Courses

PLTW INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED)

Grade Level: 9-l2

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: None

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU ”D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better

In this course, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. This is one of the two recommended first-year courses for students interested in the Engineering & Computer Science Pathway. Homework is typically the completion of classwork or projects not completed within the class period that may need to be completed at home.

PLTW ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (ES) 

Grade Level: 9-l2

Length: None

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU "G" area elective credit 

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. 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. Students in ES will be introduced to Raspberry Pi and other microcontroller technology to monitor environmental sensors and perform simple mechanical operations within an environmental context. Homework is typically the completion of classwork or projects not completed within the class period that may need to be completed at home.

PLTW COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS (CSE)

Grade Level: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: None

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU "D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better

This is an introductory programming course which surveys a variety of major computer science topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. Students will study units in computer science, web design using HTML and CSS, and Python.  Students will also use MIT’s AppInventor to develop Android applications. This is one of the two recommended first-year courses for students interested in the Engineering & Computer Science Pathway. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A. Homework is typically assigned weekly with an end of week quiz to check understanding & learning. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period may need to be completed at home.

PLTW AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (CSP)

Grade Level: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of CSE & Engineering Teacher Recommendation  

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU ‘D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better, weighted grade with a grade of "C" or better

AP Computer Science Principles is a rigorous college-level course, requiring self-motivated and independent learners. This course will extend and deepen concepts acquired from CSE or equivalent independent study work, preparing the student to take the AP CSP Exam in May. This course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity. Some units that students will study include the internet, information technology and information science, big data and data analytics, and software engineering, all through the use of Python 3 and other software tools. Homework is typically assigned weekly with an end of week quiz to check understanding & learning. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period will need to be completed at home. Summer homework required.

PLTW PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING HONORS (POE)

Grade Level: 10-l2

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of CSE, ES or IED & Engineering Teacher Recommendation, Completion of Algebra with a ‘B’ or higher
(Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or above highly recommended),

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU ‘D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better, weighted grade with a grade of "C" or better, Articulated to LPC ENGIN 10

This survey course of engineering exposes students to many of the major concepts they’ll encounter in a college engineering course of study. These concepts will rely heavily on mathematical and computational skills. Students will also employ engineering, simulation, and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of engineering concepts. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This is a required course for all students in the Engineering Academy. Students earning a B or better in this course may earn 2 units of college credit through Las Positas College. Homework is typically assigned weekly with daily check-offs and consists of 2-4 multi-step problems. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period may need to be completed at home.  

PLTW CYBERSECURITY (CyS)

Grade Level: 10-l2

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of CSE, CSP or POE & Engineering Teacher Recommendation

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU ‘D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better

In this course, students learn many aspects of digital and information security, while discussing socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. CS uses the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework to train students as cybersecurity experts do. 

Asynchronous Work: Homework is typically assigned once per unit and consists of applications-based practice problems. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period may need to be completed at home.

PLTW DIGITAL ELECTRONICS HONORS (DE)

Grade Level: 11-12

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of  POE or Engineering Teacher Recommendation

Graduation: Elective credit 

College Prep: UC/CSU "G" elective credit, weighted grade with a grade of "C" or better

Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, while designing their own electronic circuits for design implementation. Students also continue to refine their communication skills through engineering standards and technical documentation.This course is a specialization-level course designed to follow the Project Lead the Way Engineering foundational courses. Homework is typically assigned once per unit and consists of applications-based practice problems. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period may need to be completed at home.

PLTW AP COMPUTER SCIENCE APPLICATIONS (CSA)

Grade Level: 10-l2

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of CSP & Engineering Teacher Recommendation

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU ‘D” area lab science credit with a grade of “C” or better, weighted grade with a grade of "C" or better

Students will learn to design and implement computer programs using Java that solve problems relevant to today’s society, including art, media, and engineering. Students will also learn to apply programming tools and solve complex problems through hands-on experiences and examples.  Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college course in computer science. Homework is typically assigned once per unit and consists of applications-based practice problems. In addition, classwork or projects not completed within the class period may need to be completed at home. This course covers topics aligned to the AP Computer Science A exam. Summer homework required.

ROP PLTW COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (CIM)

School Site: Dublin HS

Grade Level: 10 -12

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Successful completion of IED or ACU/ACP Fusion 360 Certification & Engineering Teacher Recommendation

Graduation: Elective credit

College Prep: UC/CSU “G” area elective credit

How are things made? What are current methods and what are future processes likely to be for fabricating products? How do you go from ideas and inventions to successful products? How do assembly lines work? How will computer aided design, robotics, and automation continue to revolutionize manufacturing? While students discover the answers to these questions, they’re learning about the history of manufacturing, robotics and automation, manufacturing processes, computer modeling, manufacturing equipment, and flexible manufacturing systems. Students learn to utilize 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, and CNC machining to prototype their designs. This course is a specialization-level course designed to follow the Project Lead the Way Engineering foundation courses. Homework is typically the completion of classwork or projects not completed within the class period that may need to be completed at home. 

ROP HONORS CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

School Site: Livermore High School

Grade Level: 11-12

Length: 1 year

Essential Skills: Completion of POE or IED

Graduation: Elective credit

College Credit: UC/CSU "G" area elective credit with grade of “C” or better, weighted grade with a grade of "C" or better

ROP Civil engineering has a significant role in the life of every human being, though one may not truly sense its importance in our daily routines.  Architecture is the art / practice of designing and constructing buildings.  To help students explore these career fields, students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture and apply their knowledge to the design and development of residential and commercial properties and structures.  In addition, students use 3D design software to design and document solutions for major course projects.  Students communicate and present solutions to their peers and members of a professional community of engineers and architects.  This course is a specialization-level course designed to follow the Project Lead the Way Engineering foundation courses.

NOTE:  Must provide own transportation.