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Capstone Classes

Following their first semester in a CAPS strand, students may elect to dig deeper, culminating their CAPS academic and intellectual experience with a capstone project through industry partnerships and possible internship. The capstone experiences build on the introductory course, and are designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and develop skills which will prepare them for college and future careers. These skills can include oral communication, public speaking, research skills, teamwork, project management, and portfolio development. The capstone experience is assessed through a culminating project with input from industry partners and displayed through a portfolio and a professional presentation.

All courses designated as capstone receive weighted credit.

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Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Innovation Elective, 0.5 Technology

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

CAPS Innovation & Entrepreneurship is a course developed to meet the needs of students looking to create products and/or businesses, equipping students with the skills of an innovator. This semester deep dive empowers students to frame opportunities using our Genius Canvas to determine market viability of solutions, create prototypes, and present their business opportunities. Students learn LEAN startup principles, design thinking processes, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset as they turn ideas into action.

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Future of Food

Prerequisite: None, Biology and Chemistry recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Life Science (Not Regents approved), 0.5 Technology Elective

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

In Future of Food, you will have the opportunity to:

Grow your skills working with food.
Conduct hands-on science experiments.
Gain experience developing your own business.
Examine the intricacies of human nutrition.
Investigate hunger at local and global levels.
Explore modern agriculture and future sustainability.
Learn about numerous well-paying careers.

During all of these experiences, you will be mentored by industry professionals from every corner of the food industry. As well, CAPS partners with the World Food Prize creating additional unique opportunities for students who wish to dive deeper into global food security. In the culminating course experience, students develop a new food product in the CAPS Test Kitchen, write a business plan for its implementation in the marketplace, and pitch it at the CAPS Shark Tank.

To see a bit of the action: https://vimeo.com/498017718

CAPS Bioscience Strand

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Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering allows students who have a passion for contemporary biology experiences to learn through observations of the sources of biological knowledge, the molecules, cells, organisms, and environments each inhabit. The extended learning time allows for inquiry and project based learning and regular in-class interactions with academic and business experts and field trips to their home institutions.

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Environmental Science and Animal Health

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

Environmental Science and Animal Health is designed for students who have a passion for animals, are interested in solving the environmental problems facing the earth and have always enjoyed learning about wildlife. Students will be introduced to a variety of professions that work with animals and learn the laboratory techniques and skills necessary for becoming an active participant in resolving environmental issues in the local and global community.

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Bioscience Research | CAPSTONE ONLY

Prerequisite: Previous CAPS Bioscience Strand Course

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

Bioscience Research helps students hone technical skills while introducing them to content knowledge and professional attributes associated with conducting authentic bioscience research. Students work at the CAPS Bioscience research laboratory or at the facility of one of the CAPS community partners, depending on the project. Community partners include KU Medical Center, UMKC School of Biological Sciences, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and ADM.

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Veterinary Medicine

Prerequisite: None, Biology and Chemistry recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

This course focuses on well-rounded student exposure and experiences with animal health professionals. While analyzing actual veterinary case studies, disciplines, and career opportunities, students will develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Topics that will be explored through hands-on projects, site visits and mentorship include small/large animal practice, shelter medicine, animal behavior, diagnostics and laboratory medicine, animal rights and welfare, animals as food, handling, and ecological interactions. Individual interests within the field of animal health will be pursued throughout the semester. Real-world, authentic experiences will be provided through area business partners.

CAPS Business Strand

Global Business Pathway

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Global Marketing & Business Development

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: .5 Technology or .5 Bus Economics Social Studies Elective, 1.0 Business Elective

In an ever-expanding world, understanding how marketing decisions must be adapted to be global rather than just domestic is essential for successful careers in business. This course will utilize project-based learning and case study methods to introduce general business, marketing and economics concepts with an entrepreneurial focus. In addition, they will learn skills in project management and strategy by working with outside clients on real world projects in a variety of business processes.

