Science & Technology Magnet High School

                                                          Mr. Boucher

Senior Project / Capstone Course

Overview and Syllabus

              In this course students will have the opportunity to investigate a multitude of bio - related technologies that relate to the academic and technical areas that they have studied. Working in teams or individually students will incorporate the sophisticated IT R & D skills taught in the course along with their advanced level of understanding of the topics addressed to create a viable design solution to a real world problem that they select. Each student’s solution will include drawings, research reports, and a prototype of his /her design solution as well as a multimedia presentation that captures the progression of the solution from conception to the final product. Each student will present his/her research and solution to a panel consisting of parents, school officials and professionals from industry.

              Monday through Thursday each week you will be exploring a wide array of bio related areas (see attached syllabus). You will be attending interesting field trips that few have the opportunity to experience. You will also be performing a variety of hands on lab exercises as part of this course.

On Fridays I will oversee and assist you in the development of your capstone project.

              As the year progresses and I become aware of your interest areas and your skills, I will attempt to arrange shadow experiences for you that allow you to interact with professionals in your interest areas.

I will also be bringing in guest speakers to address the group on a variety of topics related to cutting edge technology.

              This course will provide you with an exceptional learning experience that is fun, fast paced, demanding and very rewarding.

Senior Project / Capstone Course

Syllabus

Capstone project:

Topic area

Journal

Project narrative

Problem to be addressed

Brainstorming

Best ideas

Design solution

Analysis

Refine

Prototype

Presentation

White paper

Bio - Related Technology units will include:

Solid Waste Management

Water

Health care

The Brain and Nervous System and related diagnostic technologies

The Respiratory System and related diagnostic technologies

The Cardiovascular System and related diagnostic technologies

Bones and Muscles and related diagnostic technologies

The Design Process

Materials

Ergonomics and Design

Human and Agricultural Biotechnology

Death and Dying

Forensics

Ethics

You will be assessed using the following criteria:

Tests on each unit taught

Quality and timelines of assignments and activities

Quality of notebook and capstone research (Based on rubric)

Project and Portfolio development

Presentation quality (Based on rubric)

Course Objectives:

Students will effectively utilize a variety of information technology.

Student will explore technology based careers in a wide variety of areas.

Student will employ skills acquired in all of their classes to effectively solve real

world problems.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the human body systems and how they interact.

Students will identify and describe the various technologies utilized in the diagnoses and treatment of disease.

Students will explain how disease manifests itself in the different body systems.

Students will explain the interrelationships between the environment, man and disease.

Student will explain a variety of techniques that could be used to address our waste and energy issues.

The student will demonstrate the ability to clearly state and rationally defend their positions on a variety of environmental, societal and bio-related issues.