Driving Question: How can we detect and mitigate the effects of cellular changes on human health?

Project Overview: Discover the fascinating world of cellular biology with "Cell Sleuths: Unraveling the Mysteries of Disease." This updated take on the classic "Cell City" project has 8th-grade students collaborating with local medical professionals to explore the cellular mechanisms behind diseases like Type 1 Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Alzheimer's, Cancer, and Parkinson's Disease. Through hands-on investigations and critical analysis, students will develop a deep understanding of how these diseases affect cells and body systems. They will share their findings through health education workshops, art exhibitions, and community seminars. These public products aim to educate and engage the community, raising awareness and fostering empathy.

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Driving Question: How can we raise awareness about issues aligned with our sense of purpose?

Project Overview:  In the 'Finding My Purpose project,' students can choose a current issue that aligns with their purpose and create a research paper to delve deeper into the topic and a social media campaign to educate and inspire others. They will conduct extensive research beyond minimal surface-level understanding to gather different perspectives and insights on the chosen issue. Students will also have the chance to interview community members or experts with firsthand experience or expertise in the field, further enriching their social media campaign with valuable insights. To enhance their social media campaign, students will incorporate various visuals such as images, footage, and graphics. This hands-on approach allows students to develop their media literacy skills and actively engage with the Writing standard, W.11-12.7, as they will be conducting sustained research and synthesizing multiple sources. By collaborating with local organizations or community members, students can gain a real-world perspective on the issue and present their papers and social media campaigns to relevant community members. Thus, they promote community dialogue and foster awareness on important topics they care most about that align with their sense of purpose and identity.

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Driving Question: How do healthcare administrators make informed decisions about resource allocation?

Project Overview: In the Equations for Better Care project, students collaborate with a local healthcare organization to gain real-world experience in analyzing resource allocation in a hospital or clinic. This project allows students to apply their algebraic skills to model patient flow, staff scheduling, and inventory management, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources. Through hands-on experience, students will develop their ability to use algebraic equations to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions in a healthcare setting. Furthermore, this project offers valuable insights into career opportunities in healthcare administration and operations, allowing students to explore potential future paths in the healthcare industry. By engaging in this project, students will enhance their analytical and data interpretation skills, gaining a deeper understanding of how healthcare systems and operations function.

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