The Bioscience and 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.

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 introduced 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 may qualify for advanced college credit.

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.

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.