APS
DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL GENERAL ELECTIVES CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
Course Title: Health Careers Academy
Course Number:
Department:
General Electives
ADS Number:
Prerequisites:
2.256 GPA
Length of Course:
6 Weeks
Credit/PRI Area:
1.0 credit/Elective
53023
15954147
Grade Level(s):
9 - 11
Important Notes:
This is a summer program that meets for six weeks six hours a day. This course meets federally approved guidelines for disadvantaged (e.g., economic, academic)
status and is designed to enhance academic preparedness for the disadvantaged student who has an interest in the health field. The student goes through an
application process to get into the program, which accepts 45 students each summer.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: As the need for health care professionals in New Mexico grows, the goal of the Health Careers Academy program is to prepare the student for
academic success and possible pursuit of a career in the health field. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, literacy, mathematical concepts, applied science, health career
awareness, and college admissions test preparation.
References in parentheses following each performance standard refer to and align with the State of New Mexico Science Standards (NM - S), New Mexico Health Standards
(NM – H), New Mexico Career Readiness Standards (NM – CR), New Mexico Mathematics Standards (NM), the Albuquerque Public Schools Mathematics Standards
(APS – MA), and the Albuquerque Public Schools Language Arts Standards (APS - LA).
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.1.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRATEGIES:
The “Illustrations” column in the Program of Studies provides exemplars of the performance standards, strategies, and best practices suggested by the Health Careers Academy
teachers in the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).
ASSESSMENTS:
Assessments may include authentic and performance-based assessment, cooperative learning, teacher observation, checklists, tests and exams, formal and informal writing, small
group and full class discussions, oral and multimedia presentations, projects, demonstrations, and portfolios. Assessments are based on appropriate rubrics.
SUGGESTED TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
 Language Arts Reader – Office of Cultural and Ethnic Programs – 2003
 Health and Disease in the Pre-Columbian World – John W. Verano and Douglas H.Ubelaher – Smithsonian Institute Press – Washington DC – 1991
 Native American Traditional Healing NMAIDS InfoNet Newsletter – May 16, 2002
 Preparing for the ACT Mathematics & Science Reasoning – Postman, Robert D. – Amsco School Publications, Inc. - 2000
 Teacher created materials
 Ancillary materials
 Selected novels
SUGGESTED TITLES/AUTHORS WEB SITES:
 http://home.wanadoo.nl/hans.kuiper/optillus.html
 http://www.grand-illusions.com/index.html
 http://www.strongmuseum.org/kids/tangram.html
 http://members.aol.com/webcarlos2/Optical/Opticalframes.html
 http://www.theory.csc.uvic.ca/`cos/inf/misc/PentInfo.html
 http://nasaexplorers.nasa.gov
Approved by HSCA:
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.2.11
May 18, 2004
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRAND I: LITERACY
CONTENT STANDARD: The student employs appropriate literacy skills (e.g., reading, writing, listening, speaking, use of technology) to read and interpret increasingly
complex texts for a variety of purposes.
BENCHMARK: The student demonstrates proficiency in reading comprehension, specialized vocabulary, and a variety of writing and speaking requirements.
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
NOTE: Illustrations include suggested activities for attaining each
performance standard. A check for (√) refers to a key feature to look for
while assessing student performance.
1.
Reads and thinks critically by finding main ideas, themes, and thesis
(APS – LA II.3).
2.
Analyzes how a writer supports the main idea, theme or thesis, and uses
these techniques in his/her own writing (APS – LA III.6).
3.
Utilizes techniques of writing, editing, and revision to improve written
work (APS – LA III.1).
4.
Utilizes effective study and writing techniques to improve academic
performance (APS – LA III.8).
5.
Uses e-mail, Internet, and software applications to explore and share
ideas (APS – LA I.3, III.4).
6.
Develops increased competence with speaking strategies (APS – IV.1).
7.
Demonstrates appropriate participation in group discussion
(APS – LA V.2).
8.
Synthesizes information from a variety of information sources to support
research (APS – VI.3).
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.3.11
1 – 4. The student reads a variety of assignments from the Language Arts
Reader. He/She writes a journal entry about each reading. The entry should
answer what the writer’s main idea, theme, or thesis is with support. Each
entry requires a minimum of 100 words. Journals are collected on a regular
basis.
 an entry for each reading selection
 support for argument
 writing conventions
 effective writing elements
5 – 8. The student goes out into the community, interviews at least four
individuals to get their perceptions of their community, and uses the
information to write a one-page paper and prepare five slides of images that
describes the community. The student uses some form of technology
(e.g., overhead), the visuals, and main ideas from the paper to deliver a
five-minute presentation to the class.
 use of technology
 evidence of listening skills
 all required components
 effective writing elements
 quality presentation
 organization of information
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRAND II: MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS
CONTENT STANDARD: The student demonstrates an understanding of basic algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric concepts through meaningful mathematical
experiences.
