STEM-LEADS at Patterson High School

Lambda Epsilon Mu: Latino Pre-health Honor Society

Johns Hopkins University

SYLLABUS
Location: Mrs. Ball’s room
Time: Friday Lunch from 11 AM to 12 PM.

Contact Information
Program Coordinator(s): Julia Duvall & Marcela Sierra-Arce
Email Address: stem.leads.lem@gmail.com

Faculty Sponsor: Mrs. S. Ball & Mrs. M. Hart

Email Address: margaret.hart@jhu.edu & SBall@bcps.k12.md.us

______________________________________________________________________________

Program Description

The STEM-LEADS program aims to guide high school students through various areas of science
and medicine, including lessons and projects involving physical science, neuroscience, and
psychological disorders. By engaging in hands-on scientific experiments, which are frequently
covered in college, we aim to expose interested high school students to basic scientific
knowledge and to the plethora of careers that can be pursued in the STEM field. Another role of
STEM-LEADS consists of integrating aspects of the college application process through a series
of workshops, consisting of drafting a personal statement, providing information and tips for the
SAT/ACT, and introducing several possible career paths. We expect to provide students with a
breadth of health-related knowledge and opportunity to develop critical thinking skills while
introducing students to careers in STEM.

Program Materials
Notebook and a writing utensil.

(Optional) Khan Academy

https://www.khanacademy.org/
It is recommended that each student make an account on Khan Academy and watch the
corresponding videos before class. The recommended videos will be listed in the course
schedule.
Assignments
To prepare for the seminar, it is highly encouraged to watch the Khan videos before each session.
Class Participation
All interactions in class will be civil, respectful, and supportive of an inclusive learning
environment for all students. We encourage students to speak to any LEM Member, teacher
sponsor about any concerns they may have about classroom participation and classroom
dynamics.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

We will not hold any office hours. However, students are welcomed to email any questions or
concerns to us stem.leads.lem@gmail.com

Course Policies
The best learning environment––whether in the classroom, studio, laboratory, or fieldwork site––
is one in which all members feel respected while being productively challenged. In alignment
with Johns Hopkins University code of conduct, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive
atmosphere, in which all participants can contribute, explore, and challenge their own ideas as
well as those of others. Every participant has an active responsibility to foster a climate of
intellectual stimulation, openness, and respect for diverse perspectives, questions, personal
backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, although instructors bear primary responsibility for its
maintenance.

1. ATTENDANCE POLICY

In case of absence, students must notify the instructor or email ASAP that they will be
missing the session for the week. More than one unexcused absences will constitute in an
automatic removal from the program.

2. POLICIES ON MISSED SESSIONS

There will not be a makeup session for the class a student missed. The student is
responsible for catching up and/or asking their classmates for notes. If the student has
any questions, they may email us.

3. TECHNOLOGY POLICIES:

Any personal technological device (cell phones, laptops, ipads) will not be allowed in
class.

Tentative Course Schedule

Date Topics/Assigned Readings/Homework Major
Assignments and
Deadlines

3/12 Kick Off Event - NA

M Speaker: Johns Hopkins University, Director of Undergraduate
Neuroscience, Dr. Gorman

3/16 Meet & Greet Make a Khan

F Overview of the Syllabus, Course Description, and Objectives for Academy
the year. Account
- Brain anatomy Video: Reward
Pathway in the
Brain

3/23 Drugs & Addiction recap Video:

- Reward pathway Depression and
Opiates

Drug & Addiction II Video:

3/30 - Types of drugs (stimulants, hallucinogens, etc.) Newton’s first
… law of Motion
TBD Intro to mood disorders (depression, bipolar) & Bernoulli’s
Equation I & II

4/6 Physics: Force, Mass, Mid-term:

- Car experiment (with Ms. Hart) Online
Make a handout: Career Goals, Critical Interest (Major), Assessment
Dream School(s)

4/13 Computer Seminar: Boot Up Baltimore Individual task:

- Distribute Laptops brainstorm
- Review of Topics. future plans,
college, job, etc.

4/20 College Preparation I

(JH - What do colleges look for
brk) - What are you looking for (good fit)?
4/27 College Prep II
PH - Essays
Brk - SAT/ACT, Accuplacer (Community College)
4/25 - Financial Assistance Programs

5/4 Last day of class - small class party w/ foods

College Prep III