CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Grade 7

Each 7th grader will take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses every other day for one semester. Course time will be divided among three areas: Computer Software Applications, Computer Design and Programming, and Engineering and Communication Technology.

Each curriculum area provides opportunities for developing problem solving and decision-making skills. Students work as teams or partners to explore a variety of software and technology skills for everyday living.

Multimedia Communications I:   The focus of this class is on communication and how we do that effectively since much of what we do each day revolves around the ability to get a point across. Grade 7 students will engage in the communication process through the creation of a "How To" video. As we create these video tutorials, we will look at the idea of how to communicate effectively to get a point across in an engaging manner. To achieve these skills, students will be using the applications of Google Drive (school-based account), WeVideo and Audacity just to name a few.

Robots & Programming:  Robotics is a lab-based course that uses a hands-on approach to introduce the basic concepts of robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots. Course Information will be tied to lab experiments; students will build and test increasingly more complex mobile robots, culminating in an authentic robot mission. Students will also explore the role robotics and automation plays in society.  

Introduction to Engineering and Design Invention and Innovation:  Students learn about the design process and how feedback loops drive change in industry. Students work collaboratively to design, build, and test various engineering designs using architectural and engineering principles. Students will also learn about the world of digital engineering and basic CAD and visual programming. 

Grade 8

All 8th grade students will rotate through the three courses of Applied Technology every other day with one quarter in each course:  Electronic Communication Technology, Digital Design and Programming, and Engineering and Production.

Each curriculum area provides opportunities to expand problem solving, decision-making and technology skills in current topics pertinent to middle school students.

Multimedia Communications II:  The focus of this class is on communication and how that is done effectively since much of what is done each day revolves around the ability to get a point across. Grade 8 students will engage in the communication process through the creation of an informative news story which could take the form of a video or podcast. As we create these news stories, we will look at the idea of how to communicate effectively to get a point across in an engaging manner. In addition, students will learn how to conduct an effective interview with someone knowledgeable about their topic of choice. To achieve these skills we will be using the applications of Google Drive (school-based account), WeVideo and Audacity. In addition, students will work with various recording equipment.  

Digital Design:  Through the design process, students will create, edit, and design using both Adobe Photoshop and PixlrE. Students will learn the features of the programs by creating original designs and artwork. Students will also learn about the nuances of photo manipulation by altering, retouching, and making new art with photos. 

Engineering and Design - Manufacturing and Design:  Students develop processing skills, demonstrate safety skills and learn the proper use of equipment in an Industrial/Technology lab. Projects cover engineering in both the physical manufacturing world and how CAD-based software is used to design and build customizable projects to meet the needs of the consumer. 

Department Chairperson:  Shawn McKeown, Cheshire High School