Aviation Studies 

Students in Aviation Studies will spend their freshmen year building a foundation in both engineering and aeronautics through a comprehensive curriculum housed in the Principles of Design course. From sophomore year forward students will participate in a concurrent enrollment program hosted by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace. The premise of the concurrent enrollment plan is simple; it introduces high school students to rigorous STEM-related courses that prepare students for college while providing them a clear pathway to college graduation and high-paying jobs in thrilling and dynamic industries. In this program, students are exposed to multiple career pathways within the field and prepare for a career-recognized industry certification, the Remote Pilot Airman Certificate with a small UAS Rating (Part 107), and/or Private Pilot Certification. In addition, students participate and maintain an academically rigorous schedule that supports NJ high school graduation requirements. Students will be able to apply quantitative knowledge and skills; apply scientific knowledge and reasoning; be technically competent and information literate; analyze situations from the humanistic and historical perspective; identify human factors impacting our world; demonstrate basic aeronautical knowledge; identify the impacts of weather on aviation; identify key components of the National Airspace System. The Aviation Studies program supports students as they build a solid comprehension of aviation sub-branches, from principles of the field to contemporary trends and career options. 


Students are also required to have taken Algebra I. A course will be offered in the summer for those who need to take it prior to the start of 9th grade in September.

**Dual Enrollment 


Principles of Design

Grade: 9

10 Credits 

This course places special emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as the core concepts required to succeed in all fields associated with the application of engineering. Principles of Design introduces students to the foundations of skills and concepts that they will utilize and build upon throughout their program of study. Students will explore and apply new STEM concepts as they develop solutions to a series of hands-on design projects. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to explore the social, historical and environmental contexts of emerging technologies. By developing student skills in the areas of communication, professionalism, and teamwork. Principles of Design also prepares students for success in STEM careers. 


**AS-120 Principles of Aeronautical Science

Grade: 10

Credit: 3

An introductory course in Aeronautical Science designed to provide the student with a broad-based aviation orientation in flight-related areas appropriate to all non-Aeronautical Science degree programs. Subjects include historical developments in aviation and the airline industry; theory of flight; airport operations; aircraft systems and performance; elements of air navigation; basic meteorology theory; air traffic principles; flight physiology; and aviation regulations and safety.


**AS 220 Unmanned Aircraft Systems   

Grade: 10                                                                               

Credit: 3                                                                                                                                                     

Prerequisite: AS 120 or 121                                                                                                                           

This course is a survey of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), emphasizing the military and commercial history, growth, and application of UASs. The course will include basic acquisition, use, and operation of UASs with an emphasis on operations.


Students entering grade 11 have two pathways:

Several pathways exist for students entering grade 12:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    **AS 121 Private Pilot Operations

Grade 11 or 12

Credit: 5

Prerequisite: None, however students are encouraged to enroll in this course only if they possess a true desire to learn about Private Pilot operations and want to work towards the accompanying certification. Coursework provides rigor and accelerated pacing.            This course provides the basic knowledge and skills to establish a firm foundation of flight through the practical applications of basic aerodynamics, aircraft performance, regulations, and flight planning in single pilot, single-engine aircraft. This course also provides a foundation and understanding of the essential elements of resource management and teamwork as required by the aviation industry. Topics include regulations, safety, pre-solo operations, cross country planning, airspace, chart use, communications, weather, performance, weight and balance, aerodynamics, and decision- making. Industry Certification: Students will be prepared to take the FAA Private Pilot Ground School exam.    

This is a full year course taken on alternating days. 


Fusion 360                                                                                                                                                          

Grade : 11 or 12                                                                                                                                            

Credit: 5                                                                                                                                                     

Prerequisite: None                                                                                                                                                              

This course provides students with instruction in the characteristics and evolution of technology, underlying principles of design, and fundamental knowledge and skills in the use of illustration and drafting software. Students will build Computer-aided Design (CAD) skills in 3D design and modeling using Fusion 360. Fusion 360 is a 3D design software that unifies design, engineering, electronics and manufacturing into a single platform. This course also provides students with instruction in aerospace engineering through a series of module projects designed to expose students to the use of CAD software in the aviation industry. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills learned in class to a series of projects designed by aviation industry partners. The ultimate output of this course is a design portfolio created by the student. Consideration should be given to having students present the portfolio using presentation software.

This is a full year course taken on alternating days. 


