| Age Range | 6 - 10 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Start / End Dates | Wednesday 3/16 - 3/30 9:30 am PST |
| Class Size | 1-14 Learners |
Pricing Information
| 3-Week Session | $80 Per Student |
| 3-Week Session | $125 for 2 Siblings |
| Bundle: All 4 3-week Sessions | $285 Per Student |
| Bundle: All 4 3-week Sessions | $425 for 2 Siblings |
Evolution & Natural Selection
There are your grandparents, and your great grandparents, and your great… great… great… If you went 4 billion years into the past, you would you the last common ancestor you shared with all organisms on Earth. In this 3-week session students will investigate important topics focused on evolution and natural selection as they learn about the Last Common Universal Ancestor, why dinosaurs did NOT go extinct, and how natural selection drives evolution.
Evolution & Natural Selection is one of the 4 Sessions in the Elementary Level Science Series. Each session of the Elementary Level Science Series meets 3 times over a span of 3 weeks. Each 3-week Session includes important, foundational science topics, scientific modeling, focused definitions of core science terms and phrases all in an engaging, high-interest format.
Each Session of the Elementary Level Science Series has hands-on labs that have been thoughtfully paired with written materials. Materials will be emailed 2-weeks before the class meets with guided readings, materials list, lab instructions as well as suggestions for extra activities and how to use the topics and material for project-based unit studies. During the live sessions, students can ask questions as we go over the material. Then we will work on an lab/activity as a class. Classes will be taped for anyone unable to attend a class.
* Lab materials will be inexpensive and easy to obtain.
Time Commitment
Usually 2-3 hours per week of work, including class.
The Weekly Schedule
There are 3 meetings (1 per week for 3 weeks) covering a different topic in biology each week.
Week 1: Meet LUCA! About 4 billion years ago there was an ocean dwelling organism named LUCA. LUCA was the Last Universal Common Ancestor. In this week’s session, students will learn important vocabulary focusing on evolution. We will conduct a hands-on investigation looking at how a tree can model relatedness, a timeline for evolution, and when species share a common ancestor.
Week 2: Evolution & Extinction – Why Birds Are Dinosaurs but Lizards Are Not!
Lizards look a lot like dinosaurs, but they are not dinosaurs. Birds on the other hand, are. Why are birds a type of dinosaur but lizards are not? About 150 million years ago, birds evolved within a group of dinosaurs called the Theropod group. Included in this group are Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, and Archaeopteryx. This week we will learn about and investigate the difference and intricacies between evolution, extinction, and speciation.
Week 3: Selecting Traits
Why is there such a vast range of plants and animals with so many different traits? This is a question the famous biologist Charles Darwin asked. To answer this question, Darwin developed the theory of natural selection. This week we will investigate how selective pressure causes some traits to become more common and some traits to become less common as a driving force of evolution.
Skills Needed
None
Skills Gained
Students will gain an understanding of natural selection, evolution, and extinction
Students will gain experience using scientific models
- Students will learn important on topic vocabulary
Students will learn lab technique
Students will gain an understanding of the scientific method
Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.
The Supply List will be available 2 weeks before the start of class
Supplies Week 1
Supplies Week 2
Supplies Week 3
To interact in class: Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free).
Blair Lee, M.S.
Blair’s goal through her speaking and writing is to empower educators to dare to be innovative and create something unique and academically-rich when handcrafting their child’s journey through learning.
Below you will find reviews from parents and students who have taken classes with Blair Lee.
- Annabelle looked forward to taking Blair’s Marine Science classes every week. She was so excited to contribute to the discussions and really felt empowered by how Blair and Alison interact with the learners. Annabelle now feels more confident sharing her marine science knowledge with family, friends and really anyone that will listen. It also reignited a passion to save marine life. Annabelle felt so proud of the reports she completed and presented to the class. That was also thanks to the enthusiasm, love and support given to her by her AMAZING teachers. Thank you Blair and Alison!!! Annabelle is always engaged and learning. I love how real terminology is used and learned. No dumbing down. High expectations that all seem to meet! Blair and Alison are so kind and really engage with each learner and make sure everyone is seen, heard and valued. Yvonne And Annabelle
Blair really brings the subject to life when she teaches. My daughter can’t help but be so excited about the topic she is hearing about from Blair! Marine Biology has such amazing nuances on the amazing creatures of the ocean. I found myself wanting to listen in on my daughters class, as I LOVED hearing so many cool things about kelp, and endangered species. My daughter leads the way when it is time for this class. (and not all her classes) She gets to class early to chit chat and see her instructors and LOVES learning in such a safe, and fun environment. Colleen and Millie
The dog communication lab was really fun. It was the best online class I’ve ever had. My daughter had an excellent experience with Blair in the Wolves class. She was always very excited to login to each class, and came running out with a smile and tons of facts to share after each session. Would absolutely recommend it. We look forward to her next classes! Kate and Alice
From the student: The instructors made the material, which might sound bland and boring, super fun. Blair is an exciting teacher who is clearly very enthusiastic about her work. From the parent: Blair is very supportive of her students and was prompt with communication if we ever needed anything outside of class hours. I would recommend her classes to anyone! Rachel and Carlos
Loved the Interactive part. My learner is very social (can get distracted/be distracting) but the teacher was good at letting her meet her social needs and gently redirecting when needed. My daughter is very engaged in the content and enjoys the live and interactive format of the classes. Blair Lee does a great job with these classes. Erika and Hazel
- Biology 2 has been a well structured class. The course content and materials cover the subject well and the weekly meetings have been welcomed for continuity. Blair’s enthusiasm for the subject comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. Sheila and Elisa
- Hi! I’m listening to my 6.5 year old ASD/ADHD/SPD/GAD kid in his science class with Blair right now, and I just feel like everyone should know how incredible these classes are. They’re hands-on, engaging, absolutely challenging but also totally appropriate for interested young kids, and FULL of great science. Blair and Alison have been so patient and kind with Gus and they do a great job developing a comfortable and exciting learning community. We’ll definitely be signing up for more classes and I’ll recommend them to anyone who’s looking. If you’ve been on the fence, give it a try!Update: He is running around the house finding simple machines, and just grabbed a pencil to draw as many types of levers as he can imagine
Becca and Gus
Reviews for SEA Online Classes.