NOTE: Global Business Leadership and Global Economics is the capstone course for Global Marketing and Business Development.

Technology Pathway

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Technology Solutions and Software Engineering

Prerequisite: None, Algebra II recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Technology, 0.5 Discrete Mathematics

Note: This course is eligible for college credit. Discrete Math credit through JCCC requires two semester enrollment.

Discover a vast array of specialty areas available in technology careers where professionals utilize technology to solve business problems and design products. Immerse yourself in a professional environment while you tackle and solve real-world problems. Explore the following areas as they relate to PCs and mobile devices: software engineering, web development, operating systems, hardware technologies, network design/technologies, management information systems and emerging technologies. Discrete mathematics topics will be embedded in the course. Students will have mentors and work on client-based projects.

Media Pathway

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Filmmaking

Prerequisite: None, Media Production I recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts, 0.5 Technology

Student storytellers use multiple digital media formats in this profession-based, project-rich learning environment. Write, direct, produce and edit for live action, animations and audio productions in fiction and non-fiction formats. Explore the processes, skills and technology professionals use while completing commercial client and personal passion projects. Storytellers create a well-rounded portfolio to take to the next steps in their career. Develop durable, professional skills including time and project management, presentation, self-management and interpersonal communication.

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Digital Design and Photography

Prerequisite: None, Graphic Design I recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Fine Art, 0.5 Technology

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

Students design a variety of creative digital assets in a project-based, hands on learning environment while being exposed to variety of professional design, photography and audio software and equipment. The class is designed as a small advertising agency that promotes companies, people and products. This class prepares students for the creative opportunities in college or a creative digital career. In Digital Design and Photography, students have the opportunity to produce digital assets including, portraits, landscape, product shots, logos, brochures, posters, illustrations, t-shirts, motion graphics, 2 and 3D animations and digital audio for podcasts and music production. Students have the opportunity to choose what areas to concentrate on. They simultaneously develop communication, project management and the professional skills necessary to succeed in today’s creative business environment. Students will work with clients and learn project management skills. They will build professional portfolios, recruitment profiles, resumes and cover letters to be used for college applications, internships, and for employment.

CAPS Engineering Strand

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Engineering

Prerequisite: None, IED or Drafting I recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Engineering Elective, 0.5 Technology

This class is for students who are interested in a combination of rigorous science and engineering fundamentals, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students use technical knowledge to create solutions to world problems. The class begins with a broad introduction to industry-based engineering. Students will learn the essential components of Engineering including the Design Process. The remainder of the student’s experience is individually tailored to the student’s engineering interest, e.g. low-voltage electrical w/ microprocessors, mechanical, aeronautics, civil & environmental, architectural, advanced manufacturing and robotics. All students will have the potential for hands-on, active learning opportunities with a full immersion in real-world projects sponsored by business partners.

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Engineering (2 period option)

Prerequisite: None, (Concurrent) Algebra II recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Engineering Elective

Note: This course is eligible for college credit. The 2-Period option is only recommended for students who do not have 3 periods available in their schedule and is available in the morning session only.

See Description for CAPS Engineering. Students will not receive technology credit with this option.

CAPS Human Services Strand

Teacher Education Pathway

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Teacher Ed Foundations

Prerequisite: None, Child Development recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Teacher Education Elective, 0.5 Technology

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

This introductory course will immerse students in up-to-date educational technology and will incorporate cutting-edge skills into every aspect of observation and course work. students will study educational pedagogy as the basis for the profession and will experience the true essence of the teacher-classroom experience.

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Teacher Ed Internship | CAPSTONE ONLY

Prerequisite: Previous CAPS Teacher Education Course

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.0 Teacher Education Elective, 0.5 Technology

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

This course is similar to a pre-lab or student teaching experience that allows students to focus on at least one subject area or grade level for in-depth study and project-based learning. Students will take what they learned in the introductory course and apply it in a real-life, hands-on relationship among teaching peers, students and administration.

