Microbiology introduces learners to fundamental biology concepts while exploring the many ways in which microbes affect and are used in our world.
| Age Range | 9-13 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Start / End Dates | September 7 - December 14, 2022 Wednesday at 12 p.m. PST 11/23 off |
| Class Size | 6-14 Learners |
Pricing Information
| $375 Per Student |
Microbiology Course Details
In this class, Blair Lee, M.S. weaves core and foundational biology into a topic everyone should learn! The good news is, microbiology is fascinating! In this course, students will learn about bacteria, viruses, Archaea, fungi, and protists. They will come to understand the essential role microbes play in the health of our planet. In addition, Microbiology covers microbes that are beneficial and those that are pathogenic. Also covered are germ theory, microbial genetics, how the immune system works, and the proper use of antibiotics, and how vaccines work.
Class Format
- One chapter a week focused on the weekly topic. See the schedule for that week.
- One lab that focuses on the topical information covered in the reading. These are to be done outside of class.
- Live, online teaching from Blair Lee, M.S. These classes run about 1 hour (although they do occasionally run over 15 minutes if there is a lot of student discussion.)
- Blair will teach the material covered in the text.
- Blair will ask and answer questions and have some discussion to help learners understand the topics. This is a great way to assess understanding and to help your learner get the most out of the material.
- Woven throughout each live session are in-class activities that enhance learner understanding.
- We start class each week with learners sharing the lab work they completed outside of class. (This is optional.)
This class comes with a new Microbiology course written by Blair Lee.
Microbiology introduces learners to the fundamentals of microbiology while exploring the many ways in which microbes affect and are used in our world. This course weaves core biology concepts throughout, all focused on the smallest organisms on the planet. This is a 14 chapter course written for students in grades 4-7.
Each week students will learn about important biological concepts that build on previous classes.
In addition to important topical knowledge, students will:
- Learn the scientific method by using it
- Gain experience writing lab reports and recording their observations
- Work with 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional scientific models
- Have the option of presenting their experimental findings
- Engage with a peer group about this fascinating area of science
Class will meet weekly for 1 hour to discuss and learn about microbiology. The class is interactive, because of that classes occasionally run over 15 minutes. Student projects turned in will be given specific, individualized feedback.
Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
Meets Every Wednesday 9/7 – 12/14 with 11/23 off for 14-weeks at 12 pm PST
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 30
December 7, 14
Sessions will be taped for those who are unable to attend.
Weekly Topics
Week 1: What is a Microbe
Week 2: Microbial Genetics
Week 3: Bacteria Part 1 – Basic Biology
Week 4: Bacteria – Part 2 – Germ Theory and Antibiotics
Week 5: Viruses – Part 1 – Basic Virology
Week 6: The Immune System, Exponential Growth, and Mutation
Week 7: Presentation Week – Sharing Experimental Results – the Microbes at My House
Week 8: Viruses – Part 2 – Vaccines
Week 9: Pandemics Make History
Week 10: Fungi with Yeast and Mold
11/23 OFF
Week 11: Microbial Algae
Week 12: Microbial Protozoa and Helminths
Week 13: Synthetic Biology and How HIV Was Used to Cure Sickle Cell
Week 14: Presentation Week – Designer Virus
Skills Needed
None
The Course Structure
- This course comes with original written course materials from Blair Lee, M.S.
- The materials include labs to be conducted outside of class. These are optional to do. They are designed to use materials and ingredients that are easily available. Feedback will be given on all work that is turned in.
- In class, there are hands-on activities to enhance the written text and the class discussion.
- The weekly classes:
- Students will be given time to share any coursework done outside of class.
- Blair gives instruction about the topics covered in the written materials.
- Peppered within this instruction will be Q & A, where learners are given the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the topic. This and the in-class activities make the classes highly interactive. The goal is to engage learners and keep them thinking as they work through the information.
Skills Gained
We will be learning about the important and pertinent science explaining viruses.
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.
Texts: All Course Materials will be provided.
To interact in class: Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Family’s will need a Zoom account (free).
Supply List Available
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
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!
Do you want a year of high-quality science at a discount for your late elementary through middle school aged students?
SEA Online Classes’ Science teachers, Blair Lee and Alison Blanco, have teamed up to help you out. Here’s how it works. Choose one of their three Fall courses and pair it with one of their three Spring courses. When you do, you will get a refund of $25 for each course. That is $50 total in refunds. You can choose courses from either of the two teachers, or just one teacher for the entire year. To get the refunds, you will need to purchase the second course within 48 hours of the purchase of the first course.
The courses run from 14 to 16 weeks. They meet important Next Gen Science Standards. All course materials are included with the classes.
The Course Options for the Fall Semester Are:
- Microbiology with Blair Lee 14-weeks
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with Alison Blanco 14-weeks
- Kitchen Chemistry with Blair Lee 14-weeks
The Course Options for the Spring Semester Are:
- Marine Science with Blair Lee 16-weeks
- Fundamentals of Physics with Alison Blanco 14-weeks
- Applied Conservation Biology with Blair Lee 16-weeks
The table below shows courses that would pair well with each other for a full year focused on similar areas of science. But, any pairing of a Fall and Spring course gets the discount.
| Fall Courses | Spring Courses |
| Microbiology | Marine Science |
| Kitchen Chemistry | Fundamentals of Physics |
| Wildlife Ecology and Conservation | Applied Conservation Biology |
Blair and Alison have worked together to ensure the course material is not redundant to another course. Your learner will be covering unique material from one semester to the next.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Blair at blair@seaonlineclasses.com and Alison at MsAlison.SEA@gmail.com
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.
