Animal Physiology
Rising Grades 7 to 9
Look inside preserved specimens.
Dissect earthworms, grasshoppers, crayfish, perch, frogs, sharks, and rats. Compare body systems and specialized structures.
Reconstruct skeletons and analyze tissues. Explore the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Investigate how environmental pressures shape physiology.
Students gain a greater fascination for how bodies work and understand how different species survive, move, and adapt. In this course, students get direct hands-on exploration, make detailed observations, and discover the connections between structure and function in living organisms.
Students compare body systems across many species and uncover how animals evolve specialized structures for their environments. Each dissection activity deepens their understanding of biodiversity and the science behind animal form and function.
Families receive photos and videos capturing students’ lab work, dissections, and comparative anatomy projects. Students leave the course with stronger scientific skills, a clearer understanding of animal biology, and excitement about studying life sciences at a deeper level.
"This was a well-run and interesting course. My daughter enjoyed the experiential learning, particularly the dissections."
- Robin and Louis S, Reston, VA
"The dissection was a blast."
- Andrew L, Arlington, VA
"My 12-year-old son loved this class and came home every day excited about what he had done at camp."
- Tom M, Herndon, VA