Why This Class

As a parent, you want your student to be conscious of their role in the natural world—both how they impact the other forms of life around them, and vice versa—to protect their health and the Earth’s. This course helps by expanding your student’s understanding of biology.

Mentors in this course guide students on a tour of the various kingdoms—from nearly-invisible microbes and viruses to insects, plants, and animals—that make up life on Earth. Through experiments and observations, students learn the characteristics of each kingdom and how organisms, matter, and energy interact within ecosystems. Mentors also reiterate and demonstrate the value of using data to question and validate scientific theories as students debate a wide range of topics in class discussions.

By completing this course, students gain perspective on the critical role humans play in shaping Earth’s ecosystems and influencing its many species. They feel more connected to, and inspired by, life in all its forms.

Overarching Questions

What roles do humans, animals, and other organisms play on the Earth?

How did life as we know it come to exist and how do I sort it all out?

What are the characteristics of the eukaryotic kingdoms?

How do living organisms interact to create ecosystems and biomes?

How do natural resources and their availability affect diversity?