Galileo’s Pathways
Media Arts
By Sandy Wong, Staff Writer
The Media Arts Pathway, what used to be called AOIT, is now a separate academy which incorporates computer programming and computer science. This three year program deals with designs using computer functions and students learn how to approach computer applications, how to use design, and creatively communicate ideas
By taking this class, students connect to art, get a chance to express their talent for creating websites or videos, and learn work place skills by taking responsibility for projects and deadlines. Media Arts Pathway teacher, Mr. Henry Machtay states, “The main idea is to work in teams to gain experience, responsibility, and solve problems.”
Environmental Science
By Sandy Wong, Staff Writer
The Environmental Science pathway, which started nine years ago, opened up for students that were interested in understanding, preserving, and protecting the environment. Students who are enrolled in the class are exposed to classroom lectures and discussion, along with weekly field trips to the Presidio National Park, which is something that is not traditionally found in most science classes.
The goals of the pathway are for the students to develop stewardship, to understand interconnections between humans and the environment, and gain exposure to environmental careers. In addition, Environmental Science teacher, Lisa Franzen states, “The objective is to lead students into raising their environmentally friendly awareness for whatever career they plan to go into.”
AoIT
By YanHong Zhang, Staff Writer
AOIT, the Academy of Information Technology, is an academy that focuses on how computers work. In AOIT, students are able to use programs such as C++ or Java to make their own simple programs (such as being able to doodle on the computer screen with different shapes) on the computer in order to have a better understanding of the mechanics of computers.
Mr. Ben Chun, head of AOIT, first started the program 3 years ago to help students who want to gain knowledge about computers, something he did not have the opportunity to do as a student. “One of my previous students who was in AOIT was able to get into Berkeley partially because he had a better insight on computers, “ stated Mr. Chun.
Health Academy
By Molly Smith, Staff Writer
For the past 8 years, Mr. Richard McDowell has been the coordinator for the Health Academy, an academy at Galileo that involves exploring careers in health care. “The purpose is to get those entering the medical field excited about learning and prepared for college,”
Mr. McDowell said. The academy includes partnerships with the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), City College of San Francisco, and Community Educational Service.
By the end of the 2-year program, students will have access to 20-25 paid internships and volunteer opportunities, have received 10.5 units of college credit and double high school science credit, know how to save lives and perform CPR, and fulfilled most of the requirements for becoming an EMT.
Biotechnology
By Christina Sit, Staff Writer
Since 2001, the Biotech Academy, an optional 2-year program, has helped students gain skills in laboratory and genetic engineering techniques with the help of science teachers, Mr. Chinn and Mr. DeBella.
Students often join because they are interested in Biology or anything that pertains to it. “I joined Biotech because I’m thinking about studying to become a pharmacist and I heard biotech was a good way to start,” says Senior, Cicily Chen, first year student. Senior Steven Lei, second year Biotech student added, “I decided to continue Biotech because I want to major in biology.”
Biotech teachers, Mr. Chinn and Mr. DeBella, are both very proud of the students who joined their class. “I think it’s a good opportunity and I wish I had this opportunity when I was in high school, because now, they get to use technology that I didn’t get to use,” says, Mr. Chinn. “I really encourage them to join,” adds Mr. DeBella.
AoHT
By Molly Smith, Staff Writer
AoHT, the Academy of Hospitality and tourism, focuses on business management, marketing, travel planning, the hotel industry, and more. Students are able to gain real world experience in this field through visiting colleges and their hospitality and culinary programs, working with hotel managers and industry partners, and participating in paid internships with various hotels.
“Students are given access to career opportunities in hospitality and tourism in addition to gaining professional skills, preparing for college, and providing service to the community through the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Ms. Karen Field, AoHT coordinator. “Galileo is centered around many popular tourism sites which makes it a perfect location for AoHT.”