Department Overview:
Computer, technology, and engineering electives are designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of an automated society in industry and post-secondary education in the information age. Broad-based content and transferable skills are emphasized, as well as the attitudes necessary to pursue educational and career goals. Development of skills in communications, problem solving, decision making, computer literacy, and career information are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Computer courses provide a general introduction to computer programming, web design, or computer graphics. Students who have a strong interest in computer programming or an area of study in which computers are extensively used should consider taking additional courses in the programming sequence. Students who wish to further expand their background in computer programming upon completion of our computer science sequence should consider the possibility of taking computer science courses at Amherst College or the University of Massachusetts while receiving credit through the ALP program at the high school.
Computer Science Sequence: ARHS students start the computer science sequence by either taking AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP), a full-semester intensive computer science course, or Exploring Computer Science (ECS), a one-quarter computer science course, or Computer Programming 1 (with permission of instructor). From ECS students can either elect to go into AP CSP, which offers more exposure to the broad field of computer science, or go into Computer Programming 1 (CP1) where they will focus on learning to code in Python. AP CSP students will go directly into CP1; they do not have the option of taking ECS. From CP1 students will continue developing their coding skills in Computer Programming 2 and then can take Programming with Java and/or Computer Programming Data Analysis and Visualization in any order.
All engineering classes are interdisciplinary in nature and provide significant reinforcement of traditional academic classes. The strongest linkages are with science, mathematics and art. Most classes are presented using a problem-solving approach to better meet the needs of many learning styles. While all of the courses in the Technology Education program respond to the content and skills mandates of the Science and Technology/Engineering Frameworks, the Engineering & Technology classes most closely reflect the content in the state curriculum document. Students taking a series of courses can get started on a career path or build skills and knowledge at their own pace. All technology and engineering courses are activity and lab-based.
Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Certificate Program:
Students who complete three or more courses in one of our Career and Vocational Technical Education programs will earn a certificate of recognition.
To earn a certificate in Radio and TV Broadcasting, students must complete all of the following courses:
Video Production (formerly Video & Audio Technology 1)
Advanced Video Production
Broadcast Journalism
To earn a certificate in Engineering, students must complete a minimum of three of the following courses:
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Introduction to Electrical Engineering
Introduction to Robotics Engineering
Advanced Robotics
CAD 1 Fundamentals of AutoCAD
CAD 2 AutoCAD for Manufacturing and Digital Fabrication
Engineering for Social Good
Course Descriptions:
Video Production (520x)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students in grades 9-12
In this class, students will explore the media of digital sound and video to create stories and messages. Students will learn the basics of video camera operation; the art of cinematography; camera angles and movements; the use of sound mixers, microphones and sound editing. Students will produce an audio public service announcement, a “how-to” video and a television commercial. All work is completed in groups of 2-3. This class may require some work outside of class, including homework, filming, and/or editing.
Advanced Video Production (520b)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Video Production or permission of the teacher. Open to all students in grades 10-12
This class offers students who already know the basics of cinematography, camera operation, lighting and sound equipment and editing. It is an opportunity to further develop shooting and editing skills through the production of portfolio pieces. Students will work on 2-3 in-depth activities individually or in pairs. The emphasis will be on the documentary and music video and the use of special effects and cinematographic and editorial storytelling techniques used in those genres. Students will learn how to use green-screen, compositing, as well as other special effects. This class requires work outside of class.
Broadcast Journalism (521)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Video Production
This class introduces students to “live” television studio production techniques. Students will plan and produce two thirty-minute news programs. Students will take on the roles of anchorperson, director, sound/lighting technician, camera operator, weather person or sportscaster. The program will include pre-recorded journalistic videos, such as news packages, reviews and human-interest stories. Time may be needed outside of class to complete projects. Curriculum will also cover broadcasting history and operations, media ownership, censorship, current issues in broadcast journalism, and will include a field trip to a local television station.
Computer Graphics (580)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students in grades 9-12
Students will learn the basics of Adobe imaging programs-- Photoshop and Illustrator. The course covers the tools, menus, and palettes for each application as students complete projects for both print and web-based media. Projects include print and web advertisements, graphical user interface, photo retouching, logo design, and vector artwork. The curriculum covers color theory, image layout, graphic design, marketing, typography and simple animation, among other topics.
Computer Animation (596)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics or permission of instructor.
Animation has been a loved medium since the early days of film. The technology has evolved from flip books through the modern Pixar movies. This class will explore the techniques used to bring still images to life through a variety of projects, from stop-motion videos to animated GIFs using Adobe Photoshop, AfterEffects and other software. Students will explore tweening, keyframing, and possibly motion capture or 3D, time permitting. No experience is necessary, but computer and/or artistic skills are highly recommended.
Web Design 1 (586)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of website design and creation. Organization and navigational design, visual layout, and selection of material will be covered. Students will learn the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and how to write Cascading Style Sheets. Students will design and create websites from a variety of perspectives including the personal, business and educational. This is a hands-on course that requires time at a computer workstation to fulfill all class project objectives. In order to succeed, students may have to spend time after school in a computer lab.
Web Design 2 (589)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Web Design 1. Open to students in grades 10-12.
This course is designed to expand and deepen the web design skills students developed in Web Design 1. The following topics will be covered: Advanced HTML, Professional Layout and Design, Advanced Cascading Style Sheets, as well as some Java Scripting. Students will participate in both personal and professional-quality projects. This is a hands-on course that requires time at a computer workstation to fulfill all class project objectives. In order to succeed, students may have to spend time after school in a computer lab.
Exploring Computer Science (590)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra.
Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is intended for students with limited exposure to computer science. This course provides exposure to a wide range of computer science disciplines and aims to develop the confidence and interest required to take other computer science courses at the high school. Topics include human computer interaction, web design, computer programming, animation, and robotics. Exploring Computer Science teaches students the computational practices of algorithm design, problem solving, and programming within a context that is relevant to their lives.
AP Computer Science Principles (595)
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra, Algebra 8, Algebra 8+, or Integrated Math 1
Advanced Placement - Computer Science Principles (AP-CSP) is a one semester, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Students will build socially useful mobile apps. The course's AP "exam" is based 60% on the written test in May and 40% on the two projects that students complete during the school year.
Computer Programming 1 (591)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.
Computer programming is the world where creativity meets technology. You imagine something that you want the computer to do and then you teach the computer how to do it. Programming is both intriguing and challenging; you have to apply analytical reasoning in order to get your program to work. This introductory course builds understanding of fundamental programming concepts. Working with a partner, students complete lab activities to study the following topics: variables, repetition loops, lists, decision structures, and subroutines. They apply this knowledge to projects of their own design.
Computer Programming 2 (592)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1
This course emphasizes cultivation of good programming habits and communication skills in a team programming environment. The curriculum focuses on important ideas in software engineering, such as documentation, testing and flexibility. Students will work both independently and in small groups to design projects, which may include games, animations, and other types of programs. With extensive use of user-defined types, students begin the transition to object-oriented thinking and prepare for higher level computer science courses.
Computer Programming with Java (5931)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Computer Programming 2 or B- or better in Computer Programming 1
This course introduces students to the object-oriented paradigm of computer science. Social responsibility and open-source programming are also major themes. Java topics we will explore include: variables, operators, control flow, arrays, methods and classes. Students will apply these concepts as they work on individual and team programming projects.
Computer Programming- Data Analysis and Visualization (594)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Computer Programming 2
This course explores "Big Data" and how to explore it and derive meaning from it. Students will write programs to build tools, such as interactive plots, that give themselves and others the ability to creatively explore and visualize the patterns in the data. They will also learn how to build databases to store and extract data, and to transform data into configurations more conducive to asking questions. There will be both individual and group projects.
CAD 1 Fundamentals of AutoCAD (5301)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to AutoCAD 2022 through a series of practical, problem solving projects. They will learn how to operate the program and its features by producing a number of 2D and 3D models on the computer. Each project gets progressively more challenging, allowing students to build and hone their skills, culminating in an individual, final design project. The students will also learn the basics of drafting on paper with traditional drawing tools and equipment. This course is an ideal starting point for those students with an interest in design, architecture, manufacturing and engineering.
CAD 2 AutoCAD for Manufacturing and Digital Fabrication (5302)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite - minimum B+ in CAD1 Fundamentals of AutoCAD
This course builds upon the experience and skills gained in CAD 1. It requires students to be proficient in the basics of AutoCAD and drafting on paper while introducing devices like 3D printers, CNC machines and a Laser engraver/cutter. Students will design products in CAD that will be realized as 3D solid objects using the digital fabrication devices. Alongside AutoCAD, students will become familiar with the software controlling the devices and be responsible for setting up and managing them. This is an ideal class for students who have successfully completed CAD1 and want to extend their knowledge of digital fabrication for manufacturing and engineering.
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (5362)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to engineering by engaging them in a number of individual and group problem solving projects. Most of the work in this class is practical/hands-on in nature and it establishes a great foundation for other engineering themed classes at ARHS. The course also introduces students to engineering problem solving and related conceptual skills and frameworks and skills. They will learn how to safely operate a variety of hand tools and machinery, select materials for specific purposes and work effectively in a very dynamic environment. Most of the projects will involve creating or controlling some kind of movement and will require ingenuity, creativity and teamwork to complete. The engineering lab is well equipped both with traditional machines and modern digital fabrication devices.
Introduction to Robotics Engineering (5382)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to robotics by providing them with a practical, hands-on experience of designing, making, programming and testing robots. They will be using the Lego EV3 robotic system coupled with the Lego EV3 Classroom software which is basically Scratch. There is a wide variety of projects to complete that get more challenging as the course progresses. Students work in pairs as robot makers or programmers, support each other and build the skills required to solve daily problems. The robots are tested at the end of each challenge and grades are awarded based on the robot meeting its design requirements. The programming and the robots are both user-friendly so this class is a great way to get into robotics for those students with little or no experience.
Advanced Robotics (539) Will not be offered 23/24 school year
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Introduction to Robotics Engineering and at least one computer science or programming class.
This is an advanced robotics course that builds on what students learn in our school’s introductory computer science and robotics courses. In this course, students design and manufacture components, build robots, and write advanced computer code that allows their robots to complete certain tasks. Project-based learning (PBL) is a fundamental component of this course, the course will culminate in a final project where students will apply their knowledge of robotics to mitigate issues of social justice.
Introduction to Electrical Engineering (5372)
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the basic concepts involved in AC and DC circuits, static electricity, and the effects of resistance, capacitance, current flow, electromagnetism, induction, and batteries through a practical, project-based experience. The students will spend time modeling circuits both mathematically and on a breadboard before making their own circuit board and soldering in the required components. They will be learning how to use various test and measuring equipment as well as how to design and make their own circuits. An eye for detail, an interest in technology, good math skills and an ability to work on a very small scale are crucial. This class is a great compliment to our engineering, robotics and CAD classes.
Engineering for Social Good (5402)
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: B+ or better in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering for Social Good is a multidisciplinary, project-based course that engages students in identifying, conceptualizing and engineering solutions to local school or community-based problems. Students will begin with learning empathic approaches to identifying needs in their community, through listening-oriented community interviews. From these interviews, students will identify a problem in their school or community that they are capable of engineering a solution for. They will then go through the engineering process to design, build, and implement a solution to address the problem, reflecting real-world best-practices. Examples of possible projects include: improving the energy efficiency of the school, reducing food waste in our cafeteria, and improving the accessibility of our school to students with disabilities.