As part of the our Magnet theme of Medicine and Research in 7th grade students explore health issues and careers within the medical community. Through our partnership with Classroom inc students learn how to become Physician's Assistants.The state and city mandated course of Life Sciences class focuses is a basic biology course on nutrition, body systems and muscular structures. As JHS 185 ASPIRES, our science teachers extend the curriculum to explore real life applications and potential careers. We have experts from the field, including pharmacists and nutritionists to speak with the students explaining how the 7th grade science is directly linked to what they do. Our other courses also connect to this theme. For instance, in the English Language Arts classes students may read a book about a person who beat all odds to become an innovative doctor. In social studies while studying the civil war, they will spend extra time on the medicine used on the battle field, thus making past present connections of what was done and how procedures have evolved today. In math, they might apply the principals of last year’s engineering to design device or structural modifications that will improve the quality of life for those who are physically challenged.