Signature Courses
"During this second marking period, environmental literacy has continued to show me new experiences that I did not expect to get in high school. My experience with our capstone project so far has been great. I think that it is going to be an awesome project. So far it’s been pretty fun and I cannot wait to see the final outcome. Also, I have enjoyed learning new things about the process and I am extremely happy to be able to put the things that we’ve done on my resume. Such as budgeting and building a website. "
-Current Environmental Literacy 2 Student (2023-2024 School Year)
Environmental Literacy 1
Environmental Literacy Explorations 1, or "Ex. 1" for short, is a semester long introductory course.
Ex. 1 Students explore the topics of: environmental economics, sustainability, biodiversity, environmental law, pollution, and restoration. Ex. 1 features interactive experiences, monthly field trips, guest speakers, group projects, and content presented at a comfortable pace.
Environmental Literacy 2
Environmental Explorations 2 is a full year, advanced course, which includes a capstone project.
Ex. 2 students enjoy a high level of choice and freedom as they apply their environmental knowledge and learn project management skills, while positively impacting the environment and their community in a real way.
AACC Signature Pathway Courses
In the spring of their junior or senior year, Signature students can take 3 Signature AACC courses on-site here at BHS.
The AACC courses offered at BHS are:
BIO 215 - Restoration Ecology
UAS 111 - Intro to Drone Technology
ACA 100 - Student Success Seminar
The senior year pathway courses offered at AACC (Arnold) are:
BIO 101 - Fundamentals of Biology
GEO 240 - Introduction to GIS
COM 111 - Oral Communication
BIO 103 - General Botany
BIO 107 - Environmental Science
Internships & Mentorships
Internships are another way we connect with our community and facilitate the transition from high school to career. The Signature Program works closely with Ms. Matthews to connect interested students with our partners, and support them throughout their environmental internship during their senior year. The impact of these internships on our students has been life-changing.
This is Graham, a past intern with Signature Partners ClearShark H2O and MD DNR.
Classroom Overlays
The Signature Program supports all teachers in their efforts to teach through an environmental lens. Through classroom overlays, students in non-Signature classes get to experience engaging lessons on how various aspects of the environment apply to course specific content - like how we use art to advocate for environmental (and other) causes.