Cutting Edge Science
Lincoln Interactive supports the emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, with our Cutting Edge Science curriculum. These courses cover some of the most important areas of study in today's science and engineering fields.
Energy Series
In collaboration with over a dozen scientists and experts at Los Alamos National Laboratory and other organizations and universities, our Cutting Edge Science Energy Series offers a look at the science and engineering behind traditional and alternative energy development, production, and delivery.
Two-unit, 20-lesson modules are currently being developed for students who wish to continue their studies of alternative energy.
Introduction to Energy
This full semester CES course serves as the prerequisite to all other courses within the Energy Series. Introduction to Energy will explore a variety of exciting scientific advances being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and other research institutions. These institutions are addressing today's pressing energy issues, including the development of alternative energies, Smart Grid technologies, intelligent building design, and environmentally responsible transportation fuels. Using media tools such as simulations, videos, and digital labs, students will step into the exciting world of science and learn how scientific research affects our daily lives and the future of our planet. Videos and curriculum for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. This course is geared to students in grades 10-12.
New Solar Technologies
This course explores a variety of exciting scientific advances in solar technologies, including passive solar collection systems and photovoltaics. Students will learn how the Sun provides enough energy to meet the demand of the entire world. It also offers a renewable source of clean energy that can be used in various applications. Students will discover some of the unusual and inventive ways we are using this abundant energy resource. Using videos and hands-on labs, students will step into the interesting world of solar science and engineering to learn how this research is continually offering new solutions to our planet's energy issues. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University. This course is geared for students in grades 10-12.
Transportation of the Future
Awareness about the impact of vehicle use on the quality of life on Earth is quickly growing. Our increasing need for transportation has initiated a revolution in 21st century vehicle design and technology. In this course, students will learn about the process of designing and building a vehicle and will examine the systems within a vehicle that make it operate. Students will also learn about some unusual technologies for the future of vehicle transportation, including electric and solar cars, bullet trains, watercraft, aircraft, and spacecraft. Using videos and hands-on labs, students will step into the engaging world of rapidly advancing automobile technologies. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. This course is geared to students in grades 10-12.
Biofuels: Algae, Fungi and Other Surprises
This course will explore the research behind fungi, algae, and other potential biofuel resources that were formerly disregarded. Today, these resources have gained scientific and public interest for their role in clean fuels. Students will learn about fungi than can be converted into bioethanols and microalgae being studied for their ability to produce copious amounts of natural oils that can be converted into biodiesel. Students will learn how these exciting fields of study will provide some of tomorrow's clean energy breakthroughs. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. This course is geared to students in grades 10-12.
Energy, Climate Change, and Biodiversity
In this course, students will follow the path of some of today's premiere climate scientists as they study the Earth's climate system and the effects that changing climate is having on the world around them. Students will learn about the physical changes taking place on Earth, and how those changes are affecting marine life, vegetation, and animal species. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory This course is geared to students in grades 10-12.
Biology Series
These courses include a series of two-unit, 20-lesson modules that expose students to the most fascinating topics at the forefront of biological science today. The modules represent a broad spectrum of applied sciences.
Biotechnology
The Biotechnology Module is divided into two units. The first section provides a background on the basics of biotechnology and includes its historical context, laboratory equipment and techniques, and safety criteria, in addition to giving a comparison between research and production laboratories. The first section concludes with a review of basic chemistry concepts, as well as comparative cellular and molecular biology. The second section presents more advanced topics and the current application of biotechnology. These topics include the structure and functions of proteins, genetic sequencing, polymerase chain reactions, genetic transformation, and use of antibodies in biotechnology. The second unit culminates by introducing professionalism and a sample of the careers available in the field of biotechnology.
Emerging Genetics
The first portion of this course provides students with the basic knowledge required to understand genetics and its applications. The introduction will consist of early discoveries in genetics, such as the contributions of Darwin, Wallace, and Mendel. Students will be able to conceptualize and apply Mendelian genetics, as well as work their way up the timeline of this field to study the great contributions of Watson, Crick, Franklin, and Wilkins. With the structure of DNA covered in detail, students will apply this structure to its unique and complex function with the realm of the central dogma and mutations brought to light. The second portion of this course provides students with the basic skills needed to understand molecular genetics and its application to today's society. The introduction consists of learning about techniques such as cloning and hybridization. Gaining an understanding of these techniques will allow the learner to see how they are applied to such areas as GMOs, animal development, cancer studies, DNA fingerprinting, and pharmacogenomics. Throughout this portion, the importance of population genetics and the theory of nature versus nurture will also be stressed.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of health and disease within a population. In this course, students will look at different ways to collect and analyze data and explore how to best communicate results. Starting with the classical example of Dr. John Snow and the cholera outbreak in the 1800s, students will look at a number of case studies surrounding disease control and apply them to the population's current heath status. There will also be a concentration on the different types of data used in Epidemiology. The course will discuss the use of this data to determine the health of a population. The final step will be to determine the possible need for public policies and establish a goal to improve the health status within a population.
Forensics
The goal of this course is to provide an outline of the broader topics concerning forensic and investigative sciences as used in crime scene investigation and analytical sciences. This is an exciting field that is only a small part of the overall field of crime scene and forensic investigation. Many of the forensic sciences work hand-in-hand to help solve crimes or even determine if a crime has been committed. While there are varying disciplines of forensics, this course will concentrate on concepts relevant to forensic anthropology. The first section analyzes the varying disciplines of forensics and evidence collection. This portion includes the evaluation of techniques used to identify anatomy and incorporate these findings into an investigation. The second section compares types of traumatic events and evidence. It also examines the way a biological profile is constructed. The course concludes with an analysis of the reality behind the forensics portrayed in the entertainment industry.
Sports Medicine
This course is an introduction to sports medicine that will provide students with basic knowledge about the field of sports medicine, the anatomy of the body, and the common injuries that occur in sports. The first half of the course deals with the anatomy of the body and techniques used in sports medicine to train and strengthen the body. The second half helps students better understand how injuries occur and what treatment options are available. The prerequisite for this course is a "C" or better grade in biology.
Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research will introduce students to the fascinating world of stem cells. Students will learn all the basic terminology used in this field. It will also discuss the different types of stem cells, as well as the controversies surrounding the use of human embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the course will examine possibilities that may be in store for the treatment of disease using stem cell therapy. The first unit emphasizes the impact of modern research methods and resources on stem cell research, and explores some challenges that still exist in the field. Students will also learn the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of stem cell research. This section concludes with an examination of the possible alternate sources of stem cells. The second unit examines the applications and roles of stem cell research, particularly in the topics of leukemia, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, cord blood, and drug testing. The course culminates with the investigation of the accuracy, validity, and reliability of scientific research and claims.
STEM Courses
STEM courses provide an exploration of multi-disciplinary topics involving the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM courses will be two-unit, 20-lesson modules. The first STEM course will introduce the sport of land speed racing and feature coursework developed in collaboration with scientists, engineers, builders, drivers, and other experts representing the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association.
Engineering Land Speed Vehicle
Being a race car driver sounds exciting, but there is a tremendous amount of effort and knowledge required to plan, build, and test these special vehicles. In this course, students will learn about essential systems that allow speed vehicles to operate. Students will also discover the different types and classes of race cars. They will also learn about some of the specific vehicles and the importance of teamwork in Bonneville Salt Flats designing and creating a specialty product such as a land speed vehicle. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association. Course materials are written in collaboration with land speed racing experts. This course is geared to students in grades 10-12.
Click here to view the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association website
Landspeed Louise Click here to view the Landspeed Louise website