AFJROTC                                                                                                                                                            

Grade: 11 or 12

Credit: 5

Prerequisite: None

The course is a combination of leadership education and physical education. The program will introduce the students to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program, while instilling elements of good citizenship, the program will develop informed citizens, character education, study habits, and time management skills The students will wear the Air Force uniform and practice Air Force customs, courtesies, and drill skills. Additionally, Students will be taught the fundamentals of Drill and Ceremonies. Students will also learn the importance of AFJROTC history, mission, purpose, goals, and objectives. They will understand military traditions, the importance of maintaining a high standard of dress and personal appearance, as well as learning the importance of attitude, discipline, and respect. 

This is a full year course taken on alternating days.


Robotics I

Grade: 11 or 12

Credit: 5

This is a multimedia curriculum to introduce robotics as well as hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a robot within a team environment. Students learn how to program basic robot behaviors using motors and rotation, sound, light, touch and ultrasonic sensors. Students will become involved in the robotic design process where the basic science, math and engineering sciences are applied to resources to meet a stated objective for a competition. Fundamental elements of the engineering design process including the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation are utilized. Emphasis is placed on communication, cooperative group research, design, and fabrication. The focus will be to strengthen group dynamic skills, writing skills, and problem-solving skills, and networking skills in the scientific/engineering arena, and participate in a state competition.


Robotics II

Grade: 11 or 12  

Credit: 5                                                                                                                                                 

Prerequisite: Robotics I

One important skill that students will learn in this semester-long course is design thinking. They will use the design process to brainstorm, plan, and implement a robot design. Due to the complex nature of robotics, without prior experience it can be hard to imagine a robot and subsequently to create a design. This class will walk students through creating the basic pieces of a robot to familiarize them with the various parts and processes. They will not be told exactly how to build the parts, but tutorials will be provided at each step to provide guidance. They will move on to design and implement their own robot. Emphasis is placed on communication, cooperative group research, design, and fabrication. The focus will be to strengthen group dynamic skills, writing skills, and problem-solving skills in the scientific/engineering arena. The Energy, Power & Transportation portion of the class will provide a comprehensive study of the basic elements of these topics as they apply to our world today. Students will develop a sound understanding of the relationship between power, energy and transportation so that it can be applied to projects within the class. Fundamental elements such as Boyle’s Law, Charles Law, Pascal’s Principle, mechanical advantage, work and efficiency will all be researched and analyzed.


** EGR 101 Introduction to Engineering    

Grade: 12

Credit: 3

EGR 101 introduces students to the engineering profession. Students will actively learn the design process by participating in two to three team design projects, typically focused on space or aviation-related systems. The different disciplines of engineering will be explored, especially those offered at Embry-Riddle (Aerospace, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering). The interdependency of these disciplines will also be explored through the design of systems that require input from several disciplines of engineering. Professionalism and ethics within the engineering profession are topics that are covered regularly throughout the course.


** Sustainability                                                                                                                                                                     

Grade 11 or 12

Credit: 5                                                                                                                                                                                   

This course is a dual enrollment course in correlation with Rowan College at Burlington County.  Students will be introduced to the current environmental issues and processes at the global, national and local levels. Students will analyze these issues and processes from the perspective of the geosciences, biosciences, and human sciences. Topics include basic sustainability principles relative to population issues; climate change; renewable energy; consumption; ecosystem threats; transportation; green design and construction; biodiversity; and environmental justice. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on assisting students in exploring green employment opportunities.


235 UAS Systems & Cross Country Data Entry                                                                                              

Grade 11 or 12                                                                                                                                                  

Credit: 3                                                                                                                                                    

Prerequisite: AS 220 and AS 120 or AS 121                                                                                                                                                    

This course will address the use of the various systems and navigation equipment that exists on unmanned aircraft. Students will learn to analyze and identify the different systems that are employed on unmanned aircraft. They will identify the appropriate navigational system packages that are employed on various unmanned aircraft.


222 UAS Security                                                                                                                                                                                             Grade 11 or 12                                                                                                                                                                                                  Credit: 3                                                                                                                                                                                                 Prerequisite: AS 220 and AS 235                                                                                                                                                                    Unmanned Aircraft System Security is a sophomore level seminar course focused on the concepts of UAS security and protection. Through a combination of instructor lead discussion, assigned readings, and projects students will examine the concepts of security engineering, vulnerability, and malicious attack. Students will formulate opinions and strategies for protecting systems and assets from danger while understanding the implications of ignoring security concerns. 

** If you are interested in research/ capstone (with an AP option), please reach out to Ms. Dennis to discuss options.