BENCHMARK: The student applies mathematical concepts through the use of technology and cooperative learning to problem solve, communicate, and relate to real-life
situations.
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
1.
Performs operations on whole numbers, fractions, and decimals and
converts from one form to another (APS – MA II.2E).
2.
Applies mathematical thinking using a variety of tools to demonstrate
concepts such as order, primes, factors, and composite numbers
(APS – MA II.6E; NM – 1A.7).
3.
Applies ratios, proportions, and percents in more complex mathematical
situations (APS – II.8E; NM – 1A.7).
4.
Identifies and uses the concept of absolute value (APS – II.3E;
NM – 1C.6).
4, 6, 7. The student is provided with the following scenario: You are a computer
service technician working in Albuquerque. You have received two requests
from customers to go “trouble shoot” a problem, one in Santa Fe, the other in
Socorro. a) Represent your distance in miles to each town on a number line.
b) Explain how the distances compare using the concept of absolute value
and the correct notation. c) Create a new problem to illustrate the concept of
absolute value using decimals.
 understanding of absolute value
 correct representations
5.
Applies the laws of exponents with integers to perform operations on
expressions (APS – V.14E; NM – 1A.2).
6.
Identifies and uses algebraic terms (e.g., rational, irrational)
(APS – V.8E; NM – 1A.1, 1A.12).
5. The student simplifies a variety of expressions similar to:
a) (610)(2,500,000,000) b) 2.0286 x 108 c) 4x3 y3 . -5xy2
3.15x103
2xy-1
2y
 accuracy
 applications of laws of exponents
7.
Translates a real-life problem into an expression, equation, or inequality
as a first step in working towards a solution
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.4.11
1 – 3. The first few days of the course is spent on reviewing basic skills and
assessing where the student is. The student practices a variety of problems
through worksheets and other diagnostic measures. Sample problems:
 Give the decimal and fractional equivalents of 62.5%.
 Find all of the positive factors of 48.
 Compute 4/5 + 2/3 x .3
 6 + 12 ÷ 3 x 4 = ?
 If Sara can type four pages in 12 minutes, how long will it take her to
type a 16-page report, working at the same rate?
 accuracy
 development of skills
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
(APS – V.11E; NM – 1C.1).
8.
Solves and graphs linear equations and inequalities (APS – V.12E;
NM – 1C.4).
8. The student solves for the indicated variable and justifies his/her work.
a) 2(v + 7) – 9 = 19
b) m/3 – 5 > -2
 accuracy of solutions
 justification of work
9.
Demonstrates understanding of the construction of the coordinate plane
(NM – 2B.1).
9. The student researches (e.g., Internet, library, videos) the population of
Albuquerque from 1900 – 2000. Working in small groups, the student
designs a question that generates numerical data and discusses and
compares his/her question with the other members of the group. From
there, each student continues to collect data, displays it graphically,
analyzes it, and makes predictions based on his/her findings.
 correct dependent and independent variables
 correct scaling
 display of data
 correct labeling of axes
 analysis
 predictions
 accuracy
10. Writes an equation of a line when given a graph of the line, two points of
a line, the slope and point of the line, or the slope and y-intercept of the
line and vice versa (APS – V.3E; NM - 1C.10, 1C.12).
10. The student writes an equation for a line (any form) that passes through
(-3, -1) and (6, -4) and verifies his/her work.
 justification of work
 accuracy
11. Solves and graphs quadratic equations and inequalities, with and without
technology (APS – V.13E; NM – 1B.12).
11. The student solves the equation x2 – 4x – 5 and confirms the solution(s)
by graphing to find the x-intercepts.
 multiple representations
 accuracy
12. Creates and solves systems of equations in two or three variables
(APS – V.5L; NM – 1C.5, 1C.8).
12. The student is given the following scenario to solve with documentation of
work provided.
Ms. Garcia is starting a small business and needs to decide between
long distance phone carriers. One company offers the Frequent
Phoner plan that costs $.20 for the first minute and $.17 for each
minute after that. A competing company offers the Pals and
Buddies plan that costs $.50 for the first minute and $.11 for each
additional minute. Under which circumstances is each plan the most
desirable?
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.5.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS





justifications
effective communication
understanding of systems of linear equations
multiple representations
accuracy
13. Recognizes and uses the appropriate factoring method (APS – V.16E;
NM – 1B.12, 1D.2).
