Innovating through Biology for Real-World Impact
Empowering futures through biological discovery
COURSE THEME
Empowering students to apply biological knowledge and skills to address local and global challenges through project-based learning and inquiry.
COURSE UNITS
Food Justice
Global Health
Environmental Engineering
Biomimetic Systems
Health Equity
Unit Details & Final Projects
Unit 1: Cultivating Tomorrow: Biology and Food Justice
Explore the biological principles of sustainable agriculture and food production while examining issues of food justice. Learn about plant biology, genetics, and ecological relationships in agricultural systems.
Key Concepts:
- Plant physiology and growth requirements
- Genetics and crop improvement
- Sustainable agricultural practices
- Food security and distribution challenges
Final Project:
Design and implement a small-scale sustainable food production system (e.g., vertical garden, hydroponic system) addressing a specific food justice issue in your community.
Unit 2: Community Immunity: Biology and Global Health
This unit focuses on the biology of disease transmission, immunity, and public health interventions, informing global health initiatives and community resilience.
Key Concepts:
- Microbiology and pathogen biology
- Immune system function and vaccination
- Disease transmission and epidemiology
- Health disparities and access to healthcare
Final Project:
Develop a public health campaign for a community or global health challenge, incorporating accurate biological information and evidence-based interventions.
Unit 3: Environmental Engineers
Apply principles of ecology and environmental biology to address environmental challenges. Learn about ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and how biological systems can inspire solutions.
Key Concepts:
- Ecosystem structure and function
- Biodiversity and conservation biology
- Pollution and bioremediation
- Climate change impacts on biological systems
Final Project:
Design and test a biologically-inspired solution to an environmental challenge (e.g., bioremediation system, conservation plan), documenting the biological principles applied.
Unit 4: NeuroNature: Designing Biomimetic Systems
Explore how biological systems, particularly the brain and genetic mechanisms, can inspire innovative technologies and solutions. Learn neurobiology, genetics, and biomimicry principles.
Key Concepts:
- Neural structure and function
- Genetic information processing
- Biomimicry principles and applications
- Ethical considerations in biotechnology
Final Project:
Design a prototype or conceptual model of a biomimetic system inspired by neural or genetic principles that addresses a specific human need or challenge.
Unit 5: Health Equity: Biology and Community Resilience
Examine how biological factors interact with social determinants to influence health outcomes. Explore health equity, community resilience, and strategies to address disparities.
Key Concepts:
- Social determinants of health
- Biological basis of health disparities
- Environmental health and exposure biology
- Community-based health interventions
Final Project:
Conduct a community health assessment on a specific health disparity, then develop a biologically-informed intervention strategy to promote health equity.
Optional: Biomimicry Project
This extended project allows students to apply knowledge from all units to develop a comprehensive biomimicry solution to a local problem, engaging in deeper research, design, and testing.
Project Components:
- Problem identification and research
- Biological model selection and analysis
- Solution design and prototyping
- Testing and iteration
Expected Outcomes:
Produce a detailed project portfolio and present work to community stakeholders for feedback on real-world application.
Learning Approach
Project-Based Learning
Each unit is structured around a central project addressing a real-world challenge. Students work individually and in teams to research, design, implement, and evaluate solutions to complex problems.
Benefits of Hands-On Experience
- Deeper understanding of biological concepts
- Development of scientific inquiry and research skills
- Cultivation of problem-solving abilities
- Experience with iterative scientific investigation
Ready to Innovate?
Register now for Fall 2025 and join us in solving global challenges through biology.
Contact & Enrollment Information
Enrollment
For more information about enrolling, please contact your school's guidance counselor or the science department chair.
Course Instructor
Name: [Instructor Name]
Email: [instructor.email@school.edu]
Office Hours: [Days and Times]
Department Contact
Science Dept. Chair: [Name]
Email: [department.chair@school.edu]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Course Materials
All required materials will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook or digital device for notes and project work.