Pathway Programs

Bright Spot on BioMed

October 18, 2019

By Tyler Watkins, Biomedical Pathway Instructor

The Biomedical Pathway program at Tustin High School had the opportunity to present at the TUSD Board Meeting on September 9, 2019.  Three current 12th grade students in the Biomedical Pathway shared the unique learning experiences they have had in the program. Elizabeth Lambaren (left), Sky Salguero (left center), and Tanner Cline (center), are currently taking Biomedical Innovations as the capstone course to complete their four-year journey.  Mr. Thomas Day (right center) and Mr. Tyler Watkins (right) shared how courses taken in the Biomedical Pathway can fulfill students’ A-G requirements and align to the Next Generation Science Standards. Mr. Day, Mr. Watkins, and Mrs. Kranz, along with support from countless others in the district including Dr. Grant Litfin, Chris Matos, and Kris Posavec, are proud to see this first group of Biomedical Pathway students graduate and look forward to continued success and growth of the program. 

What is the Biomed Club at Tustin High School?

The Biomed club is an opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare and medical technology to experience hands on learning and gain real-world insight from industry professionals.

Tustin High School will host its 27th annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24. Over 1,200 students from more than 30 high schools throughout the state are participating in the event, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Sunday.

Through debate and collaboration, MUN students will discuss a variety of international topics and current events.

This annual student-run conference serves as a vital fundraiser for the Model United Nations program and is the largest MUN conferences in California.

Individual and group awards will be presented to students in several categories, including Best Research, Commendation, Outstanding Delegate and Best Delegate awards, along with large and small school delegation awards.

MUN is an a-g approved academic program that offers an opportunity for students to simulate the activities of the United Nations organization. Students learn skills in researching, writing, negotiating, speaking and debating.

The program was started at Tustin High in 1991 as an extracurricular activity and has evolved into a four-year academic leadership academy curriculum with over 140 participating students, ranging from top honors to special needs students. Students compete at local, state, national and international levels.

The team will compete internationally at the PRAMUN Model United Nations Conference in Prague, Czech Republic in January.

For more information about the program or get involved as a student or a parent, call (714) 730-7414, ext. 87710, or email thsmunrecruitment@gmail.com. 

The Model United Nations Program is a rigorous four-year course of graded electives that complement required social studies classes. Model United Nations is a program that combines the aforementioned subject matter with an authentic simulation of United Nations Committees. During these simulations students are catapulted into the world of diplomacy and negotiations. They prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate the U.N.’s rules of procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect almost every country on earth.

Lessons in Model UN courses will be designed to promote an understanding of modern world problems through the use of a Model United Nations format. Knowledge will be reinforced through research, debates, critical thinking, speech, and actual Model United Nations competition.

In addition to the courses listed below, MUN students must attend a minimum of four conferences each year. These conferences are usually held on Saturdays. Optional travel conferences range from 3 to 12 days, and from San Diego to Europe.

Suggested Sample Course Sequence for 4-year MUN students:

*An honors track program is recommended but not required for Model United Nations. MUN is open to all students.

NOTES:

• September Training Camp is encouraged for all students.
• Students who complete at least 3 years in the class and complete a Capstone project, receive an MUN Honor Cord for graduation.

By Mr. Ed Hernandez, T-Tech Instructor

In-person STEM competitions are back! Just before the winter break, T-Tech participated in the 4th annual STEM on the Sidelines competition sponsored by the LA Chargers, Ducommun, Inc. and UC Irvine. Expectations were high, with Tustin having won the entire thing the first two years. Over the course of six weeks, the T-Tech team consisting of Nohl Abdelhadi, Eduardo Reyes, Ryan Reid and Kristin Pham designed and built a custom machine to kick mini footballs. The device featured a spring-loaded, ratcheting kicker activated by an electronically controlled linear actuator. It all came down to the wire and the machine was finished the day before the competition (darn supply chain issues). 

At SoFi stadium, our "kicker" performed flawlessly, kicking the football farther and straighter than the competition. However, a three-peat was not to be, and Tustin was bumped to 3rd place due to a rules technicality.  Still, not too shabby considering there were 18 other teams from Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Rest assured T-Tech will be back next year to take back the crown!

Sticker design competition to help Femineers Club sponsored by Sticker You. See link below.

Custom Stickers

Read an article HERE from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) about how the Femineers empower our Tillers into STEM!