Class Curriculum & Materials

Accelerated Biology is a lab-based, NGSS course that explores core biological concepts from a phenomenon-based approach.  Students will explore various real-world phenomena contextualized into a"storyline" to uncover the Disciplinary Core Ideas in science.  This course will place a high priority on developing science practices, including questioning, modeling, analyzing and calculating.  Students will build a foundation for success in college-level courses and other advanced science courses.  Accelerated Biology surveys biology in greater breadth and depth than a general biology course; consequently, the pace is more rapid.

Medical Interventions is a Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Course.   It is the third course in the biomedical pathway after Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Anatomy.  In the course, students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.  Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail.  Through the evaluation of real world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.  Students will gain experience working in the laboratory with microbes, carrying out pcr, gel electrophoresis, vertical protein electrophoresis, and column chromatography.   

Physical science is a course that will give inth grade students a general background in physical science concepts and introduce skills to help them be successful in other science courses.  Lab activities and class discussion will allow students to understand science concepts in an applied context.

AP Biology is a full year college-level biology course and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam offered by the College Board in May.  The course covers molecular and cell biology, genetics and evolution, and the biology of organisms and populations.  Students are required to take and pass the AP Biology test with a 3 or better in order to receive college credit.  Students are encouraged to check with their colleges of interest for specific college credit criteria.  Biology or equivalent courses and Chemistry are recommended prerequisites.

On-Line Resources

• Khan Academy - Wait for your class information!
• CK12 - Online Biology Textbook - In class textbook available 
• Phenomenon Driven Storylines (Biology) 
• myPLTW - Medical Interventions Curriculum
• CK12 - Online Physical Science Textbook - In class textbook available Prentice Hall Physical Science (Concepts in Action)
• AP Central - AP Biology Information

Professional Bio

Hello!  My name is Kristin Clements and I am a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Young Adult Science, specializing in Biology.  I have both a B.S. and an M.S. in Biology, with my graduate work focusing on the use of biotechnology in the classroom.  Much of my professional development has centered around DNA and genetics, and I am a member of the Science Education Partnership at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center.  My training has taken me across the globe as a Fullbright Teacher Fellow in India where I taught for a summer in New Delhi at Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrews Ganj.  I am a wife, a mother, and I love spending time hiking and exploring nature!  I am currently teaching Project Lead the Way's Medical Interventions, which is the third class in the Biomedical pathway, and incorporates many of the interesting biotechnology labs that I have used throughout my career in science education.  This will be my 27th year teaching biology and science in Washington state and I look forward to working with you this year!