About IDEA
Innovative Design and Engineering Academy's Mission Statement:
Encourage engineering and trade careers by providing project-based learning, instruction
guided by industry standards, and experiences to cultivate informed career decisions.
guided by industry standards, and experiences to cultivate informed career decisions.
WHAT IS THE INNOVATIVE DESIGN & ENGINEERING ACADEMY?
The IDEA (Innovative Design and Engineering Academy) is a technology-driven program with an engineering academic pathway.
IDEA students learn the fundamentals of both architectural and mechanical CADD, experience a hands-on engineering lab, and create animated 3D (3 dimensional) models.
Academy students also share the same core classes of English, Social Studies, Science, and Math. This allows students to use their technical skills and knowledge towards mastering the standards in both these subjects. Students also complete projects that bridge these classes as well as their technology class.
Students are also grouped into Academy Advocacy classes. These half-hour classes meet every Monday and allow students to hear about upcoming events and build relationships between other academy students and teachers.
Yet, the IDEA is more than just a group of classes or a set of electives. It is a program that allows students to be part of a select group on campus. Academy members have access to state-of-the-art computer, engineering, and construction labs. Students also learn valuable skills and experiences they can then apply to future jobs in a wide range of technology fields.
Finally, the academy also lets students showcase their own creative talents and be part of a truly amazing group on campus. Students attend guest speaker presentations, go on field trips, and compete in local and national competitions.
CADD Animation Lab
The CADD computer lab gives students the opportunity to use industry-standard software (AutoDesk's AutoCAD). Students have access to a four-color plotter and laser printer to print out their projects.
Engineering/Construction Lab
The engineering lab houses 18 individual workstations each with a specific hands-on engineering lab activity. After successfully completing the lab activities, students collaborate in groups to create a product using the lessons learned in the engineering labs. The lab is equipped with a complete woodworking and welding shop and has a number of 3D printers.
Makers Space Lab
The new maker space lab is equipped with a fully stocked electrical supply closet, individual soldering stations, 3D printers, and laser cutters. Moveable tables and whiteboards throughout the room encourage collaboration while working on practical real-world application projects.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
In order for students to sustain active membership in the IDEA they are expected to maintain the following:
Take academy courses each year
Be enrolled in an IDEA Advocacy class
Participate in IDEA events (see IDEA Point requirements)
Senior Portfolio is 50% academy projects
Academy students...
typically have a full schedule.
are often clustered together in common English, Social Science, Science, and Math classes where the curriculum is rigorous and fast-paced.
often work in group settings on a project-based curriculum.
work with dangerous and/or delicate machinery that requires safety protocols and student diligence.
because of the inherent dangers of working with equipment and the cost of equipment and materials academy students need to be trustworthy.
participate in cross-curricular projects.
advocate for themselves, and possible classmates, when the workload is too light or heavy.
demonstrate time management by creating own work schedule, checking in with teacher and/or classmates, and completing projects by its deadline.
create productive friendships and/or professional working relationships.
BENEFITS
There are many advantages to being an IDEA student. These may include, but are not limited to:
Preferential registration
Field trips
Guest speakers
Community service
Academy core classes
Academy Advocacy classes
Earn college credits
College application notation
Exposure to industry software
Competitions
Job internships
Academy awards
Graduation honors
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS POLICIES
District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, intimidation and bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This policy applies to all acts related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the District Superintendent.
The Elk Grove Unified School District welcomes those with disabilities to participate fully in the programs, services, and activities offered to students, parents, guardians, and members of the public. If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in any program, service or activity offered to you, please contact the Career Technical Education Department at 916-686-7709 at least 48 hours before the scheduled event so that we may make every reasonable effort to accommodate you. Government Code: Section 54953.2; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 202 (42 U.S.C. Section 12132.)