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Middle School Life Science (Aug. 21-Dec. 18, Jan. 15-May 14)
- Instructor Dr. David Purvis
- Code PSC53-24/25
- Student Ages 11–14
- Term Spring Semester 2025
- Day Wednesday
- Time 12:00 P.M.
THIS IS THE SECOND SEMESTER OF A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.
In this introductory course, students are invited to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of biology and life science. Here they will uncover the intricate tapestry of life, from the smallest cellular structures to the grand diversity of living organisms that inhabit our planet.
Course Highlights:Â
- Cell Exploration: The course will begin with a general survey of the six kingdoms of life and their common cell structures. Students will then delve into the intricate world of cells to uncover differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. They’ll learn to identify the structures unique to larger animal, plant, and fungus cells and then study cell respiration and photosynthesis, moving on to an understanding of the workings of osmosis and diffusion that drive cellular activities.
- Genetics and Heredity: Next, students will explore the intriguing realm of human genetics, instincts, Punnett squares, and the fascinating nature of heredity. They’ll identify the structure of DNA and distinguish the differences between mitosis and meiosis.
- Genetic Engineering and the Origins of Life: Students will view examples of genetically engineered organisms and discuss their positive and negative aspects. They’ll then examine the scientific theories regarding how life started on Earth and the fossil record of the planet. They’ll also discuss the possibility of life elsewhere in our solar system.
- Animal Exploration: After understanding the building blocks of life, the course will move on to cover invertebrate organisms, with a focus on the major groups of animals in the ocean. Students will also learn about the characteristics of animals that are vertebrates (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and fish), as well as those of insects, the most successful animal group in terms of numbers.
- Microscopic Realms: Students will study organisms classified into the diverse protist kingdom, as well as the importance of plankton. They will learn about the fungal kingdom and the unique properties of yeast, molds, and mushrooms. Moving down in size, the course will return to the prokaryotic kingdom and the life found in the bacteria and archaebacteria kingdoms.
- Viral Insights: Finally, students will learn about the unique properties of viruses, including their life cycles and why they are so difficult to combat medically.
- Live Demonstrations: The class meetings will include interesting and engaging demonstrations.
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: August 21 – December 18, 2024
Spring Semester: January 15 – May 14, 2025
Student Expectations: Optional activities, readings, and experiments will be provided for the students each week.
Student Support: The instructor is available by email.
Materials/Supplies:Â Students will need a notebook for assignments, activities, observations, and experiment results. Occasionally they will need certain easily obtainable materials that are available at most common local stores. In addition, in order to complete assignments, they will need to purchase a printable middle school life science workbook packet, available here.
Prerequisites: None