Science and Technology

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY

Mission Statement

The mission of the Canton High School Science Department is to provide a safe, positive, encouraging learning environment where students can foster curiosity and learn skills that enable them to think critically, inquire, investigate, analyze, and understand the workings of the natural world and themselves through rigorous academic and quality laboratory experiences aligned with the Massachusetts State Standards.  Each student will, through the courses offered, be able to meet the requirements of their own educational objectives and, at the same time, prepare for meaningful participation in our society.

Science & Technology Department Goals

To accomplish this mission, teachers will strive to provide students with clear learning objectives using inquiry, hands-on laboratory experiments, and project-based learning.  They will connect curriculum to the "real world" and integrate 21st-century skills.  They will provide students with the background knowledge necessary to read and critique science-based media and make life decisions.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Canton High School students are required to successfully complete three years of science courses. Courses must align with the Competency Determination requirements.

Course Levels: 

Honors Level: Honors level science classes are rigorous and move at an accelerated pace.  Students will engage with both the content and the science practices at a deep level.  Success requires a strong work ethic and a high degree of motivation in the subject area. Students must be able to work independently on both short and long term assignments and complete a considerable number of comprehensive assignments requiring advanced skills in synthesizing content across courses and subject areas.  They should be able to work at an accelerated pace and be able to engage in self-assessment on a regular basis.  Many science classes, especially chemistry and physics, include a great deal of mathematical thinking and application; students should feel comfortable with the utilization of more advanced mathematical concepts including solving systems of equations and trigonometry.  

College Preparatory (CP): College Preparatory science classes engage students with content and science practices that are related to the subject area. Students are expected to attain proficiency in the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework standards for the subject.  The classes challenge students with rigorous instruction, skill development and content knowledge at a moderate and incremental pace.  Students will be expected to manage short and long term assignments with support and use structures designed to build independence.  They will be guided to make connections in their learning across subject areas and courses.  Many science classes, especially chemistry and physics, include a great deal of mathematical thinking and application.  Students should feel comfortable with the utilization of basic mathematical concepts including basic algebra, proportions and ratios.  

Advanced Placement (AP): The Advanced Placement curriculum is overseen and reviewed by the College Board; therefore, the content and rigor are equivalent to what a student would experience if taking an introductory college or university course. Intellectual maturity, independence, and excellent performance in science and mathematics are general requirements for students selecting AP science courses.  Students need to have strong critical thinking skills, the ability to effectively analyze data and argumentative writing skills needed to succeed in AP science courses.  AP Level courses require a high level of independence, passion for the subject and demonstrated skills in the subject area. In these courses, there is increased emphasis on the application and analysis of information and finding connections between concepts. 

Please see AP readiness documents for the individual courses to be sure they are a good fit for you as a student before registering for these courses.    

• AP courses prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May by the College Board.  All students in these courses are expected to register for and take the exam.  

• AP courses require a summer assignment that is tested during the first weeks of school in September.

SCIENCE CORE PROGRAM

Canton High School students are required to successfully complete 18 credits of science courses. 

Course Name: Biology

Course # 312/311

Level: CP/H      

Grade Level: 9          

Credits: 6

Biology investigates living things, theories, models, and nature through experimentation, examination, and observations leading to the understanding of the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on earth.  The course emphasizes major biological themes including chemistry of life, cell physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, human physiology, and biodiversity as per the Massachusetts State frameworks in preparation for the MCAS Exam in Biology. Laboratory experimentation and observations are used to investigate topics.

College Prep Expectations: 

The CP student should expect to see approximately 20 minutes of work per night.  Term tests will be administered as preparation for required MCAS examinations.

Honors Expectations: 

The topics are covered in greater depth and detail and at a faster pace with less review than the CP level. Outside readings, research, and serious home study will be required with an emphasis on formally written laboratory reports. The honors student should expect to see 30 minutes of home study each night.  This course is intended for students who are independent learners with strong writing and analysis skills who are planning further study of science.

Course Name: Chemistry

Course # 322/321

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10

Credits: 6     

Students will learn about atomic structure, states of matter and the behavior of gasses and solutions, chemical naming, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, acids and bases, and thermochemistry.  After this course, students will be able to explain phenomena such as why aerosol cans explode when exposed to heat sources, why the roads are salted in the wintertime, how hot and cold packs work, and how to adjust pH.  Students will also be able to read and understand chemical ingredients in household substances and predict the reaction that will occur when two substances are mixed.  The course has a significant amount of algebra involved, mostly proportions and solving single variable equations and it is highly recommended that students have successfully completed algebra I and feel comfortable with applying the content.

