Engineering/STEM

Architectural Drafting & Design I (Grade 10-12): This course is recommended for students planning careers in architecture, construction management, engineering, architectural drafting technology or technically related fields implementing drafting and design.  The course will introduce the student to architectural drafting and design.  Emphasis is on the fundamentals used in architecture that influence the construction of today’s homes and contemporary structures. Students will communicate ideas visually and depict architectural elements using accepted standards, practices, and conventions.  Problem solving and design skills are strengthened through 2D and 3D CAD applications.  Students will use SOFTPLAN software to complete the 2D and 3D drawings.  Students are evaluated on designs, drawings, projects and class performance.

Architectural Drafting & Design II (Grade 11-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Students must achieve a “C” or better in Architectural Drafting and Design I

This advanced course is recommended for those who wish to pursue an education or vocation in architecture, architectural engineering, construction management, engineering, architectural drafting or technically related fields implementing drafting and design skills.  Students will study the various elements, loads, components and systems of a building, how they come together and how they must be integrated during the design and construction.  Students develop projects that include model construction, detailed working drawings, presentation drawings and renderings.  Problem solving and design skills are strengthened through 2D and 3D CAD applications.  Students will use SOFTPLAN software to complete the 2D and 3D drawings.  Students are evaluated on designs, drawings, projects and class performance.

Fundamentals of Engineering Design & Drafting (Grade 9-12): A beginning, lab oriented, course where students will represent objects and ideas graphically and communicate this information to others using accepted engineering standards.  Drafting problems will be solved using SolidWorks 3D modeling software and traditional drafting equipment.  Topics that will be covered are single-view drawings, geometric constructions, orthographic projection drawings and isometric drawings.  Students will complete various SolidWorks tutorials to become comfortable creating and editing 3D parametric models.  Students will be evaluated on their drawings, projects and classroom performance.

Computer Aided Drafting I (Grade 10-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Design and Drafting is recommended but not required 

This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, engineering technology, computer aided drafting technology or technical related fields implementing engineering design.  Students will use engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems.  They will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges.  Students also will learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and instructor.  Students will create and edit parametric 3D models, develop orthographic and assembly working drawings and use dimensioning and specific annotations to meet ANSI standards.  Students will also create 3D model prototypes used in CNC manufacturing.  Students will become familiar with the SolidWorks 3D modeling software.  SolidWorks is used in the engineering departments of many universities across the country including Penn State, Duke, Stanford and MIT.

Honors Computer Aided Drafting II (Grade 11-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Students must achieve a “B” or better in Computer Aided Drafting I 

This advanced computer aided drafting course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, engineering technology, computer aided drafting technology or technical related fields implementing engineering design.  Students will become highly skilled in the use of the SolidWorks 3D modeling software.  Students will have the opportunity to work towards achieving the internationally recognized Certified SolidWorks Associate – Mechanical Design certification.  SolidWorks is used in the engineering departments of many universities across the country including Penn State, Duke, Stanford and MIT.  Students will create and edit parametric 3D models, develop orthographic and assembly working drawings and use dimensioning and specific annotations to meet ANSI standards.  Students will also create 3D model prototypes used in 3D printing or additive manufacturing. 

*College in the Classroom ~ the ability to earn three college credits is available.

Honors Engineering Design & Development (Grade 11-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Completion of Computer Aided Drafting I is highly recommended but not required.

This course is designed for 11th and 12th grade students interested in pursuing a career in engineering.  This is an engineering research course in which students will work in teams to research, design, test, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem.  The use of SolidWorks 3D design software helps the students design solutions to their open-ended engineering problem.  This course also engages students in problem-solving and decision-making among people with different disciplinary perspectives, reflecting the current industry trend toward designing and developing products in cross-functional teams.  Students will be exposed to such contemporary design and development issues as identifying customer needs, design for manufacturing, prototyping and industrial design.  The students will use a set of product development techniques aimed at bringing together the marketing, design and manufacturing functions of a product design team.  The team presents and defends their solution to a panel of peers and instructors. 

Honors Electronics (Grade 10-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Algebra I or higher 

During this course of study, students will be learning about the fundamentals of electrical theory, components, and circuitry.  Students will gain experience using computer simulations and breadboards to construct, test, and troubleshoot a variety of analog and digital circuits.  Following the theory and application components of the course, students will learn how to program Arduino Microcontrollers utilizing a C-based programming language.  Basic programming concepts will be discussed and implemented, including inputs/outputs, loops, logic, variables, and functions.  The course will culminate with students researching and engineering an Arduino-based project of their choosing.  The Arduino portion of this course incorporates the use of SparkFun® Inventor Kits and the SIK Curriculum Guide.

Robotics (Grade 10-12):

PREREQUISITE: Algebra I or higher

In this course of study, students will explore the programming of robots and design of mechanical systems.  Through hands-on labs and challenges, students will learn how to program and build both autonomous and joystick-controlled robots.  Throughout the course, students will apply mechanical concepts including gearing, torque, and speed while also using sensors to interact with the environment.  This course is based upon curriculum utilizes VEX Robotics® kits and and a C++ programming language (VEXcode).

Honors Robotics I (Grade 9-12): 

PREREQUISITE: Algebra I or higher

In this course of study, students will explore the field of robotics, including the programming of microcontrollers, the design of mechanical systems, and the industrial applications of robotic systems.  Students will collaborate with peers and utilize problem solving and critical thinking skills to design the mechanical systems and programming for both autonomous and joystick-controlled robots.  Through these challenges, students will be exposed to mechanical concepts including gearing, torque, speed, traction, and drive trains, while also using sensors and actuators to interact with the environment.  This course is based upon curriculum utilizes VEX Robotics® kits and and a C++ programming language (VEXcode).

Honors Robotics II (Grade 10-12): 

PREREQUISITE:  A“B” or higher in Robotics I

In this course of study, students will build upon the programming and engineering skills developed in Robotics I.  Students will explore these areas in greater depth through the study of advanced programming and mechanical concepts (including pneumatic systems).  Students will spend the majority of the trimester collaborating with peers to design and engineer robots to compete against other schools in the annual VEX Robotics Competition.  For successful completion of this course, students will need to demonstrate critical 21st century competencies in collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking.  This course is based upon curriculum utilizes VEX Robotics® kits and and a C++ programming language (VEXcode).