Montgomery Middle School Picked for Medical Detectives program

Montgomery Middle School in Linda Vista is part of a 30-school nationwide test of the Medical Detectives curriculum, giving its students the opportunity to explore mysteries in biomedical sciences through hands-on projects and labs.

Students investigate medical careers, vital signs, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as human body systems such as the nervous system. Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and DNA crime scene analysis put the students in the place of real life medical detectives. According to the program's authors, Project Lead the Way, the unit will be field tested spring 2013 and made available to the network for the 2013-14 school year.

Project Lead The Way is a non-profit provider of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum and professional development to middle and high schools.

Montgomery will be adding to an already successful Project Lead the Way program that features offerings for students in grades 6-8. Medical Detectives adds additional variety to a curriculum that already includes such topics as design and modeling using CAD software, automation and robotics, and architecture. 

 

Justin Goodrich is the instructor selected to pilot the course at Montgomery. Approximately 30 teachers nationwide will be piloting the unit. These teachers will be the lead instructors of professional development training for the teachers who wish to implement the Medical Detectives unit when it officially rolls out for the 2013–14 school year. There are more than 5,200 Project Lead the Way programs in more than 4,200 schools nationwide.


Montgomery Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 450 students in grades 6–8. The strong instructional program consists of courses in the core subjects (English, mathematics, social studies, and science). Elective courses include computer technology, Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), yearbook, dance, band, orchestra, Spanish, engineering, math and science projects, Associated Student Body, drama, and art. The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program includes “cluster” and “seminar” classes. The Special Education department provides supports for students who qualify for services. The YMCA’s PrimeTime and PRYDE After School Programs assist students before and after school with homework and extra curricular activities. Classroom tutors are provided in collaboration with local universities.


For additional information, contact teacher Justin Goodrich at jgoodrich@sandi.net.