College Prep Expectations:

This course relies heavily on experimentation and group projects to try to understand and explain observations in students’ day-to-day lives.  This course focuses on phenomena that students observe in their daily lives. It is a more practical/consumer chemistry-based course as opposed to the honors which is more theoretical. Math is utilized but not to the extent of the honors course. Students will participate in group work with hands-on activities. The CP student should expect to see approximately 15 minutes of work per night.

Honors Expectations: 

The curriculum is covered in greater conceptual and quantitative depth and at a faster pace heavily utilizing mathematical modeling than the CP level, it is the foundation class for AP chemistry. Outside readings, research, and serious home study will be required with 30 minutes of nightly homework or lab analysis. It is highly recommended that students taking this course should have a strong algebra base and feel comfortable solving algebraic word equations, especially those dealing with ratios and be able to handle abstract ideas mathematically. Students in the honors course should be able to analyze complex scenarios and formulate a plan without being given a set of steps to solve a problem. Students will be expected to design and implement experiments based on a problem that is to be answered. 

Course Name: Physics

Course # 342/341

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

This course is presented with conceptual and mathematical rigor to investigate the nature and scope of physics, including its relationship to the other sciences. Topics treated include Newtonian Mechanics, conservation of momentum and energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and properties of light. Students will learn about natural phenomena by using physical laws to calculate quantities such as velocity, acceleration, momentum, and energy. Students will be expected to set up and solve equations that represent physical systems and understand the meanings of those equations.

College Prep Expectations:

This course integrates conceptual understanding with quantitative problem-solving. Students will be required to use Algebra 1 level math skills such as setting up and solving linear equations, making and interpreting graphs, and substituting values into equations. Lab work primarily requires expressing conceptual understanding. 

Honors Expectations: 

Honors level requires more mathematical modeling, application of multiple concepts, higher-level math such as trigonometry, and mastery of algebraic skills such as solving quadratic equations and systems of equations. The topics are covered in greater conceptual and quantitative depth and at a faster pace than the CP level. Due to the fast pace of material, class time will not be used for test reviews. Students will be required to complete work and review for tests outside of class time. There is a stronger emphasis on formal conclusions for lab experiments. This course is intended for students who are planning further study of science.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCIENCE COURSES

Course Name: AP Biology

Course # 310

Level: AP

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

The AP Biology course is designed to have the equivalent rigor and content of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their freshman year in college. It is significantly more challenging and faster-paced than honors courses.  This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will focus on the four big ideas of evolution, energetics, information transmission and storage, and systems interactions, involves extensive writing components, and stresses laboratory investigation and inquiry. The course also includes quantitative reasoning, and every unit integrates work in mathematics.  There is a significant emphasis on molecular biology, and students are expected to have had prior success in a full-year biology course and full-year chemistry course.

AP Expectations:

Students are expected to be able to consistently and readily make high-level connections between ideas, and apply essential concepts appropriately to a variety of problems without being given steps to follow. Students taking AP Biology should be willing and able to do extensive work outside of class time and study every night in order to keep up with the fast pace and to work collaboratively with others.  Course material is not reviewed in class, and the AP student should expect to spend at least 1 hour per night on homework or studying. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination given in May by the College Board, and all students in the course are expected to register for and take the AP exam. Students are also expected to attend the mock exam during a weekend in the spring. 

A summer assignment is required: A summer assignment typically consists of reading and online assignments, with a test covering the material administered upon return to school in September. 

Course Name: AP Chemsitry

Course # 320

Level: AP

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

The AP Chemistry course is designed to have the equivalent rigor and content of a two-semester college introductory chemistry course usually taken by science majors during their freshman year in college. It is significantly more challenging and faster-paced than honors courses. This course will focus on the four “big ideas” as outlined by the College Board including Scale, Proportion, and Quantities; Structure and Properties; Transformations; and Energy.  These big ideas will be studied through the lenses of atomic structure and interactions, chemical & physical properties of materials, chemical reactions and electrochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. This course stresses higher-order thinking and analysis of complex situations. Students learn the essential concepts and are expected to be able to apply those concepts appropriately to a variety of problems. This course is math-intensive and includes a substantial amount of testing without the use of a calculator. The College Board defines this course as a second-year chemistry course and recommends completion of Algebra II as a prerequisite. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May by the College Board. 

