Under the microscope
Phillip O. Berry offers two new courses in neuroscience and epidemiology
Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology is offering its students
two new electives in neuroscience and epidemiology, combining the
fields of biology and medicine. The school is a CMS magnet school
with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) and the only high school in North Carolina to offer these
biomedical courses.
“I’ve been interested in biology since the ninth grade,” said Devin
Roberts, a senior taking the epidemiology course. “Because it’s a lab,
I get a deeper understanding of the material. The experiments help
me practice and apply what I’m learning.”
During a recent lab, Devin and his classmates researched the
types of bacteria found in swaps of their own skin. The swabs were
placed in Petri dishes and allowed to grow. Then, in groups, they
observed, tested and analyzed the cultures to find out which species
of bacteria live on the skin.
“The need for qualified microbiologists is growing,” said biology
teacher Timothy Guilfoyle. “The course helps my students recognize
what viruses and infectious diseases are and aren’t, and how it
affects the world around them.”
Sophomore Déja Benford enrolled in the neuroscience class
because she is interested in human studies and plans to become a
nurse.
“Understanding how the mind develops and responds is
important in nursing,” said Déja. “The class is giving me a glimpse
into areas I will need to study when I pursue my career.”
Déja’s class reviewed a case study on Jazzmin Brown, a
nationally known teenaged quadriplegic and advocate who also
suffers from short-term memory and hearing loss. Students were
asked to devise a proportioned spinal cord for Jazzmin. They used a fruit fly larva as an investigative model
for the central nervous system and developed ideas. The lab gave students a peek into the delicate window
of neuro-surgery and engineering practices.
“We’re finding possible solutions to actual issues,” said senior Matthew Craft. “It makes the class
exciting.”
Tamica Stubbs, a science instructor and STEM coordinator, teaches the neuroscience class. She was
instrumental in structuring and launching the curriculum for both courses. She and other staff evaluated
which careers are in high demand, what types of skills are required and which could give students a real-life
experience.
“Lab skills are important to STEM careers,” said Stubbs. “Providing our students with those skills now
puts them ahead. It also shows them that careers in these types of sciences are attainable.”
River Gate Elementary wins 2014 Fire Prevention Week contest
River Gate Elementary students have a message to share: Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives. That was the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week
and bulletin board contest. Third-graders created an interactive display showing how smoke alarm can save
families when they are in good working order.
“I’m very proud of my third-grade teachers and students. I believe our students have learned the
importance of fire safety, especially as it relates to checking their home smoke alarms every month,” said
River Gate Principal Kimberly Odom. “While the competition was fun for them, what is most important is
that they have gained lessons on how they can save themselves and the lives of others in the event of a
fire.”
The Charlotte Fire Department and local businesses sponsor the annual Fire Prevention Week Bulletin
Board Contest. This is the 24th year for the contest and 51 schools participated, the most in its history. At
a program on Oct. 10, Charlotte Fire Chief Jon Hannan, along with Blaze the Fire Dog, presented the school
with a first-place trophy and a $3,000 check. The funds will be used for educational projects.
Fire Prevention Week is celebrated nationwide Oct. 7-13. It was established to commemorate the Great
Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated the city. The fire began on Oct. 8 and continued to spread for two
days. More than 250 people died during the fire, 100,000 were left homeless and $200 million in property
was destroyed.
Fire department staff also talked to students about how to safely leave a burning building and tips
for keeping a safe house. Students also participated in firefighter activities Get Low Under Smoke and a
firefighter relay.
Second-place winner was Ballantyne Elementary which won $2,000. The third-place winner was
Barnette Elementary which won $1,000. Polo Ridge and Rama Road elementaries each won honorable
mentions with $500. The Chief’s Choice school was Metro.
8 • Nov/Dec 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine