MATH, ENGINEERING & SCIENCE
Prerequisite: Students accepted into the Math, Engineering, and Science Program must be eligible for honors-level academic courses. Criteria for incoming freshmen are Advanced Proficient on standardized testing delivered in the 7th and 8th grade.
The STEM career cluster encompasses an extraordinary array of career paths that are interrelated. It is the focus of this program to provide students with an understanding of the engineering process as it relates to the real world. Students are provided a strong background in practical physics concepts as well as the mathematics needed for advanced study. Students who are eligible for this program must have requisite skill proficiency in Algebra I.
By the completion of this four-year program, students will be prepared to enter schools of engineering or pursue college-level mathematics and/or science studies. The major focus of this program is to expose students to the design process, engineering standards, research and analysis, technical documentation, global and human impacts, communication methods and teamwork. Through project-based learning and this exposure, it will help students to develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the design world as they relate to the individual society, and the environment.
Students are also required to have taken Algebra I. A course will be offered in the summer for those who need to take it before the start of 9th grade in September.
Principles of Design Grade 9 Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Algebra I
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.
Materials and Structures Grade 10 Credits: 5
This semester course aims to provide students with a firm foundation in structural engineering and the factors contributing to structural design decisions. This course will prepare students with a fundamental understanding of material properties through experimental testing. Using their knowledge of materials, students will then develop structural designs through the application of geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and physics to analyze forces impacting the structure as a whole as well as its individual components. Students will apply these principles in a series of project-based learning challenges that will also expand upon their ability to model using computer-aided design software and leverage rapid prototyping tools in the development of physical models. In addition, students in this course will continue to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, project management, and technical communication.
Robotics I Grade 10 Credits: 5
In this course, students will develop their ability to design and construct programmable electronic and mechanical devices in the context of real world scenarios. Students will investigate programmable electronic circuits through a series of guided labs that will introduce electronics prototyping using microcontrollers and related concepts such as inputs and outputs, digital versus analog circuits, basic electronic components, and debugging. Students will also explore the impacts of mechanical design in robotics through a series of challenges using the VEX V5 system that require both driver control and autonomous decision making. Students apply their learning and the engineering design process to complete design projects in electronics and mechanical design.
Robotics II Grade 11 Credits: 5
Semester(s) Offered : Fall
In this course, students will develop their ability to design and construct advanced robotic devices within the context of a real world scenario. Students will explore linear motion, gearing, manipulators, lift systems and drive trains through a series of investigations into mechanics and motion. Using what they have learned in these investigations, students will apply the
engineering design process as they develop their own designs for robotic subsystems and subsequently construct an
integrated functional prototype. Students will also be introduced to more advanced fabrication tools and their associated
safety guidelines.
Intro to Sustainability (DE) Grade 11 Credits: 5
Semester(s) Offered : Spring
This course is a semester-long 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.
Introduction to Engineering (ERAU) Grade 11 Credits: 5
Semester(s) Offered : Fall and Spring
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary aspects of the engineering of aerospace systems. It is a project-based course, demonstrating how the engineering profession is a multidisciplinary field. Students are involved in an array of conceptual exercises, simple design activities, and projects dealing with engineering in aerospace-related areas.
Engineering Capstone Grade 12 Credits: 10
In this course, students will develop a solution to a real world problem through the application of the engineering design process and the technical engineering skills developed throughout their engineering studies. Throughout the capstone project, students will continue to refine skills in technical writing and communication as they develop solutions, communicate ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and present their final designs. In addition to the capstone project, students will explore the ethical responsibilities of professionals, review case studies based on real engineering problems, and develop their awareness of the social and global impacts of engineering.