AP Expectations: 

All students in the course must register for and take the AP Exam. A mock AP Chemistry Exam is administered on a non-school day in April for additional preparation. Students taking AP Chemistry are expected to do extensive work and studying every night in order to keep up with the fast pace. The AP student should expect to spend at least one hour per night on homework or reviewing the current material. 

A summer assignment is required: The summer assignment consists of a review of all concepts learned in honors chemistry as well as the first unit of the AP curriculum. The summer assignment will be broken down into several parts that must be submitted online during the summer. A test on the topics covered by the summer assignment will be administered upon return to school in September.

Course Name: AP Physics C

Course # 350

Level: AP

Grade Level: 12

Credits: 6

The AP Physics C course is designed to have the equivalent rigor and content of a two-semester college introductory physics course usually taken by science majors. Semester one will cover topics of mechanics including kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Semester two focuses on electricity and magnetism, including topics of electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. This course stresses laboratory investigation and inquiry.

AP Expectations: 

Students taking AP Physics C should be strongly motivated to do extensive work outside of class time along with individual projects during summer and vacation times. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May by the College Board. All students in the course are expected to register for and take the AP exam. It is highly recommended that students be concurrently enrolled in or have completed calculus. This course may be taken as a first-year physics course with approval by the teacher and department coordinator. A summer assignment is required: A summer assignment typically consists of reading several textbook chapters and completing corresponding worksheets. During the spring, a mock AP Exam is administered on a Saturday for additional preparation.

Course Name: AP Physics 2

Course # 309

Level: AP

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, second-semester college-level physics course that focuses on the six “big ideas” as outlined by the College Board including topics such as fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. This is a highly conceptual course that emphasizes high-level thinking and deep understanding. Students will be required to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations and to incorporate multiple scientific principles into their reasoning. Investigations will require students to design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments that show a strong understanding of multiple concepts.

AP Expectations: 

Students need a deep understanding of algebraic concepts and relationships in order to succeed. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students are extremely comfortable with all mathematical content through Algebra 2. Tests in this class are modeled after the College Board AP Exam and scored accordingly. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May by the College Board. All students in the course are expected to register for and take the AP exam.

This course is a second-year physics course following CP or Honors Physics. A summer assignment is required: A summer assignment typically consists of completing a packet covering prerequisite mathematical and basic physics content that is important for students to master before the course begins. During the spring, a mock AP Exam is administered on a Saturday for additional preparation.

SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES

Course Name: Physical Science         

Course # 323

Level: CP    

Grade Level: 10-11

Credits: 6

This course is designed to serve as an alternative to traditional Chemistry and Physics courses and approaches the subject from a conceptual lens. Students will explore many different topics pertaining to the chemical composition of matter and the basic laws of physics including structure and states of matter, types of forces and their effects, and the conservation and transformation of energy. The course will involve many hands-on activities, focusing on problem-solving and utilizing the scientific method without the integration of multi-step math problems found in CP Chemistry and Physics.  This course is intended for students who have not previously taken and/or passed a Chemistry or Physics class.  The course will focus on the Physical Science Standards per the Massachusetts State frameworks in preparation for the MCAS Exam in Physics. 

Course Name: Anatomy and Physiology

Course # 352/351

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 6

This course surveys the major systems of the human body: including skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, integumentary, and urinary. These investigations develop an understanding and appreciation of how the structure leads to function and the complementary nature of the systems. Laboratory experimentation includes microscopy and dissection and specimen observation (The dissection of hearts and fetal pigs are required components of this course). Outside reading and home study are also required. This course is intended for students who are planning a further study of life science. Students also study future career paths concerning anatomy and physiology and develop empathy and compassion for disorders of the human body. Assessments include projects, tests, and lab practicals.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects. 

Course Name: Intro to Oceanography

Course # 367/366

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

This course allows students to integrate knowledge from their core science courses and apply it to the oceans. This course will emphasize marine biology and ecology, the chemistry of seawater, and the physics of ocean currents, waves, and tides. Students will also study environmental issues that impact healthy oceans and their inhabitants.

