Health Science Curriculum

The rigorous curriculum at the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan MS will be implemented beginning in 6th grade magnet classes. The curriculum includes neuroscience as it relates to the uniqueness of the human brain; how the brain enables thinking; the sending of messages throughout the body; how people learn; the senses; how challenging the brain with physical and mental activities helps develop and maintain its structure and function; and how tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other toxins can harm the nervous system.

6^th Grade Neuroscience Course Summary

Students learn about the brain and its function during this exciting time of ground-breaking discoveries in neuroscience and psychology. The course includes hands-on brain modeling activities, dissection labs and other projects, as well as formal assessments and daily in-class assignments. The subject matter is complex, with a large amount of new vocabulary related to scientific inquiry, sleep, brain chemistry, sensory systems, neuronal communication, memory and stress management. Students learn effective problem-solving and teamwork skills that prepare them for academic and career success. Importantly, they also learn about themselves and how our brains make each of us unique. Students also learn how to expand on core concepts and use scientific and engineering practices to carry out their own research projects. Industry speakers visit classrooms. Students are expected to behave in a professional manner that models the environment of a medical school classroom.

Course Units:

Introduction and the Science of Sleep
Memory and Learning
Sensory Systems
Motor Highways
Brain Chemistry
Brain Comparisons

Resources

http://www.lifescied.org/content/5/3/264.full

https://science.education.nih.gov/customers/HSGenetic.html

7^th Grade Scientific Decision Making

Providing a wealth of support and teaching resources, BCM’s "Scientific Decision-Making"( using evidence to make informed decisions through examples from cardiovascular science) and "Think Like an Astronaut" ( sports medicine , nutrition and fitness) curricula will be implemented in 7th grade magnet classes. STEMulating Innovation schools have valuable partnerships with Methodist Debakey Heart Institute, Exxon Mobile, and local sports teams. Through these partnerships, students will have access to emerging medical technologies in cardiovascular and sports medicine along with presentations from experts in their respective fields.

Solving problems and making choices are a part of everyday life. Daily decisions affect our finances, education, social activities and health. Science can help us make rational, evidence-based decisions that apply to a broad range of situations. This course exposes students to scientific decision-making approaches, as they are placed in a variety of roles, such as scientists and healthcare providers. Through case-based studies, students gain experience in scientific thinking, particularly in framing questions, collecting information, analyzing data, considering choices, risks and tradeoffs, and ultimately, making the best decisions based on evidence. Throughout, students explore diverse current topics in science and medicine, including the cardiovascular system, muscles and bones, heritable and communicable diseases, chemicals and environmental health and behavior. Students also learn how to expand on core concepts and use scientific and engineering practices to carry out their own research projects. Industry speakers visit classrooms.

Course Units:

The Cardiovascular System
The Muscular, Skeletal and Integumentary System
Infectious and Heritable Diseases
Chemicals and Environmental Health
The Science of Alcohol
Behavior

Resources

https://science.education.nih.gov/customers/middleschool.html
-Looking Good, Feeling Good: From the Inside Out (Exploring Bone, Muscle and Skin)
-Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry
-The Process of Scientific Inquiry
-Chemicals, the Environment and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health
-The Science of Healthy Behaviors

http://www.bioedonline.org/
-Scientific Decision-making
-Heart and Circulation-Muscles and Bones
-Integumentary System
-The Immune System and Disease

Baylor College of Medicine’s "Think Like an Engineer," "Science of Microbes," and "Health Science Technologies" curricula will be used to deliver engaging, hands-on, standards-based lessons. During their studies, students will be engaged in learner-centered applications of technology and will use engineering design approaches to solve real-world problems, learn about nano-medical technology, and explore cardiac medicine technologies. 8th grade students at the Academy will also have the opportunity to earn high school credits.

8th Grade Foundations: in Biotechnology and Bioengineering

We live in an age of a Bio-Revolution (Nature 456: 40). It benefits us to understand the innovations taking place every day in biotechnology and bioengineering, along with the ethical concerns they carry. Foundations in Biotechnology and Bioengineering is a project-based course that introduces eighth grade students to biotechnology and bioengineering. Students learn about genetics, organisms, proteins and bioinformatics, and they explore how biotechnology contributes to innovation. Students further engage in bioengineering by thinking like an engineer. Students experience cross-curricular learning during which they recall and build on skills and knowledge gained during their 6th - 8th grade science classes. Students discuss bioethics and career opportunities in biotechnology. They continue to build foundational skills in scientific and engineering practices, including critical thinking and science communication. Students also learn how to expand on core concepts and use scientific and engineering practices to carry out their own research projects. Industry speakers will visit classrooms.

Course Units: