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The
Bioscience Environmental Technology (B.E.T.) is Grasso's
newest technological offering. This technology will train
students to enter areas in the fast growing fields of Environmental
Science and Bio-Technology. This offering will provide a
background for students who wish to work in entry level
positions in environmental studies, environmental technology,
bio-science technology and in other related areas such as
waste water treatment as well as clinical and pharmaceutical
laboratories.
The
Classroom...
Shop Time is equally distributed between our new laboratory,
greenhouse and field sites.
The
Instructors...
Our B.E.T. instructors are professionally trained life scientists.
Regularly scheduled guests interact and train students in
a professional setting.
The
Tools...
Biological, chemical and environmental techniques, be they
in the field or in the lab, are supported by industry comparable
materials and equipment.
The
Emphasis...
Investigative technique, procedure competency, research
method and the ability to work effectively in teams or as
individuals. These are the skills in demand by biotechnology
and environmental technology employers.
| BIOSCIENCE
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
Course descriptions |
EXPLORATORY
AND INTRODUCTION TO BIOSCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY (3
credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Please
see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter
the field of bioscience environmental technology will
be exposed to the basics of safety and sanitation and
personal hygiene. Students are instructed in basic
laboratory and field competencies that can be built
upon in the later years of the technology and science
classes. Topics covered include: microscopy, chemical
assay, measurement, orienteering, horticulture, protocol
procedure and basic analysis. Technology-related mathematics,
reading, writing, vocabulary and science skills are
integrated as required.
MEASUREMENT
AND ANALYSIS (3 credits)
In Grade 10, students master laboratory and field competencies
through project-based learning. In each project, students
learn to analyze data collected in the lab or field using
scientific methodology. Course content includes topics
such as water treatment/filtration, forestry and stream
analysis. Emphasis is placed on protocol procedures and
teamwork to mirror workplace requirements. Students are
instructed in science-related safety. Technology-related
mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are
integrated throughout the curriculum.
MANAGING
THE ENVIRONMENT (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students begin investigating real-world environmental
problems and work to solve these problems using hands-on,
team-based applications. In addition to beginning production
projects, students receive instruction in habitat management,
aquaculture, biotechnology and evolutionary biology. Emphasis
is placed on presentation, report writing and teamwork.
Students are instructed in science-related and shop safety
issues. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency
may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related
mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are
taught are integrated throughout the curriculum.
INDIVIDUAL
TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCE (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students are given an opportunity to investigate
a topic of choice, based on his or her knowledge and interest
in the area of bioscience. Students are encouraged to pursue
cooperative work experiences and use that work to complete
their final project. All projects include demonstration
of skills in design, observation, data collection, analysis
and reporting. Written and oral reports are required components
of this course. Emphasis is placed on the development of
professionalism, including the meeting of timelines and
the quality of the analysis. In Grade 12, students are
also involved in a mentoring program with the Grade 9 students.
Students are continually reinforced on science-related
and shop safety issues. Students will demonstrate the ability
to complete a job application and interview, and to perform
entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching
an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for
Work Based Learning (WBL). Each
student will take the Perkins Assessment, which is a performance-based
test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing,
vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students
successfully completing this course of study will be
able to pursue a two year or a four year degree at
colleges or universities in the area of environmental
technology or other related sciences. Students
can obtain immediate employment in environmental related
industries such as aquaculture or habitat management,
maintenance and water treatment.
*
College Career Pathways – Students successfully
completing this program can receive advanced college
credit.
| Upon
graduation what are the options for B.E.T. students? |
The
Workplace...
Many employers in the Biotech and
environmental tech. industries are hiring lab and field
assistants right out of tech. school. This places graduates
in professional environments where the incentive for further
study is nurtured.
Higher
Education...
Our "Tech Prep" program allows high achieving
students to earn credit at local technical colleges for
courses taken at Grasso. Students are encouraged to pursue
post-secondary education if joining the work force is not
yet desired.
| Partnerships
and Collaborations |
Groton
Utilities
B.E.T.'s largest partnership, Groton
Utilities employs the department in many project including
water quality, waste water treatment strategies, bioassessments
and forestry.
Sound
School
B.E.T. is involved with many of the Sound School's Interdistrict
Marine Educational Programs, including a shellfish hatchery
and lobster hatchery at the Project Oceanology Center at
Avery Point.
BioBuddies
In a partnership with PROJECT LEARN, our students become
teachers to 5th grade students from schools all over southeastern
Connecticut. Our Junior students do several presentations
on basic topics relating to Bioscience and Environmental
Studies.
Department
of Environmental Protection
We participate in the Project SEARCH program, in which we
perform watershed analysis on D.E.P. assigned streams.
Voyager
Cruises
Voyager Cruises regularly employs B.E.T. students as teaching
assistants aboard the schooner Argia. See
a story about our students on the CTHSS Main Web Site. |