When students study science that connects directly to their own bodies, learning becomes both meaningful and memorable. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that this upcoming school year, Royal Fireworks Online Learning is offering three always-popular science courses led by Dr. Kristin Krause that explore the human body and how it functions.

Dr. Krause is an expert in the biological sciences. After earning her doctorate in biology from Dartmouth College, she conducted intricate biological research, including slicing a fruit fly’s eye into thousands of sections. But her experience is wide-ranging and includes being an author and even spending time sailing on tall ships, all of which enriches her engaging approach to teaching science.

You can meet Dr. Krause and learn more about her teaching style by watching her virtual open house video.

In the 2026-2027 school year, students can explore the human body from three complementary perspectives: a broad study of how the body functions as a whole, and a focused look at the brain and nervous system (fall semester) and human genetics (spring semester).

Human Biology
(full-year course)
Student Ages: 10–15
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 9 – December 9, 2026; January 13 – April 14, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year

Course Highlights:
– Explore the trillions of cells and major organ systems that make up the human body.
– Learn how we see, why we need oxygen, and how muscles contract.
– Study the body’s internal balance through the concept of homeostasis.
– Discover the important role of the microbiome in human health.
– Understand how choices such as diet, exercise, and habits affect long-term health.
– Perform simple wet labs at home using common kitchen materials.
– Conduct optional dissections of a pig heart, sheep brain, and cow eye.

Understanding the Brain
(single semester course)
Student Ages: 11–15
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: August 26 – December 16, 2026
Cost: $550

Course Highlights:
– Explore the structures of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
– Learn how neurons transmit signals at remarkable speeds.
– Discover how the brain processes senses, emotions, and decisions.
– Examine fascinating real-world neurological examples.
– Conduct an optional sheep brain dissection for hands-on learning.

Introduction to Genetics
(single semester course)
Student Ages: 10–14
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: January 13 – May 5, 2027
Cost: $550

Course Highlights:
– Learn about the principles of heredity and what makes characteristics heritable.
– Examine the role of the environment in characteristic development.
– Inspect DNA and RNA molecules to learn how genes are turned on and off.
– Explore population genetics, gene sequencing, and related technology.
– Go further by learning about why some animals have unusual genetic qualities.

In the spring 2026 semester, Dr. Krause will also be teaching a student favorite: A Nautical History of the World. This course offers a fascinating view of how the nautical movement of people and ideas has played a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it today.

Installment Pay Option: We offer installment payment plans at no additional cost. For more information and to enroll, visit the Online Learning page.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in selecting a course, feel free to call us at (845) 726-4444. We’re here to help! Our phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Happy learning!
The Royal Fireworks Team