If you attend MLHS, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the new biotech academy program…or, more importantly, the swivel chairs in the biotech academy rooms. But what is the biotech academy and what makes its students unique?
The biotech academy is a part of the Morris County Vocational School District, where high schools students can pursue their specific interests with a more in-depth curriculum. Lucky for us, MLHS is hosting the county-wide biotech program! In many ways, this program is meant to replicate a college environment, as students are expected to behave maturely and be responsible for their own technology.
Unsurprisingly, these dedicated students have to pass a series of tests before they are selected for the biotech program. The first, more standardized test only requires pen, paper, and, of course, the student’s acquired knowledge. If the applicant passes this test, they proceed to the interview stage. In these group interviews, each applicant needs to demonstrate an immense understanding of the topic, as well as the social skills they will need in a class or a lab. Within just a few hours of the interviews, the candidates find out whether or not they are future Lakers.
As a part of their more specific curriculum, biotech students do not have the same schedules as the typical Mountain Lakes freshmen. Instead, the biotech students study a mix of Honors Bio and AP Bio, as well as Lab Design and Experimental Design. In these classes, students learn to defy the standard scientific model, and to understand what science is and isn’t.
Although these students are dedicated to biotechnology, they participate in additional school subjects, fine arts, and sports. In fact, not all biotech students consider biology to be their favorite subject. Of course, they enjoy the subject, but this does not mean that they cannot enjoy their other classes just as much. This program exists so that students can dabble in the subjects they are highly interested in, with the idea that they will pursue these subjects as future career paths.
Now, around the high school, there has been a lot of buzz about the new biology room. To put an end to these rumors, one biotech student has confirmed that the room is “very cool”. The biotech students have huge tables, a very advanced projector, and –of course–swivel chairs. There is one complaint about this room, however: it’s freezing! So, if you ever stop by the biotech classroom, make sure you have a sweater.
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