Biomedical

The rigorous and relevant four-course Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities like investigating the death of a fictional person to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.

Each course in the Biomedical Science sequence builds on the skills and knowledge students gain in the preceding courses. Schools offer the three PLTW Biomedical Science foundation courses within a period of three academic years from the start of implementation and may also offer the capstone course.

Human Body Systems

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Medical Interventions

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.

Biomedical Innovation

In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

Partners

Kaiser Permanente   Kaiser Permanente is one of STEM's most active and involved partners. It provides volunteer positions for many of our juniors and seniors, extensive mentorships and internships for high performing students, and judges and guest speakers for many of our classes and events. This fruitful partnership has made the medical pathway particularly rich in real-world experience. Visit kaiserpermanente.org to learn more.
University of California - Los Angeles   UCLA, and in particular the David Geffen School of Medicine, provides many resources and opportunities for STEM students. In 2015, UCLA invited the entire student population of STEM to visit for a job fair targeted toward medicine to help students learn about real-world experiences in the field. For more information, visit medschool.ucla.edu
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles   The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles provides internships, judges, and guest speakers to STEM to provide students with real-world understanding and application for their medical experiences. For more information, you can visit their website, chla.org
AIDS Health Foundation   The AIDS Health Foundation has provided HIV testing for Health Fairs at STEM, and is a growing partner for the school. You can learn more at their website, aidshealth.org
St. John's Mobile Clinic   St. John's Mobile Clinic regularly brings their mobile clinic to STEM. In addition to providing free health services to STEM students, they provide valuable learning experiences for our medical students. To learn more, visit wellchild.org