PLTW Medical Interventions Course Syllabus

2020 - 2021

Instructor:  Valencia Ward          Phone:  682-867-9539         Email:  vward@aisd.net

Mrs. Ward's Schedule 

Async – Async, short for Asynchronous Instruction, indicates the time period where you will have assignments for my class that you’re expected to complete on your own during the time indicated for your MI class period.  The lessons designed for Asynchronous Instruction are a precursor for the Sync time to follow.  Completing Async work is a foundation for what will be covered during Sync time.  There will be due dates and times associated with the assignments during this time.

Sync – Sync, short for Synchronous Instruction, indicates the time where you are expected to be logged into your MI class period, along with your MI peers, for a live class at the time indicated on the schedule above.  I will be there during Sync time to teach you, check for understanding, and dispel any misconceptions you may have about the new concepts we will explore.

Virtual Office Hours for Students

Wednesdays	3:30pm – 4:30pm
Thursdays	3:30pm – 4:30pm
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Fridays	As needed; email vward@aisd.net to set it up

 

Course Description: 

In PLTW Medical Interventions (MI), students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Classroom Expectations:

• Be prepared and on time.
• Work diligently during class time, pay attention to detail, ask questions when needed, and be mindful of assignment deadlines.
• Keep up with make-up work and communicate with the teacher concerning deadlines and absences.
• Follow the instructions of the teacher at all times, especially during labs.
• Remain aware of upcoming due dates of assignments, projects or tests by paying attention to announcements in class and via Canvas.
• Horseplay in class is strictly prohibited. You will be in a professional laboratory setting and must conduct yourself in a safe manner at all times.
• Adhere to all Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center and Arlington ISD Student Code of Conduct policies.
• Use of technology in class will be for educational purposes; any other use will not be allowed without permission from your instructor.

 

Grading Policy: 

An ample amount of time will be given to submit an assignment, therefore, all assignments are expected to be submitted by its due date.  This also means that when you submit an assignment, it needs to be complete.  Assignments submitted late will receive -10 points each day. 

Grades will be a reflection of mastery.  Your grade will be determined by the accumulation of points.  At the end of a grading period, the total number of points earned will be divided by the total possible points.  Daily grades, quizzes and labs will count once; major projects and test grades will count twice.  This course will also have a PLTW standardized End-of-Course (EOC) exam later in the spring semester.

Make-Up Policy:

Any work missed due to an excused absence may be made up for full credit.  If you’re absent one day, you’ll have a one -day extension on the due date for excused absences and so forth.  Unexcused absences will have to adhere to the existing due date and will be graded as a late assignment if submitted after the due date.

Academic Dishonesty: 

Academic dishonesty is defined by Arlington ISD as engaging alone or collaborating with others to take part in dishonest or deceitful activities such as lying, cheating, plagiarism, or stealing to gain an academic advantage in assignments, tasks or other school related activities.  You are expected to be a highly motivated participant in this class.  A zero may be given for academic dishonesty on class assignments, quizzes and tests in addition to a parent/teacher conference.  Please refer to the AISD Student Code of Conduct for other possible corrective actions.

Supplies needed: 

Spiral or Composition Notebook (your choice), Colored Pencils, Highlighter, Pen & Pencils

 Course Overview:

Unit 1:  How to Fight Infection

In this unit students are introduced to a college freshman who is presenting symptoms of an unknown infectious disease which students will eventually identify.  Through this case students will explore the diagnostic process used to identify an unknown infection, the use of antibiotics as a treatment, how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, how hearing impairment is assessed and treated, and how vaccinations are developed and used to prevent infection.

Unit 2:  How to Screen what is in Your Genes

In this unit students are introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Sue’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are very excited to find out they are expecting a new baby. Because the couple is in their early 40s, the doctor has suggested genetic screening and testing. Through this case students will explore how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, the value of good prenatal care, and the future of genetic technology.

Unit 3:  How to Conquer Cancer

In this unit students are introduced a sixteen-year-old who is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that often affects teenagers. Through this case, students will explore the diagnostic process used to determine the presence of cancerous cells, the risk factors and prevention of cancer, rehabilitation after disease or injury, and the design process for new medications, prosthetics, and nanotechnology.

Unit 4:  How to Prevail When Organs Fail

In this unit will explore protein production, blood sugar regulation, dialysis, organ donation and transplantation, and non-invasive surgery techniques.

     

*The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term, it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions.  Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary changes.