Join us this fall as we study plant biology, animal science and agricultural engineering!

After studying plant parts, functions and byproducts, we'll learn about domesticated animals and livestock.

We'll travel back in time to Mesopotamia, home to one of the world's earliest and most vibrant ancient civilizations.


Then, we'll explore the Tigris and Euphrates as we learn about the importance of rivers and water systems in developing agricultural economies.


Finally, we'll use the engineering design process to solve food production problems surrounding population growth.


In this 100% online, self-paced class, there are no scheduled live meetings. You enjoy the course at your own pace.


This format is great for students who prefer to learn independently, have busy schedules or are uncomfortable with live meetings.


LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B,
LS2.C, LS2.D, ESS2.C, ESS3.A, ESS3.C, PS1.B

Course Syllabus:

See what we'll be learning each week!*

View complementary reading list.


Week 1: Botany: Plant Biology, Parts and Functions.

  • Learn the 6 major parts of a plant and explain the functions of each.
  • Identify plant byproducts and their importance.
  • Make your own paper out of plant material.


Week 2: Buzz, Buzz, Moooo! An Introduction to Animal Science. 

  • Do a fun, hands-on exploration of byproducts generated by the animal industry.
  • Explore the importance of animals and insects in agriculture.
  • Build a bee hotel or make your own butter.


Week 3: Agriculture in Everyday Life.

  • Discover the role agriculture plays in your daily life.
  • Learn about George Washington Carver and other famous inventors and inventions of the agricultural revolution.
  • Build a farm diorama or create a bioplastic.


Week 4: What is a Civilization, Anyway?

  • Define the key features of a civilization.
  • See how we've gathered information about ancient civilizations through the work of archaeologists and historians.


Week 5: Between Two Rivers: Exploring the Tigris-Euphrates Great River System.

  • Trace the gradual transitions in types of human groups: nomads, settled/farming, cities, and city-states.
  • Illustrate the major geographical features of the Fertile Crescent.
  • Explain how the invention of irrigation impacted Ancient Mesopotamia.


Week 6: Elements of Culture: What Key Features Define Ancient Mesopotamian Culture?

  • Identify the elements of culture.
  • Explore key features of Mesopotamian culture.
  • Learn how to interpret artifacts.


Week 7: A Lasting Impression: Why is Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization Still So Significant?

  • Explain the importance of the contributions of Mesopotamian cultures.
  • Discover the specific contributions Mesopotamian civilization made to agriculture and agricultural engineering.


Week 8: Agricultural Engineering: Designing a Vertical Farm.

  • Define the steps of the engineering design process and use them to solve food production problems related to population growth.
  • See how water can be delivered to crops on different floors of a vertical farm using a pump system.


Week 9: Final Projects.

  • Present final vertical farm agricultural engineering projects.


*The breadth and depth of each topic will vary with grade level.



Meet Our Course Facilitators!

GeAndra Davis Imoudu, Ed.D.

Founder | Executive Director | Science + Engineering Facilitator

Originally from New Orleans, LA, Dr. GeAndra Davis Imoudu, also known as Dr. Ge., is a mom of three and an engineer-turned-STEM educator living in Charlotte, NC. She holds a B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society from Stanford University, an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University, a graduate certificate in Design Thinking from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Ge. was an engineering project manager for 10 years before creating and leading PreK-12th grade STEM education programs across the Carolinas.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
National Science Teaching Association
Society of Women Engineers

Christine H. Tran

Global Studies Facilitator

Christine Tran holds a B.A. in History, M.A. in Political Science/International Relations and M.L.I.S., Library & Information Science. She discovered her love of instruction while teaching information literacy at a local university. For the past 10 years, she’s shared her passion for geography, history, and reading with groups of delightfully curious students. In her spare time, she works as a literary journalist for Booklist magazine.


FAQs

You've got questions. We've got answers!

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for any student in grades K-8 who loves science and engineering.

    Our flexible online course options allow you to join as a homeschooler looking to cover your core science and social studies or an after school student looking for online enrichment classes.

  • Do all grade levels cover the same material?

    Not exactly. While we will all follow the same weekly themes, like, "Animal Science," course material will differ in breadth and depth depending on grade level.

  • Where does this program meet?

    This program meets online. There are no required live meetings. You access the material and work at your own pace.

  • What supplies will I need?

    We recommend using a 3-ring binder where you can place all of your printouts and notes. You will also need pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue and scissors.

    You'll be able to complete weekly projects with simple materials found around the house.

  • Do I need to purchase a textbook for this class?

    No. We include all reading material within the course. If you'd like to do some additional reading, please view our complementary reading list here.

  • Will I be able to download course materials?

    Yes, you will be able to download all course materials.

  • Where do I go if I need support?

    Once enrolled, you will receive the email addresses of course facilitators and teaching assistants who are happy to help you with course materials and any technical issues you may encounter.


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STEM Skool, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 11571 Charlotte, NC 28209

Phone:
+1 (704) 980-9325