The C.I.A.: Comparative Invertebrate Anatomy
$314.15
“My kids really enjoyed studying about Invertebrates in the CIA class, and also loved being able to purchase a dissection kit as well to augment their learning. The information was presented in structured and interesting way that made my kids want to share with me and show me the interesting videos and clips they watched.” ~ Parent R.S.
Enrollment
Available
Step 1: Register Your Student
Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student
| Instructor | Prof. Becky Mentzer Riethmeier |
| Content Levels | Grades 7-8 • Junior High Grades 9-10 • Lower High School |
| Course Length | 16 Weeks |
| Live Webinars Held On | Mondays, 2:00 - 2:50 PM Pacific - 8/11/25 - 12/12/25 |
| Additional Components | Asynchronous Option |
Do you like creepy crawly things? How about squirmy wormy things? This class will help you study the anatomy and physiology of your favorite creatures!
We’ll go in-depth to study the 9 major phyla of invertebrates, their characteristics, phylogeny, and classification. Strong emphasis is placed on the evolutionary history and relationships between the phyla.
You’ll meet some old friends here, like the giant squid, sea star and grasshopper. You’ll discover some new ones like the box jellyfish, planarian, and our closest invertebrate relative, the tunicate (sea squirt).
If you are ready to take your biology and zoology studies a little deeper into animals with no backbone, this is the science class for you.
Note to parents:
- This class also includes an optional dissection component. Athena’s has made arrangements with a national biological supply company to offer a specialized dissection kit that includes 5 animals to dissect. Students do the dissections at home and share what they’ve learned in the forums. Tips for dissections are also offered in the classroom.
Taught by Prof. Becky Mentzer Riethmeier
What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:
- Complete a reading from a downloadable PDF.
- Participate in a weekly forum, either sharing their reflections from the reading, or answering questions about it.
- Every other week, complete a project based on student research.
- Reinforce concepts and vocabulary through an online interactive site.
What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:
- To excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter, curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided.
- Supplemental readings are provided for more advanced students.
- Biweekly Minecraft™ activities.
- Dissection component (see Materials & More tab)
- Our last week is “student presentation week” where students learn about an an animal that fascinated them and teach their classmates about it!
What to expect during the weekly webinar:
- Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
- Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
- Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
Before taking this course, students should be able to:
- Read at a solid 6th-grade level or above.
- Write a paragraph independently.
Students should be willing to:
- Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
- Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
- Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.
Required books & materials:
- Weekly readings will be online, no textbook required.
Optional Invertebrate Dissection:
- This class also includes an optional dissection component. Athena’s has made arrangements with a national biological supply company to offer a specialized dissection kit that includes 5 animals to dissect. Students do the dissections at home and share what they’ve learned in the forums. Tips for dissections are also offered in the classroom.