Help we are looking for:

1. Heart Specialist – for explanation of the heart and cardiovascular system and aid in creating a hands-on simulation of the heart

2. Orthopedic Bone Specialist – for explanation of process of ossification of bone and to aid in creating a hands-on simulation of bone ossification

3. Surgeons – for explanation and video of various surgical procedures

4. Artificial Limb Specialist – to facilitate lab experiments and to talk about technologies of artificial limbs

5. Anatomy Expert - for explanation of the anatomy of the human body, including the skeletal and muscular system

Dates Requested: Within this current school year, which ends in late June, 2010

Explanation of Discovery Medical Academy Curriculum Design:

Discovery Charter School will develop and utilize an interdisciplinary science and health project-based curriculum. Our project based curriculum will be designed to stimulate student’s interest in health, science and research as well as, enhance critical thinking skills, and foster positive interaction with health care providers. Through the development of professional themed curriculum the school will offer unique educational opportunities, training with professional equipment, and real-world projects as well as, job shadowing and mentoring. The school is committed to providing students a dynamic learning environment with a lively interactive curriculum that is in alignment with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS). DCS curriculum is designed for active engagement of students in their own learning of health related concepts through highly structured yet creative learning experiences. The school provides students with an environment conducive to exploration and learning through consistent praise, encouragement and multiple opportunities for success.
Medical Academy Goals:
· Design a curriculum to stimulate students’ interest in health, science and research through an interdisciplinary approach combining science with language arts, mathematics and social studies.
Objectives:
· Students will develop skills in identifying concrete strategies for improving health and preventing illness
· Students will understand the research process and the nature of scientific inquiry.
· Improve student awareness of their role in personal health
Discovery Charter School approach to learning materials is to break complex concepts into related increments, recognizing that smaller pieces of information are easier to teach and easier to learn. We systematically distribute the instruction, practice and assessment of those increments across the instructional period. Each increment builds on the foundation of earlier increments, leading to a deeper understanding of concepts. The instruction related increments is carefully distributed throughout the grade level, ensuring that students have the opportunity to master each increment before being introduced to the next related one. Active engagement of students in their own learning through highly structured yet creative learning experiences is an established practice at Discovery Charter School.
Components of the Medical Academy Curriculum:
· Coloring Books for Anatomy
· Videos of the Systems
· Audio pronunciation Disk of medical terms and games(English and Spanish)
· Read Along
· Vocabulary
· Student Portfolios
· Medical Current Events(National/International)
· Student developed health care plan for taking care of their bodies at various ages
· Interdisciplinary projects and response journals