Biotech Academy
Welcome to the Biotech Academy
The Biotech Academy is a specialized learning program that brings together science, mathematics, and language arts to prepare students for advanced study and a career in science. Integrated Curriculum Includes Science, Mathematics, and Language Arts. In the Biotechnology Career Academy students are encouraged to learn how science, math, and language arts work together. They will study advanced mathematics and use it in the context of biology, chemistry, and genetics.
This program offers a rigorous study of reading and writing that will promote connections between science and literature with an emphasis on scientific discovery. Students will enjoy exciting but demanding labs, working with the same high-tech equipment used by scientists.
Entering the Program
Students may enter the 3-year program at the beginning of their freshman year. Students entering the program must qualify for geometry at a minimum (have successfully completed Algebra 1).
Applying: For 2021-2022 there are no applications for the Biotech Academy.
Biotech Lead: Melissa Povey at mapovey@seattleschools.org
Visit the Ballard Biotech Blog for great updates on current projects and more! ballardbiotech.blogspot.com
Refer to the BHS Course Catalog for more detailed information for each course offered at Ballard High School.
Incoming Ballard High School 9th Graders
Note: No application is required for the Biotech Academy for 2021-2022 . Students should review the information to see if they are interested in this Academy. Also refer to the BHS Course Catalogfor more detailed information about the courses.
- Students who are ready to take Biotech Biology and Geometry.
- Students who are interested in a college-prep program with a strong science, writing and math emphasis.
- Students who want to be part of a small community of learners that includes students & teachers.
Biotech Scientists | Washington State Science & Engineering Fair Presentations | Virtually | March 2020
Biotechnology/biology students presented their science and engineering projects virtually at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair.
Students have been working on these projects since October. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the regional fair on March 14 was cancelled. Then it was moved to the WA State Science & Engineering Fair Competition. This year, the fair was held virtually and teams needed to log in at specific times to present to their judges (using the platform GoToMeeting).
There were 21 different categories in which students could enter-and within those general categories, there were subcategories depending the specific type of engineering or science and they pulled it off and performed amazingly well even sweeping some categories!
The BHS Biotech Academy is a specialized learning program that brings together science, mathematics, and language arts to prepare students for advanced study and a career in science.
Check out the Biotech Blogspot for more information on the preparation for the fair!
Information About the Biotech Academy, Past Program Highlights and FAQ
The Biotechnology Academy: A School within a School
Our beginnings
In 1998, before the new campus of Ballard High School opened, BHS teachers at that time Penny Pagels and Rich Mellish developed a Science/Math Pathway program at the behest of then-Principal Chuck Chinn. UC Berkeley’s Career Academy Support Network (CASN) awarded them a three-year Stuart Foundation grant to provide support for a career academy. Janis Wignall of Immunex (now Amgen) was recruited to chair the steering committee, and Immunex contributed $25,000 to the initial classroom/labs and provided $5,000 per year for the first three years. Teachers from the science, mathematics, and language arts departments were recruited, and Ms. Pagels became the first lead teacher. The program launched in 1999 and has since evolved into two cohorts, one beginning in the ninth grade and one in the tenth.
Currently
The Biotechnology Career Academy (aka the Biotech Academy) is a learning program that offers linked science (biology, chemistry, and genetics), mathematics (geometry ,algebra II, and beyond), and language arts (including AP LA in the third year) classes to prepare students for advanced study and a career in science. Classes are scheduled to allow for block sections and integrated curricula so that students and teachers can team teach and coordinate specified integrated units per semester. Students enjoy exciting hands-on labs, working with high-tech equipment. There are field trips, one-on-one meetings with local scientist mentors, and tours of area biotechnology company labs. Students participate in the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair, a high-school level energy competition, in their first year, a formal scientist- judged poster presentation in their second year, and the science fair Student BioEXPO in their third and last year in the Academy. There are weekly after-school study halls as well. Students are encouraged to apply for internships at area biotechnology companies during the summer following their junior year. We have a strongSteering Committee, comprised of local scientists and involved parents, which meets monthly.
Applying to the Academy
For the school year 2021 – 2022 no application is necessary for incoming students to this Academy.
Beyond the Academy
Over the years the great majority of our students have been accepted to great four-year colleges and universities, including some quite prestigious establishments. We often hear back from these students, thanking us for preparing them for the rigors of higher education. The Biotech Academy is an advanced and integrated program; each graduate who completes three years of the Academy receives a letter of verification of program completion which goes with his or her transcript on all college applications.
Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair and Student BioExpo 2019
Resources
Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Contact
Biotech Lead:
Melilssa Povey
Email: mapovey@seattleschols.org
Preparing For the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair 2018
While taking Biology , students compete for a chance to attend the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The student’s projects are judged formally by a panel of regional scientists and experts.While taking Chemistry , students research a scientific topic of their choosing. They present their findings to local scientists through a poster session here at Ballard.While taking Genetics , students participate in the program capstone event, the Student Biotech Expo. This event is an opportunity for students throughout the Puget Sound to exhibit their work on a current topic of interest in the Biotech field.In addition, during the summer following the junior year, some Biotech Academy students participate in summer internships with local research institutions or companies. Some of these internships are salaried.Other special events also occur. For example, Biotech Academy students take overnight field trips to a Whidbey Island farm where they experience first-hand the intricacies of restoration ecology. Some also visit local Biotech facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Biotech cohort?
Students in a Biotech cohort share the same science, math, and language arts classes. This fosters a close-knit community among students, as well as furthering the integration between the three Biotech academic subjects.
How does the Biotech Academy differ from the general program at Ballard High School?
While it is true that the academy demands a high level of rigor in our curriculum, most of the differences derive from other aspects. Students in the Biotech Academy gain a greater understanding of scientific concepts through the use of cutting-edge technology. In addition, the integration of core subjects provides students with a broader concept of the opportunities available in the Biotech community. Genetics students have the opportunity to pair with an advisor scientist to assist with the Student Biotech Expo project.
Is extra help available to Biotech students?
The Biotech program provides a study hall that rotates among teachers. The private attention available at Biotech study halls enables struggling students to grasp concepts that may have proven elusive in the regular classroom environment.
Vision Statement of the Biotechnology Career Academy
Recognizing that biotechnology is a dynamic industry in the Puget Sound region, the Biotechnology Career Academy at Ballard High School is a group of students, educators, and scientists who believe that by offering a sound academic preparation in high school, we can ensure that all students, of all academic levels, can ultimately find rewarding careers in science.
We’re looking for you if you have…
- A great attitude.
- A desire to join the Biotech family.
- A willingness to cooperate with others.
- Motivation to develop problem-solving skills.
- Enthusiasm for independent research.
- Maturity in dealing with challenging academic tasks.
- An interest in civic and environmental issues.
How to Apply
Applications are no longer required for this Academy.
Students may enter in the 9th grade.
The Faculty
Language Arts
Taryn Coe
Kristin Storey Mathematics
Danielle Gleit
Jan Drabek Science
Melissa Anne Povey
The Academic Program
Ninth Grade Course Pathway
9th Grade
Biology
Geometry/Algebra 2
Language Arts 9
10th Grade
Chemistry
Algebra 2/Pre-calculus
Language Arts 10
11th Grade
Genetics
Pre-Calculus/Calculus
AP Language Arts 11
Summer Internship Possibility
12th Grade
Biotech coursework completed. Students choose all of their courses. Science and math course sequence continuation is highly recommended.