13. The student factors, if possible, a variety of expressions.
a) 6b2 – 11b –2 b) 49y2 – 25 c) 3m3 – 15m2 – 6m + 30
 recognition of different factoring patterns
 accuracy
14. Finds the sum, difference, product and quotient of rational expressions
with monomial and polynomial numerators and denominators
(APS – V.20E; NM – 1A.17).
14. Using the two given rational expressions, the student performs the four basic
operations and documents his/her work.
3x + 1 ,
3
.
x2 - 7x
x2 - 6x – 7
 accuracy
 demonstration of work
15. Defines basic geometric terms (e.g., point, line, plane) (APS – III.1L).
15. As a writing exercise, the student selects any five basic geometric terms
(e.g., point, line, plane) he/she has learned and for each gives its definition,
symbol, name, and an example of a real-world representation.
 all required components
 clarity in writing
 accuracy
 connections
16. States and applies the properties of various polygons and solids
(APS – III.4L; NM – 2A.1).
16. The student creates a graphic organizer depicting all the quadrilaterals
(e.g., square, rectangle) and their properties.
 effective visual
 accuracy
 completeness
17. Applies the special triangle relationships (APS – III.11L; NM – 2D.7).
17, 18. The student solves a variety of problems involving right triangles. The
following scenario is one such example:
18. Uses trigonometric relationships to determine lengths and angle
measures (APS – III.12L; NM – 2D.6).
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
A kite has 80 meters of string out. The string makes an angle of 30 with the
ground. How far above the ground is the kite? Justify work.
 representations (e.g., figures, calculations)
 accuracy
 understanding of key concept
9.6.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRAND III: APPLIED SCIENCE
CONTENT STANDARD: The student understands the properties and structure of matter, energy, and biological life and their interactions.
BENCHMARK: The student understands basic principles of biological and physical science.
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
1.
Describes the essential components of an investigation, including
appropriate methodologies, proper equipment, and safety precautions
(NM – S: I.I.I.1).
2.
Designs and conducts scientific investigations that include testable
hypotheses, controls and variables, methods to collect, analyze, and
interpret data, results, and predictions (NM – S: I.I.I.2).
3.
Uses appropriate technologies to collect, analyze, and communicate
scientific data (NM – S: I.I.I.3).
4.
Uses scientific reasoning and valid logic to recognize faulty logic, cause
and effect, the difference between observation and unsubstantiated
inferences and conclusions, and potential bias (NM – S: I.I.II.2).
5.
Understands that matter is made of atoms and that atoms are made of
subatomic particles (NM – S: II.I.I.5).
6.
Understands atomic structure (NM – S: II.I.I.6).
7.
Classifies matter in a variety of ways (e.g., element, compound)
(NM – S: II.I.I.1).
1 – 4. The student properly designs and performs a controlled experiment
using a recognized scientific method, gathers data, and reports results in
both an oral and written format.
 proper safety techniques
 correct use of equipment
 appropriate equipment
 evidence of current scientific knowledge
 effective communication skills
 use of technology
 quantitative data
 critical thinking and insights
5, 6. The student solves a variety of problems such as “How many protons,
neutrons, and electrons are in an atom of 197 Au?” to show understanding
of atomic numbers and mass numbers.
 accuracy
 comprehension
7. The student classifies the following items as a pure substance or a mixture
indicating whether it is homogenous or heterogeneous: a) rice pudding
b) seawater c) magnesium d) gasoline e) air f) iodine crystals.
 correct identification of materials
 understanding of different classifications
OR
The student identifies each of the following compounds as either being ionic or
molecular: N2O, Na2O, SF4, CBr4, FeS, P4O6.
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.7.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
8.
Expresses chemical reactions with balanced equations
(NM – S: II.I.I.14).
8. The student solves a variety of problems where he/she is to balance the
equation. One such example: Write the balanced equation for the reaction
that occurs when methanol, CH3OH(l), is burned in air.
 accuracy
9.
Describes the mechanisms for cellular processes (NM – S: II.II.III.3).
9. The student learns that carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can all be used as
fuel for respiration. Along with this, the student learns about glycolysis and
the Krebs cycle. To enhance this learning the student reads an article from
the July/August 2003 issue of Adbusters Magazine an article entitles “Sugar
Giants Shove Their Sweetener”. He/She writes a summary of the article and
critiques it.
 summarization
 insights
 connections
10. Knows how DNA carries all genetic information in the units of heredity
called genes (NM – S: II.II.II.1).
11. Knows that cells are made of proteins composed of combinations of
amino acids (NM – S: II.II.III.1).