Law & Public Safety Pathway

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American Justice for All

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Social Studies Elective

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

The course includes the basics of legal topics of constitutional issues, criminal law, ethics, torts, contracts, family and juvenile law. Students will be exposed to broad concepts of our justice system through in-depth case study approach of past and historical cases plus current, live trials as well as legal research and writing. Students will learn from experts while visiting municipal, state and federal courthouses, juvenile detention center and prisons, crime scene labs, local and federal law enforcement departments, fire departments, state and federal prosecutors’ offices, local law firms and social service agencies.

CAPS Medicine and Healthcare Strand

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Sports Medicine

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Sports Medicine Elective

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

The Sports Medicine course is a comprehensive survey of the basic principles of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Designed for those interested in professions in Sports Medicine such as Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics and Sports Performance (CSCS). This course covers a variety of topics: emergent care, evaluation and treatment, musculoskeletal systems, taping and wrapping skills, care and prevention of athletic injuries, and rehabilitation.

Sports Medicine students will practice skills in the CAPS Medicine Lab, connect with expert healthcare professionals and get exposure to Blue Valley's team of Certified Athletic Trainers for observation and skill application. Application of skills are incorporated with the use of standardized and simulated patients to engage students in realistic scenarios. In addition, students will learn a weekly medical terminology lesson, and have exposure to the Cerner Health IT system for documenting and charting patient information in an EMR (electronic medical record).

Students will work on a semester-long CAPStone project.

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Exploring Health Professions

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Credit

Note: This course may be eligible for college credit.

Exploring Health Professions is designed for all students considering a career in healthcare. Students will examine the five healthcare career pathways [therapeutic services, diagnostic services, support services, health informatics, and biotechnology research] through relevant community health issues. This course serves as an introduction to public health, with a particular focus on the Healthy People 2030 goals and the healthcare careers that impact them. Emphasis will be placed on the One Health perspective: the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

During their career investigations, students will enhance their professional skills through networking opportunities, which may include guest speakers, professional observations, and site visits.

Professional observations will take place on a limited basis and require the following:

1) Background check 2) TB screen 3) Up-to-Date Vaccinations

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Foundations of Medicine

Prerequisite: None, Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology recommended

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

This course is designed to advance the CAPS student’s understanding of human physiology, disease process, medical terminology, patient care, professionalism, ethics, and provide an exposure to several clinical career pathways in healthcare. In the classroom, students expand upon principles of human physiology through in-depth study of body systems, develop fluency in basic medical language, formulate treatment plans for patients, practice physical assessment skills, and perform patient care and life-saving procedures within our high-fidelity simulation lab. All of these activities are designed to enhance student analysis and problem solving skills. Students will work on a CAPStone project throughout the semester related to course objectives.

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Clinical Experience: Certified Nursing Aide

Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology recommended. Must also co-enroll at JCCC. Required to have a cumulative GPA 2.8 or higher or score of 19 or above on ACT Reading. Clinical sites require a background check, drug screen, TB screen, and up-to-date vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination.

Fee: $50

Credit: 1.5 Life Science (Not Regents Approved)

Note: This course is eligible for college credit.

The Clinical Experience: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course is an immersive experience in multiple aspects of the art and science of healthcare and an opportunity to earn a professional credential. Students engage in hands-on, in-depth classroom and lab learning to prepare for 25 hours of clinical experiences at local long-term care communities. Successful completion of CNA coursework and clinicals allows students eligibility to sit for the Kansas State CNA Exam at the end of the semester. Beyond CNA coursework, students will earn CPR certification, develop professional networking tools, and engage in case studies exploring bioethics, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice.

This course is either a continuation of previous coursework completed in the Medicine & Healthcare Strand or an entry point for students with significant extracurricular exposure to the healthcare industry. Prospective students will complete a brief questionnaire to aid in course placement.