Technology

Administrator: Briana O'Brien    |    Phone: 453-1500, ext. 4002   |    Department Chair: Fred Terzini

Technology & Engineering Education provides students an opportunity to apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

The courses for technology education have been developed using a strand system. Each strand contains a series of courses that allow students to explore different technical career paths or develop a sequence in a particular field. The Strands are: Computer Design & Modeling Technology, Manufacturing & Control Technology, Career and Technical Education Stand, and the Project Lead the Way Engineering sequence. Students are encouraged to select courses and strands of study in terms of their interests and career needs.

Note: Some courses have the option of earning college credit. For questions or concerns please call your school counselor, department administrator or department chair.

The technology education department offers students a pre-engineering program called Project Lead the Way (PLTW). The pre–engineering program is a sequence of courses designed to explore technology related careers and to prepare for two or four year college technical and engineering programs. In many cases, students earn college credit through area colleges and universities. More information about Project Lead the Way is available at pltw.org

In addition to the courses listed below, please see the Liverpool High School Career and Technical Education page for additional courses!

Courses: 

DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY STRAND

DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 9-12    |    Course Number: 7739

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: Pencils, Eraser, 1 Notebook (graphing preferred), 1 Folder or Binder

This course is appropriate for students interested in an introduction to designing and making products.  Students will learn a range of drawing techniques that are commonly used in the design and production of everything around you from shoes to buildings.  In this course, students will work through the engineering design process as they solve hands-on engineering projects.  Students will also have the opportunity for experience in introduction woodworking, fabrication, 3D printing, and laser cutting.  The successful completion of DDP satisfies the high school Art/Music requirement for graduation.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 10-12    |    Course Number: 7710

Prerequisite: Design and Drawing for Production or PLTW IED/DDP

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Design Notebook.

This introductory design and visual communications course will provide an overview of all new media, graphic design, digital photography, animation, videography, and social media. Concepts explored will focus on creativity, designing a message, critical thinking, problem solving, and producing media in print and online. Using Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Character Animator, and Premiere students will create a variety of printed media and motion graphics throughout the course. All completed projects will be turned into ePortfolio. Skills developed during this course can lead to students taking the Adobe certification exams.

BROADCASTING COMMUNICATIONS

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 10-12    |    Course Number: 7727

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Composition Notebook.

The Broadcasting Communications course will explore the evolution of the broadcasting industry both on-air and behind the scenes. The technical concepts covered include blogging, script writing, public speaking, camera operation, video editing, live productions, lighting, sound engineering, remote shooting, directing, and anchoring. Students will research a variety of broadcasting careers such as on-air reporting, sports-casting, meteorology, investigative reporting, and program hosting. Students who participate in this course will run the high school’s TV channel “Liverpool Live” for the school year. Live Streaming broadcasts will also be produced for the community to cover morning news, announcements, and school events such as athletics, fine arts, and graduation.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN & MODELING

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 10-12    |    Course Number: 7709

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook.

This course is designed for students who want to continue their experiences in computer design and drafting fundamentals. The course uses hands–on design and problem solving approaches. Students learn how to produce high quality standardized technical drawings and 3D models in an easy and efficient manner. To complete projects, students will use Windows based computers and industry level Autodesk software. Drawings completed by students can be exported to a quality printer or plotter for students to take home or add to their ePortfolios.

PLTW CYBERSECURITY

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit   |    Grades 11-12    |    Course Number: 7748

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: Chromebook, PLTW Computer Science Notebook (school provided)

PLTW Cybersecurity is a full-year course designed to expose students to the ever-growing and far-reaching field of cybersecurity. This course accomplishes this through problem-based learning, where you role-play as cybersecurity experts and train as cybersecurity experts do. The course provides broad exposure to the many aspects of digital and information security, while encouraging socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and especially, “outside-the-box” thinking. You will explore the many educational and career paths available to cybersecurity experts, as well as other careers that comprise the field of information security.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AND ROBOTICS

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 10-12    |    Course Number: 7713

Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production/DDP

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook.

In this course students use hands-on approach to learn how to apply basic electrical theory, read circuit drawings, and use standard electronic test equipment to understand how electrical devices work. Students will work with partners in a modern, well-equipped electronics laboratory as they master technical skills like soldering and trouble-shooting by building and studying a variety of projects. During this process they will learn key STEM principles, and robotics concepts. This curriculum teaches the design process in an engaging, hands-on manner through an actual engineering project, students quickly understand the relevance of what they are learning.

