In this class, we will dive into aquatic ecosystems, the organisms living within, and how they are all interconnected.
| Age Range | 10+ |
| Class Type | Live |
| Class dates | March 1 - April 5, 2022 |
| Class Size | 6-12 Learners |
| Day & Time | Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 pm EST |
Pricing Information
| Single Session | $90 per student |
| Sibling Discount | $150 for two siblings |
Let’s dive into understanding how aquatic species interact with each other and their environment in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including estuaries, lakes, ponds, wetlands, rivers, and streams.
The Aquatic Ecosystems course is the second of the middle grades Environmental Science series. In this session (Aquatic Ecosystems), we will focus on aquatic life and aquatic ecology. Students do not have to take Part 1 in order to take this class – each class can be taken individually. Students will explore the wonderful world of water and the aquatic habitats it supports, as well as specially adapted wildlife that call our ponds, streams, wetlands, lakes, and rivers home.
This will be a project-based class, with both in-class activities and projects to complete outside of class. Students will not only be learning science, they will be DOING science. A material list will be given before the beginning of class, but most materials can be found in nature or in the home.
Our main topics include:
- Aquatic Habitats and Food Webs
- Ecological Succession
- Micro- and Macroinvertebrates
- Migration
- Wetlands
- Water Quality
Class will meet weekly for one hour to discuss and learn about wildlife conservation topics. We will use hands-on investigation and scientific modeling to learn about wildlife ecology. The class is interactive and allows for cooperative learning.
All student projects turned in will be given specific, individualized feedback by the instructor. Lessons and activities meet important Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for middle grades. Many projects and activities will be based on materials from Project WILD.
Please contact Alison Blanco at MsAlison.SEA@gmail.com with any questions about this course.
Live Classes
Classes will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays at 3:00 pm EST. The class will meet for approximately one hour.
Time Commitment
Approximately 1-2 hours of work outside of live class times.
Schedule
Every Tuesday from 3/1/22 to 4/5/22
Skills Needed
- Wildlife Ecology is geared toward middle grade students, so all participants should be able to read, write, and complete assignments at this level.
- Students in this class should be able to work cooperatively during class times with other students.
Skills Gained
Students in this class will obtain a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Students will develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
To participate in this class, learners will need the following:
- Internet access
- Zoom (free account)
- A computer with microphone and camera for in-class participation
- Google account (free) for turning in assignments.
Alison Blanco, M.S.
Alison Blanco is an environmental scientist and a science educator. She has an M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida. Alison has a passion for all things related to science and nature.
Alison has taught in various forms for the past 19 years. She began as a public school teacher, and now teaches at homeschool co-ops, where she focuses on hands-on learning, and on online platforms, in which she seeks to engage students through active participation. She also has four children of her own, all of whom are homeschooled.
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Alison Blanco is a great teacher who teaches a great course. Big History is a vast subject that covers at a perfect depth the history of the universe and human race, and the highly organized teacher that is Mrs. Blanco is the perfect guide on such a journey. Cooper S.
Alison Blanco is a great teacher who teaches a great course
Teacher: Alison Blanco
My daughter has studied science with Alison for over six years and has loved it! Alison is a natural. She takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks. Last year I was so thrilled with the Big History Project curriculum and the way in which Alison taught the class. She made it fun and interesting for the students. Each week she had breakout sessions so the kids could develop their teamwork and cooperation skills while learning Big History in a unique way. Sandra J.
Alison takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks
Teacher: Alison Blanco
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way, while also making it fun and interesting. Over the year we learned about many different scientists, human evolution, what the world was like thousands of years ago and many more things, all of which Ms. Alison taught in an interactive and entertaining way that made it enjoyable and memorable. M.J.K.
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way
Teacher: Alison Blanco