Math, Engineering, and 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.
Grade 9
Principles of Design
Grade: 9
Credit: 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.
Grade 10
Fundamentals of Structural Design
Grade: 10
Credit: 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 to assess and 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
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.
Grade 11
**Students must choose two of the following three courses**
Robotics II
Grade: 11
Semester(s) Offered : Fall
Credit: 5
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.
Intro to Sustainability (DE)
Grade: 11
Semester(s) Offered : Spring
Credit: 5
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
Semester(s) Offered : Fall and Spring
Credit: 5
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.
Grade 12
Engineering Capstone
Grade: 12
Credit: 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.