Nathaniel Marquez

Course Name: Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day for Grades 5-7

Grade Range: Grades 5-7

Instructor: Rachel Marquez

Email: rchlmarquez@gmail.com

Price: $315 for 28 weeks

Course Description:  In this adventure-packed course, your child will delve into the fascinating world of animal classification, the secrets of flight, and the incredible design found in creatures around them, all while connecting these wonders to their Creator. Your child can expect an engaging and hands-on exploration of the fascinating world of flying creatures. With no prerequisite required, this course encourages curiosity-driven learning, allowing students to interact with the birds and animals around them, identify local bird species, and even collect and study insects for a project. By the end of the course, students will gain a newfound appreciation for nature and its diverse inhabitants, be introduced to the scientific process and how to report on a hypothesis, and gain science fundamentals that will prepare them to engage in more difficult science subjects.

Course Prerequisites: None

Curriculum used by Instructor: Apologia "Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day, 2nd Edition"

Books & Supplies required for purchase by families: 
Required:
- Zoology 1 Textbook. $49
- Lab notebook $1
- Class notebook for note taking and classroom activities $1
- See-through birdhouse (various options available). Cost range $10 - $30
https://www.asseenontvlive.com/product/my-spy-birdhouse/
https://www.amazon.com/Through-Window-Mirrored-Bird-House/dp/B00KRLYJTK
- Colored pencils $2
Optional:
We will be raising butterflies as a class. If you would like to do this also at home, below is the link to purchase. $25 - $30
https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/insect-lore-butterfly-garden-kit/

Homework Requirements: We will have several take home labs and students will be required to read small sections prior to attending class. This will help us have classroom discussions regarding the material and be able to engage with the content. 

Duration: 28 weeks

Grading: A-F weighted grading scale

Class Participation (20%):

• Active engagement in class discussions
• Asking questions and contributing to group activities

Homework Assignments (20%):

• Regular completion and submission of assigned homework
• Demonstrating a clear understanding of the material

Lab Reports (20%):

• Comprehensive reports on experiments conducted during lab sessions
• Emphasis on methodology, results, and analysis

Quizzes (15%):

• Short, regular assessments to gauge understanding
• Covering recent topics and ensuring ongoing comprehension

Exams (25%):

• Comprehensive assessment covering the material from each section Students will be able to drop their lowest assessment score

Course Credit: Science elective

Teacher Bio: 
Rachel Marquez, BS, MPH

Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Public Health, providing a comprehensive foundation in both life sciences and public health disciplines. With a genuine love for teaching, Rachel has previously shared her expertise as an educator for Apologia Science Curriculum at Kingdom Education for Young Scholars in Phoenix, AZ. This experience allowed her to engage with young minds, fostering a curiosity for science.

In addition to her work with homeschool education, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge in higher education. She has taught Anatomy and Physiology, as well as General Chemistry, at Grand Canyon University and South University. Rachel also contributed to the academic landscape by instructing Introduction to Public Health at Elon University, demonstrating a versatile teaching portfolio.

Beyond the classroom, Rachel is a dedicated homeschooling mom to three children. This firsthand experience provides a unique perspective, allowing Rachel to understand the dynamics of homeschooling and tailor the course to meet the needs of students and parents alike. With a commitment to creating an engaging and enriching learning environment, Rachel is excited to inspire the next generation of scientists in the "Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day" class. Get ready for an educational journey filled with exploration, discovery, and scientific wonder.

Min/Max # of Students: 12/15

Method and Frequency of communication: I will provide a weekly summary of classroom activities and assignments. I will provide quarterly progress reports. All communication will be via email.