This biology and medicine summer program for teens begins with an overview of basic body systems, including structure and function of major organ systems, bone and muscle groups, and interactions between organ systems. In addition, we’ll look at how different organ systems communicate and interdepend on one another. There will also be an excursion to a local hospital to provide meaning and relevance to the course. Class activities include collaborative group projects, scientific method experiment, presentation skills development, film clips and readings.
Hands-On Learning
Common medicines and their effects on the human body will be discussed using the Learn by Doing philosophy. Each class will have a Spotlight on Medicine, looking at various commonly used substances and medicines. The capstone project on a biomedical topic will be done by students in pairs or groups of three and presented on the final day. A capstone outline will be provided; students choose their topics, and work together during class time, to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on their biology or medical topic.
Career Exploration
Halfway through the workshop, students will go on an excursion to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center to provide meaning and relevance to the course. As the largest hospital in San Luis Obispo County, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center strives to produce optimal outcomes and exceptional patient experiences to the community it serves. Its distinct, high-level services include neurosurgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, perinatology (high-risk pregnancy), neonatology (high-risk newborn care), pediatrics and trauma.
Instructor
Michele Roest, MS
Michele Roest is a lecturer in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Michele has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biological sciences. She has been a curriculum developer for K-12 and college-level biology instructor for more than twenty years. In the course of her career as a biologist and science educator, she has worked with federal and state agencies, environmental consulting firms, corporations and nonprofits. Her content knowledge strengths include general biological concepts, ecosystem dynamics, energy transformations, solid waste and wastewater recycling.
This program is run in partnership with Cal Poly Extended Education. Instructors are Cal Poly faculty and provide access to the same facilities that Cal Poly students enjoy.
