| Age Range | 6 - 10 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Start / End Dates | Thursday 2/16, 2/23, and 3/2 at 9:30 am PST |
| Class Size | 4-12 Learners |
Pricing Information
| Single Session | $80 Per Student |
| Single Session | $125 for 2 Siblings |
| Bundle: All 4 Sessions | $285 Per Student |
| Bundle: All 4 Sessions | $425 for 2 Siblings |
How Earth Got Its Shape Course Details
From weathering, erosion, and deposition to the rock cycle to plate tectonics and volcanism students will learn about the forces that shape Earth. Students will conduct field research, make a scientific model, and conduct a lab in this high-interest, hands-on 4-week Session.
How Earth Got Its Shape is one of the 4 sessions in Season 1 of the Elementary Level Science Series. This session meets 4 times over a span of 3 weeks. Each session in this series includes important, foundational science topics, scientific modeling, focused definitions of core science terms and phrases all in an engaging, high-interest format. The sessions c=have been designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards.
Each Session of the Elementary Level Science Series has hands-on labs that have been thoughtfully paired with written materials. The materials include 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, gives time for students to ask and answer questions as we work our way through the thoughtfully paired activity. Classes are taped for anyone unable to attend a class.
For those using the REAL Science Odyssey Earth & Environment 1 curriculum, these lessons will highlight, but not duplicate, labs and activities from the course. 1st – 4th grades recommended. Course materials will be staggered depending on the grade level, science acumen of the student.
* Lab materials will be inexpensive and easy to obtain.
Time Commitment
Usually 2-3 hours per week of work, including class.
There are 4 meetings (1 per week for 4 weeks) covering a different topic in Earth Science each week.
In this 4-week series students will build their own 3-dimensional scientific models to use to demonstrate core principles in Earth Science. Students will be encouraged to choose one of these topics to share information they have gleaned outside of class.
Week 1: Why There are Shells on Mount Everest – Plate Tectonics
Students will create a series of scientific models looking at how different types of mountains form based on different types of movements of tectonic plates. We will also answer the question: How could continents moving at the rate of centimeters per year form mountains as tall as Mount Everest?
Week 2: How the Grand Canyon Got It’s Shape – Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition are powerful earth shaping forces. Students will make a scientific model to learn about these processes and how they can lead to the creation of a large geological feature like the Grand Canyon. Interested students can also share about their state fossil
Week 3: The Rock Cycle
In this week’s class, students will learn the basics of how the three types of rock form. They will make a scientific model investigating how each rock type, igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary, form. Interested students can also share about a rock that they name.
Week 4: Exploding Earth! – Volcanoes
Plate tectonics and volcanism are studied in tandem as student’s use their own homemade volcano to investigate how volcanism affects the shape of Earth’s surface and its atmosphere. In addition to volcanoes, students will model forces to explain the folding and other shapes of exposed rock layers.
Skills Needed
None
Skills Gained
Students will gain an understanding of weathering erosion, and deposition, volcanism, plate tectonics, and the rock cycle.
Students will learn important on topic vocabulary, including the meaning of the term “scientific theory”.
Students will learn lab technique.
Students will gain an understanding of the scientific method.
Students will learn about conducting field research.
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.
Materials List is available on the Teachable website. All materials will be inexpensive and easy to obtain.
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.
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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.