College Prep Expectations:

Students will participate in project-based, hands-on investigations and research to reinforce and illustrate key concepts covered in this course.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Environmental Studies

Course # 345/344

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

This course will introduce students to major ecological concepts and conceptual foundations of how humans interact with the environment. Students will develop an understanding of what is meant by “sustainability” and acquire skills that are required to help protect and sustain a healthy environment. This course may cover a variety of topics in ecology including global hunger and food production, functions of forests, energy, recycling, and waste management, biodiversity and endangered species, and wildlife management. There will be lectures, discussions, and hands-on laboratory experience.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Forensic Science 1

Course # 360/362

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

Forensic Science is the application of biological, chemical, mathematical, physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. The course will include an overview of the various components of forensic science along with the methodology and application of forensics in real-world situations. Major themes of study in this course may include crime scene investigation and evidence analysis, fingerprinting, forensic entomology and anthropology, blood and blood evidence, handwriting analysis, hair and fibers, impressions, and DNA analysis. The class is student and inquiry-centered with a primary focus on laboratory investigations and case studies. A mature and respectful attitude is mandatory in Forensic Science as real and simulated crimes are discussed with possible graphic or mature content. It is recommended that students have successfully completed Biology and Algebra 1.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Forensic Science 2

Course # 335 / 334

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

Forensic Science 2 is a continuation of the Forensic Science course.  Forensics is the application of biological, chemical, mathematical, physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. The course will expand on various components of forensic science along with the methodology and application of forensics in real-world situations. Major themes of study in this course may include: trace evidence including hair, fibers, soil, and glass; DNA evidence and analysis; arson; drugs and toxicology; impressions; ballistics; and questioned documents. The class is student and inquiry-centered with a primary focus on laboratory investigations and case studies. A mature and respectful attitude is mandatory in Forensic Science as real and simulated crimes are discussed with possible graphic or mature content. It is recommended that students have successfully completed Forensics 1 and Algebra 1.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Astronomy

Course # 391/392

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

This course will introduce students to the basics of astronomy, from observing the night sky to the nature of different astronomical bodies and beings. It is designed for students seriously interested in the mysteries of space and humanity’s place in the universe. Topics to be covered include history of astronomy, telescopes and observational practices, properties of light, the sun and other stars, planets and the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, black holes, the big bang, and many other cosmic wonders. Within these topics, we will focus on the major discoveries of famous astronomers along with the advancement of space missions and relevant current events. Course work in this class is project-based and will include reading, in-class assignments, quizzes, and research projects. Basic reading, writing, and algebraic skills are required. Students will be required to attend a class once per term outside of the school day during the evening in order to observe the night sky.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, higher expectations of quality work, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Engineering and the Design Process

Course # 370/373

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

In this full-year course of the Project Lead the Way Curriculum, students will learn the foundational skills of an engineer and apply what they learn to manage an engineering design process from concept to solution. Working collaboratively on a team, students develop user-centric design principles to ensure products meet customer needs, build and test prototypes, evaluate prototype effectiveness, and use these insights to iterate, improve, and deliver an effective solution. Using the same 3D modeling and design tools engineering professionals use, students reverse engineer a product to understand the design decisions made by the creator. This is a project-based learning experience that includes tests and quizzes on topics to ensure understanding. This course includes all project-based learning topics and tests mentioned above but at an increased level of difficulty, speed, and rigor. Student background knowledge is needed making this course best suited for juniors and seniors, although freshman and sophomores may take the class if it is the right fit.

Note: This is not a wood or metal shop class but those resources may be used depending on the interest, skill of the students, and size of classes.

Honors Expectations: 

This course includes all topics mentioned above but at an increased level of difficulty, speed, and rigor. Student background knowledge is needed making this course best suited for juniors and seniors, although freshman and sophomores may take the class if it is the right fit. Students will have some voice and choice over project selection and participate in at least one engineering contest such as the Real World Design Challenge, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, or the Kid Wind Challenge.

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Environmental Sustainability

Course # 325

Level: H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

Environmental Sustainability (ES) is a high school-level specialization course in PLTW Engineering. In ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions. Utilizing the activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students transition from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students problem solve as they practice common design and scientific protocols such as project management, lab techniques, and peer review. Students develop skills in designing experiments, conducting research, executing technical skills, documenting design solutions according to accepted technical standards, and creating presentations to communicate solutions. The course requires a rigorous pace and will work on building enthusiasm for and a real understanding of the role, impact, and practice of environmental sustainability.

• It is highly recommended that students have previously taken the Intro to Engineering Course. 

