In recent years, two Biomedical Science classes have been added here at South High. Starting last year, Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS) was added, and this year Human Body Systems (HBS) was added. Both of these classes are a part of a four year program that continues with Medical Interventions (MI) and Biological Innovations (BI). Medical Interventions is being offered next year and if enough students sign up the class will run. The same goes for Biological Innovations for the 2015-2016 school year, if enough students show interest in Medical Interventions, it will be added the year after.

These classes are great opportunities for students wanting to go into a medical career in the future. They help prepare students for college and going into the medical field. As well as being helpful for the future, an exam can be taken at the end of the year to earn college credit.

Science teacher Brian Henriksen, who teaches these classes, mentioned another way in how these classes can help and said, “These courses are linked to the National Common Core Science Standards, so by taking these courses along with the traditional science courses, students are better preparing themselves for college entrance exams like the ACT.” So as well as preparing for college, taking these classes can help with pre college preparatory work students have to go through.

Something that sets these classes apart from others is that they’re project based. Instead of studying out of a book, the classes are composed of labs and activities, with sections tests and quizzes to measure what was learned, but aren’t as important as the labs and activities because the activities measure the learning that’s occurring as well. The project based curriculum allows students to see real world applications to what they’re learning and get hands on with the material. The different curriculum allows for the use of technology in many ways, including data collection software, computers, iPads, and more, daily in class, which helps with the 21st Century Skills students are learning to keep up with technology these days.

Henriksen also encourages students who are interested in the courses to talk to him or their counselor to either learn more or sign up.

Story by Emma Sharpe Featured Image from cherylparks.edublogs.org