SEA online classes have a way about them that ENCOURAGES my child in a way that I know that EVERY instructor will bring my child to life, and empower my child to work harder as she WANTS to do her best. I never worry about a teacher who shames or uses cohesion in class. That is a gift! SEA has teachers of very high character and professionalism. C.D.
From homeschooling parent classes to learn how to best guide our learners to outsourcing subject classes with passionate teachers, SEA Online Classes have been a vital part of our homeschooling journey. I am so grateful for the variety of subjects offered and for the wonderful team making it all happen. We are happy to support SEA online classes, where we hope to be learning for years to come! Outsourcing some of our subjects has been a positive change to our homeschooling curriculum. It has allowed myself and children to stay on target this year and I’m very appreciative of the teachers and this forum for our learning. Sheila
For More Reviews for Blair and her Classes, check out the slider at the bottom of this page!
Similar Courses
I just feel like everyone should know how incredible these classes are
We have thoroughly enjoyed ancient history with Sam Matalone Cook and would love to continue following the history courses under her instruction. Michelle’s writing workshop was a welcomed addition to our semester and the ease of adding on a quick workshop to the semester was appreciated. I do wish that I could take classes, too. The great selection makes me jealous; Fairy Tales and Feminism would be so incredible to join in and to learn with Sam! And the LGBTQ+ history and US courses! Blair’s enthusiasm for science comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. So many great classes- so little time.
Sheila and Elisa
So many great classes- so little time.
From homeschooling parent classes to learn how to best guide our learners to outsourcing subject classes with passionate teachers, SEA Online Classes have been a vital part of our homeschooling journey. I am so grateful for the variety of subjects offered and for the wonderful team making it all happen. We are happy to support SEA online classes, where we hope to be learning for years to come! Outsourcing some of our subjects has been a positive change to our homeschooling curriculum. It has allowed myself and children to stay on target this year and I’m very appreciative of the teachers and this forum for our learning. Sheila
I am so grateful for the variety of subjects offered and for the wonderful team making it all happen
SEA online classes have a way about them that ENCOURAGES my child in a way that I know that EVERY instructor will bring my child to life, and empower my child to work harder as she WANTS to do her best. I never worry about a teacher who shames or uses cohesion in class. That is a gift! SEA has teachers of very high character and professionalism.
SEA has teachers of very high character and professionalism
Biology 2 has been a well structured class. The course content and materials cover the subject well and the weekly meetings have been welcomed for continuity. Blair’s enthusiasm for the subject comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. Sheila and Elisa
Biology 2 has been a well structured class
From the student: The instructors made the material, which might sound bland and boring, super fun. Blair is an exciting teacher who is clearly very enthusiastic about her work.
From the parent: Blair is very supportive of her students and was prompt with communication if we ever needed anything outside of class hours. I would recommend her classes to anyone!
Rachel and Carlos
Blair is an exciting teacher who is clearly very enthusiastic about her work.
Blair really brings the subject to life when she teaches. My daughter can’t help but be so excited about the topic she is hearing about from Blair! Marine Biology has such amazing nuances on the amazing creatures of the ocean. I found myself wanting to listen in on my daughters class, as I LOVED hearing so many cool things about kelp, and endangered species. My daughter leads the way when it is time for this class. (and not all her classes) She gets to class early to chit chat and see her instructors and LOVES learning in such a safe, and fun environment. Colleen and Millie
Blair really brings the subject to life when she teaches
Loved the Interactive part. My learner is very social (can get distracted/be distracting) but the teacher was good at letting her meet her social needs and gently redirecting when needed. My daughter is very engaged in the content and enjoys the live and interactive format of the classes. Blair Lee does a great job with these classes. Erika and Hazel
Loved the Interactive part
The dog communication lab was really fun. It was the best online class I’ve ever had. My daughter had an excellent experience with Blair in the Wolves class. She was always very excited to login to each class, and came running out with a smile and tons of facts to share after each session. Would absolutely recommend it. We look forward to her next classes!
Kate and Alice
It was the best online class I’ve ever had.
Annabelle looked forward to taking Blair’s Marine Science classes every week. She was so excited to contribute to the discussions and really felt empowered by how Blair and Alison interact with the learners. Annabelle now feels more confident sharing her marine science knowledge with family, friends and really anyone that will listen. It also reignited a passion to save marine life. Annabelle felt so proud of the reports she completed and presented to the class. That was also thanks to the enthusiasm, love and support given to her by her AMAZING teachers. Thank you Blair and Alison!!! Annabelle is always engaged and learning. I love how real terminology is used and learned. No dumbing down. High expectations that all seem to meet! Blair and Alison are so kind and really engage with each learner and make sure everyone is seen, heard and valued.
Yvonne and Annabelle
That was thanks to the enthusiasm, love and support given to her by her AMAZING teachers.