Honors Expectations: 

This course includes all topics mentioned above but at an increased level of difficulty, speed, and rigor. Student background knowledge is needed making this course best suited for juniors and seniors, although freshman and sophomores may take the class if it is the right fit. Students will have some voice and choice over project selection and participate in at least one engineering contest such as the Real World Design Challenge, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, or the Kid Wind Challenge.

Course Name: Biotechnology

Course # 317/307

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the scientific principles of biotechnology and bioengineering, as well as the commercial and regulatory characteristics of biosciences.  Concepts from chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering are integrated.  Students will learn to conduct a variety of laboratory procedures, tests, and assays common to many biotechnology applications, such as sterile technique, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and spectrometry, and will be able to explain the mechanisms underlying applications of biotechnology such as gene sequencing, cloning, and genetic engineering.  In addition, students will study and debate the ethical issues concerning biotechnology and will investigate the costs and benefits of using biotechnology to solve medical, industrial, societal, and environmental problems.

College Prep Expectations:

The CP level course will be combined with the honors level course. Students will be expected to read and understand complex laboratory protocols in advance of executing them in class, and complete pre-and post-laboratory assignments.  Lab work requires mastery of the underlying biological and chemical concepts, as well as attention to detail, and caution in safely and correctly working with sensitive reagents and apparatuses.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, more challenging assessments, and independent research projects.

Course Name: Earth Science

Course # 318/308

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 6

Scientific literacy can be achieved as students inquire about geologic, meteorological, oceanographic, and astronomical phenomena. The curriculum is designed, based on student interest, hands-on laboratory and field experiences, as appropriate, for students to develop and use scientific skills in Earth and Space Science, including reading and interpreting maps, keys, and satellite, radar, and telescope imageries; using satellite and radar images and weather maps to illustrate weather forecasts; using seismic data to identify regions of seismic activity; and using data from various instruments that are used to study deep space and the solar system, as well as their inquiry skills. Students will maintain an interactive notebook and use substantial online resources throughout the course.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, homework, and more in-depth projects and assessments.

Course Name: Science Research

Course # 316/319

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

This first-semester course will require students to conduct a research project on a topic of their choosing.  The course will walk them through the process including reviewing relevant literature, developing researchable questions, relating evidence and inference, making conjectures, designing experiments, iterating, communicating, and drawing conclusions so that students start to think like scientists, engineers, and/or mathematicians. The desired outcome is to increase the awareness of, exposure to, and participation in inquiry-based science learning and to integrate student scientific research into science education.  Assessments will be based on progress towards a final project, ready to be entered into regional and/or state science fairs.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects.

Course Name: Advanced Chemistry

Course # 333

Level: H

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: 6

The Advanced Chemistry course is designed to follow a similar curriculum scope and sequence to a first-year college chemistry course. This course will focus on how atomic and molecular structure impacts macroscopic properties, chemical reactions and electrochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. This course goes into more depth than our first-year chemistry courses and stresses higher-order thinking and analysis of complex situations. Students learn the essential concepts and are expected to be able to apply those concepts appropriately to a variety of problems. This course is math-intensive and it is recommended that students have completed Algebra II.  This course is designed as a second-year chemistry course and assumes students have already completed either CP or Honors chemistry. 

TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Only students who have successfully passed a level 1 course are eligible to enroll in a level 2 course. 

Course Name: Exploring Technology, Construction and Design

Course # 361

Level: CP

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

Students will work through a series of engineering design tasks to expose them to a variety of sketching, drawing, drafting, scaling, and problem-solving techniques. Smaller hands-on projects and larger-term projects will expose the students to safe and responsible power and hand tool use, assembly, fastening, and finishing techniques. Students will be expected to become more proficient in tool and material use as the term progresses, and to complete projects within specified guidelines, emphasizing engineering problem-solving. The hands-on aspects and safety of working with tools as well as creative and innovative ways to use materials will be emphasized throughout. Cleaning and maintaining tools and workshop space are graded and expected daily from each student.

• Enrollment in this class is contingent on students successfully passing the Safety Assessment administered at the start of the course. If students are unable to demonstrate the necessary safety procedures related to the use of power tools and other course materials they will be recommended for a different elective course. 

