Course info

Join us for this fun 6-8th grade science course exploring our furry friends! Learn where domestic dogs came from, different dogs around the world, different breeds, as well as some anatomy and genetics.

How to get the most out of The Dog: Natural History, Artificial Selection, and Anatomy with MacBeth Derham:

• First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

• Read assignments before class meetings

• Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week after class.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records. 

Instructor Email: macbethderham@gmail.com

Course Description: All about dogs, where they came from, their relatives, why we love them, and what makes each breed good at what they do. This is a great introduction to vertebrate anatomy.

Course Outline:

• Class 1: Introduction

• Class 2: Foxes: Are they dogs? Wolves and teeth.

• Class 3: Coyotes, Jackals and other canids, the skull; Sporting breeds

• Class 4: Hounds and skeletons

• Class 5: Ears, and a quick review

• Class 6: Skin, hair and fur, Terriers

• Class 7: Non-sporting dogs and the muscles

• Class 8: Toy breeds and The Circulatory system

• Class 9: Working Dogs and digestion

• Class 10: Herding dogs and the Brain

• Class 11: Gestation, birth and development; designer breeds

• Class 12: Coat color and name that breed game

Course Materials: Access to a dog; Any/favorite book(s) about dogs. Reading and online resources will be available on the course site.

Homework: Weekly automated quizzes for immediate feedback, memorization of bones and breeds!