Technology

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school engineering course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED, students explore engineering tools and apply a common approach to the solution of engineering problems, an engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to plan, document, communicate, and develop other professional skills. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students apply systems thinking and consider various aspects of engineering design including material selection, human-centered design, manufacturability, assemblability and sustainability. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation especially through 3D computer modeling using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application. As part of the design process, students produce precise 3D-printed engineering prototypes using an additive manufacturing process. Student-developed testing protocols drive decision-making and iterative design improvements. 

PLTW Intro to Engineering Design is a full year course, 1 unit of credit. It may be used by any student to fulfill the 1 unit Art/Music requirement and as part of a technology sequence, but MAY NOT be used as part of an Art or Music sequence. 

This course is for students in 9th and 10th grade as an introductory course.

College credit may be earned through Project Lead the Way courses.  For more information, please visit https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities or https://www.rit.edu/pltw/undergraduate-college-credit 

Prerequisite/Corequisite- CAD

This is a one semester course that provides students with an introduction to the way engineers work while exposing them to methods of approaching and solving problems that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. Students will work on real world problems presented in the form of case studies. Working individually and teaming, students will cooperate with others in pursuit of an optimum solution. Students will discover how their knowledge of math and science can be put to practical use.

An introduction to architectural drawing and design is explored. Basic architectural drawing techniques and planning of residential structures will be emphasized. Activities will include drawing site plans, simple elevation drawings, and a three dimensional model. Drawings will be completed using hand drawn sketches and AutoCAD for the final draft versions.  Prior knowledge of AutoCAD is not required. 

In this semester-long course, students will explore the world of digital photography, learning both the technical and artistic aspects of capturing compelling images. Through hands-on practice and creative projects, students will gain proficiency in using digital cameras, understanding exposure settings, composition, lighting, and photo editing software. The course will cover essential topics such as camera functions, image resolution, color theory, and digital photo manipulation, while encouraging students to express their unique perspectives through visual storytelling. Students will engage in both individual and group assignments, critiques, and presentations, allowing them to develop a strong portfolio of work by the end of the semester. This course is ideal for those interested in pursuing photography as a hobby, as well as for students considering careers in visual arts, media, or design. No prior photography experience is required. 

Drafting is the physical documentation of ideas, design concepts and specifications. It is the process of converting ideas and concepts into pictures and words so they can be brought into reality through construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and any other conversion process. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) is automated drafting. A computer system and CAD programs are used as tools in the design drafting process. Students will use a computer system and CAD software in place of traditional pencil-and-paper techniques.**NOTE: PRIOR COMPLETION OF DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION AND/OR STUDIO ART IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. ** Students taking courses for College Credit must be a junior or senior and must meet college prerequisites to enroll for college credit.

This course is divided into two major parts, manufacturing and construction. Products, which are produced in our society, are either manufactured in factories or constructed on site. In the first half of the course, the students will design and manufacture a product. In the construction, half activities will be provided in blueprint reading, design, framing, electrical, and other related areas.

This course is a study of the many systems and skills involved in constructing non-high rise residential buildings. Course content includes resources, such as materials, supplies, and finances; processes, such as planning, framing, roofing, and insulating; and outputs and effects, such as quality assurance, environmental impact, and economic consequences. This course is offered every other year.

This semester course is designed to provide hands-on experiences utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits and various Lego Robotic material. The objective of this course is to offer students basic programming and problem solving skills. This course allows students to develop, build and program Lego Mindstorm robots. This course challenges students to work in teams to compete in a variety of challenges. Topics covered may include gear ratios, motor controls, sensors, programming loops, logic, torque and friction. 

In this course students will learn how to be “makers” by using various types of 3D modeling software and imaging equipment, printing actual physical objects that they have designed and modeled themselves.  This course is designed for underclassmen wishing to expand their knowledge in the fundamentals of 3D modeling, technical documentation and problem solving.  It involves the use of 3D printers and 3D modeling software. 

Students in grades 9/10 may take this course.

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems. This course covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science, including AP Computer Science A.

Students will learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today's society, including art, media and engineering. AP Computer Science A teaches object oriented programming using the Java language and is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester, college level course in computer science.  It will emphasize problem solving and algorithm development, and use hands-on experiences and examples so that students can apply programming tools and solve complex problems. This course will prepare students for the end of course AP exam. Introduction to Computer Science is strongly recommended before taking this course.