Course Name: CADD 1 and CADD 2

Course # 381/382 and 383/384

Level: CP/H and CP/H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

This is an introductory semester course in which students will develop skills in design, drafting, and drawing techniques, with an architectural skills-building focus.  Students will create 2D and 3D models while learning the principles of good design. Students are exposed to a design program that can spark interest while delving into math concepts and applications, modeling concepts, architecture processes and methods, and engineering problem-solving projects.  Students will learn to use computer-aided design software to replicate and augment the drafting techniques.  A series of increasingly complex and open-ended tasks will help students to develop brainstorming, problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills. This course is appropriate for students who are interested in careers in engineering or architecture.

College Prep Expectations:

College Prep will require basic designs that use realistic dimensions for various projects using design skills using 2 dimensional and three-dimensional objects.  This class will help students develop introductory skills, scale, and problem-solving techniques while learning how to create fundamental designs. 

Honors Expectations: 

Honors will require in-depth designs that use realistic dimensions for various projects using design skills using 2 dimensional and three-dimensional objects.  This class will help students develop basic sketching skills, scale, and problem-solving techniques while learning how to create complex designs.  Honors level students are expected to maintain strong attention to detail, research and follow safety protocols for all designs, and find innovative solutions for each project. 

Course Name: Robotics 1

Course # 371/374

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

Robotics provides students the opportunity to learn engineering concepts through experience and discovery. Students build, program, and design robots that can feel, touch, and see. Students use hands-on engineering techniques to discover solutions to design challenges and document outcomes in engineering notebooks.  Robotics engineering engages students in learning that is both specific in its technological relevance and general in the way that the skills it requires (patience, problem-solving, troubleshooting, collaboration, and communication) carry over to all facets of learning and of life. There is a focus on teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This is a project-based class.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects and documentation work.

Course Name: Robotics 2

Course # 372/375

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

This course is a continuation of the concepts from Robotics I. Students utilize more sophisticated robotics equipment and programming to add to their technical and programming skills. Teamwork, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and presentation skills are emphasized.  Hardware and software used are dependent on student’s interest and skill as well as availability.  A key graded document is the engineering notebook where students document their design process.

Honors Expectations: 

The honors course will be combined with the CP level course and will require additional outside readings, research, and more in-depth projects and documentation work.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Computer Science Principles

Course # 377/330

Level: H/AP

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 6

In Computer Science Principles, students will solve digital challenges by developing the computational thinking and technical skills of leading computer scientists. Learning by doing, students will:

• Become fluent in Python, professionals’ primary computational language.

• Debug code to ensure programs act as intended and are useful to the user.

• Create an engaging computer game.

• Code and decode data to keep it safe on the internet.

• Make sense of large quantities of data by creating data visualizations.

PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider; PLTW CSPs offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSP assessment.

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Computer Science Essentials 1(PLTW CSE1)

Course # 328

Level: H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

Computer Science Essentials 1(CSE1) is a semester course that is an excellent entry point for new high school computer science (CS) learners.  Students will use the Project Lead the Way curriculum to begin with block-based coding and engage with computational thinking practices and collaboration strategies, as well as industry standard tools authentic to how computer science professionals work. Students will create apps and program robots to solve problems.  They will learn about professional opportunities in computer science and how computing can be an integral part of all careers today.  

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Computer Science Essentials 2 (PLTW CSE2)

Course # 329

Level: H

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

Computer Science Essentials 2 (CSE2) is a semester course that is a continuation of CSE1.  In this course, students will sharpen their computational thinking skills, and will transition to programming environments that reinforce coding fundamentals as they are introduced to the Python® programming language. Students will continue to learn about professional opportunities in computer science and how computing can be an integral part of all careers today.  The course engages students in computational thinking practices and collaboration strategies, as well as industry standard tools authentic to how computer science professionals work.  At the end of this course, students would be eligible to take a course assessment to potentially obtain college credit for their work through PLTW and RIT.

Students with previous experience in block based coding can begin the CS pathway here, with teacher approval.  

Course Name: Project Lead the Way Capstone

Course # 331

Level: H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

PLTW Capstone is an open-ended research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem.

Teams draw on the knowledge, skills, and interests of each member, as they perform research to select, define, and justify a problem. Given this collaboration, team members leave the course with a broadened skillset and an appreciation for learning from their peers. After carefully defining the design requirements and creating multiple solution approaches, student teams select an approach, create, and test or model their solution prototype. As they progress through the problem-solving process, students work closely with experts and continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the integration of processes such as the design process, experimental design, and the software development process. At the conclusion of the course, teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. 

Pre-requisite: Students need to have taken and passed at least one PLTW course (IED, Environmental Sustainability, Computer Science Principles, or Computer Science Essentials).