Microbes
• Pathogens
• Fungi
• Algae
• Protozoa

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

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Class will meet from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Mondays through Friday from 7/24 to 7/28/23 and from 8/7 to 8/11/23. We will provide lunch, which will be catered and consist of "kid food" (pizza, subs, hot dogs/hamburgers, etc).

THe two sessions are separated by a week. This is two parts of the same course, so you should plan on being able to attend both weeks. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

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.

Cost

The cost of the two-week course is $400. Half is due to reserve your spot and the remainder is due by the first day of class.

Assignments and Grading

There will be reinforcing worksheet assignments for homework. We will issue a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. We can also issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on homework and classroom performance.

I will not expect any memorization, but I will expect students to become familiar with the material and techniques. 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.

Students should be prepared to complete worksheets in class, use a microscope and model microbiology concepts in an arts-and-crafts kind of way.

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 assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. We don't have a bell that rings and I won't stop mid-sentance because the clock hit a number. 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
• Parents are welcome to stay for class or drop off

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

• Be attentive in class
• Be safe at all times
• Do your homework
• Ask questions

I highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in my current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. I don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into this 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

All class materials will be provided. Students should just bring a pen and typical classroom materials.