12. Identifies how science has produced knowledge that is relevant to
individual health and material prosperity (NM – S: III.I.I.15).
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
10, 11. The student studies the DNA structure, how it works, how DNA directs
the making of proteins in cells and how it copies itself. This happens through
text readings, lectures, and discussions. The student completes one or all of
the following activities:
 Scenario: You are a scientist in the late 1930s. Explain how you will
prove that DNA controls our traits.
 Explain why brothers and sisters don’t always look exactly like their
parents.
 Explain how RNA and ribosomes help DNA make proteins.
 Answer : What features of the DNA structure are important if the
genetic message is to be copied exactly?
 Explain how forensic sciences help law enforcement officers solve
crimes.
 comprehension
 effective communication
 factual information
12. The student selects a topic regarding a current health issue (e.g., Aids, breast
cancer), researches it (e.g., Internet, library, texts), and presents findings to
the class in either an oral or written format. The research includes major
technological and medical advances that have been made to combat the
disease.
 thorough research
 medical advancements and breakthroughs
 use of technology
 effective presentation
9.8.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
13. Analyzes anatomical structures (e.g., dissection).
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
13. The student, working in small groups, dissects a sheep’s brain to learn about
the structures of the brain. In preparation for this activity the student has first
had to read dissection instructions, follow the steps carefully, and draw at
least three diagrams of the observed structures. At the end of the activity the
student gives a presentation describing the experience and what he/she
learned.
 completion of all required components
 following of directions
 individual participation
 team work/collaboration
 safety practices
 effective presentation
 gained knowledge
9.9.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRAND IV: HEALTH CAREER AWARENESS
CONTENT STANDARD: The student identifies potential career interests and aptitudes which support personal career goals and lifelong learning in the health field.
BENCHMARK: The student assesses personal skills, abilities, and personal strengths and weaknesses as they relate to careers in health care.
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
1.
Identifies personal and work-related interests (CR: 1A; WSPSM; NBEA).
2.
Completes a standardized career-interest survey (CR: 1A).
3.
Assesses and analyzes personal talents, values, and interests (CR: 1A;
WSPSM; NBEA).
4.
Compares personal skills and aptitudes with various career options
(CR: 1A).
1 – 4. Using the “Exploring Careers” materials provided by the Department of
Defense, the student completes workbook exercises designed to help
him/her take steps toward finding a career that is right for him/her. The
process reveals to the student potential careers corresponding to a student’s
interests, work values, and personality. The training, education, and skills
for these careers are also identified.
 individual participation
 completion of exercises
 identification of interests and aptitudes
 understanding of the results
OR
1 – 4. A student accesses the U. S. Department of Interior’s “Holland
Occupations Themes” website (http://www.doi.gov) and completes
computerized assessments which identify a student’s personal:
- interests related to the world of work
- work values and corresponding occupations
- personality measures and suitable occupations
Based on this information, a student then writes a synopsis of his/her
findings and describes how this information is beneficial to his/her future
goals.
 technological skills
 self-assessment
 analysis
 effective writing elements
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
9.10.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04
STRAND V: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TEST PREPARATION
CONTENT STANDARD: The student reviews academic knowledge and skills, together with familiarity with testing formats, to prepare for college admissions examinations.
BENCHMARK: The student demonstrates competence in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning to gauge his/her educational development and academic
achievement.
GRADE
9 - 11
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ILLUSTRATIONS
1.
Practices a variety of test-taking strategies.
2.
Identifies stress-reducing tips.
3.
Reviews the individual test categories (e.g., math, science, vocabulary).
4.
Examines procedures for filling out answer sheets.
5.
Practices pacing and timing of test items and sections.
6.
Recognizes distracters.
7.
Reviews reading for comprehension strategies.
8.
Evaluates test results.
HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY
1 – 8. Many high school students throughout the nation must take some type of
college admissions test (e.g., ACT, SAT) in order to get into the school of
their choice. A student has a better chance of obtaining a better score if
he/she prepares for this test. The objective of this unit is to provide the
student with strategies that enable him/her to get the highest score possible.
The student learns what he/she must do before the testing date, what to do on
the testing date, and what to do after the test.
The student participates in several test-taking practices over a variety of
content areas and applies the strategies (e.g., reads carefully, saves hard items
for last, looks for distracters) he/she has learned through reading manuals or
lectures. Working alone or in small groups, he/she examines the results,
looks at the missed problems, and analyzes why he/she missed the items. On
the testing date, the student has a better chance of doing well on the test if
he/she has eaten breakfast, gotten a good night’s sleep, and exercised
moderately to relieve stress.
 application of test-taking strategies
 analysis
9.11.11
Albuquerque Public Schools 05/04