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP FOR THE TRADES I

40 Weeks | 2 Credits | Grades 10-12 | Course Number: 7720

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: Pencil

This course is centered around building a student's skill in areas that can lead directly to a job in the trades. This course is aimed at building confidence when working in a shop or construction job site environment. Students will engage in woodworking and metal fabrication. The first part of the class will be a comprehensive hands-on introduction in metal working including welding, machining techniques on the engine lathe and mill. Metal working will be followed by wood working where skills will be built through use of table saw, miter saw, construction of wood joinery and furniture grade projects.  After completing training in the shop students will be given the opportunity to design and fabricate in a major project in a group setting that they help select. This class will give students a sampling of work that can identify interest and aptitude in the trade career paths.

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP FOR THE TRADES II 

40 Weeks | 2 Credits | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 7721

Prerequisite: Material Processing I (Pre-apprenticeship for the Trades I)   

Required course materials: Pencil, speed square, tape measure

This course is the second course in the Pre-Apprenticeship for the Trades pathway. In this class, students will have the time needed to continue to develop their career and technical skills developed in year 1. This class is designed to take the metalworking and woodworking skills learned in the initial Pre-apprenticeship program and build on that foundation. In addition to continued development of fabrication skills students will also learn aspects of the construction and mechanical repair trades. These skills will be practiced through the construction of a shed and work with engines. Students will gain an understanding of foundations, framing, roofing, as well as basic electrical and plumbing techniques. Students will also develop their skills in engine diagnostics, tear down, and reassembly. This class will continue to give students a sampling of work that can identify interest and aptitude in multiple areas of the trade career study. 

MANUFACTURING 

40 Weeks | 1 Credit   | Grade 12 | Course Number: 7715

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: Pencil

In this senior-level manufacturing elective, students will embark on a comprehensive journey through the world of manufacturing, starting from its historical roots to cutting-edge technologies. They'll gain hands-on experience with metrology tools, delve deep into statistical analysis for lean manufacturing, and master the art of electronics soldering. Critical safety protocols such as OSHA certification and Lockout Tagout will be emphasized alongside the intricacies of blueprint reading and semiconductor principles. Throughout the course, a strong emphasis will be placed on soft skills, from collaboration to critical thinking, preparing students for the real-world challenges of the manufacturing industry. By the end, students will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate and excel in modern manufacturing environments.

PLTW-INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN / PLTW DDP

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grade 9    |    Course Number: 7749

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and science

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook, Set of Graphing Paper,  Calculator

This is the first course offering in the Project Lead The Way program. The course teaches problem solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using 3D solid modeling computer design software. Students have an opportunity to develop skills and practical knowledge in PC/Windows-based computer systems and design software, computer controlled equipment, design and drawing techniques. The course has been designed to encompass all of the NYS requirements included in Design and Drawing for Production in addition to introducing students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering program prior to entering college. Note: Successful completion satisfies the high school Art/Music requirement for graduation. Students who qualify and are successful may earn college credits from the Rochester Institute of Technology for an administrative fee payable to RIT. The estimated fee is $240.

PLTW-COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (CIM)

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 10-12    |    Course Number: 7752

Prerequisite: PLTW-Design & Drawing for Production 

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook, Set of Graphing Paper,  Calculator

This course is an exposure to the fundamentals of computerized manufacturing technology. Students will build on their computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design and Design and Drawing for Production. Students will explore new areas such as CNC equipment, CAM software, robotics, and flexible manufacturing systems. Students will use software and equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. This course is taught using demonstration and discussion, combined with individual and team-centered project based learning. Note: Students who qualify and are successful may earn college credits from the Rochester Institute of Technology for an administrative fee payable to RIT. The estimated fee is $240.

PLTW-PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grades 11-12    |    Course Number: 7751

Prerequisite: Computer Integrated Manufacturing/PLTW Principles of Engineering (POE) is a high school-level survey course of engineering.

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook, Set of Graphing Paper,  Calculator

The course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high tech careers. POE gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem solving skills based upon engineering concepts. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education. Note: Students who qualify and are successful may earn college credits from the Rochester Institute of Technology for an administrative fee payable to RIT. The estimated fee is $240.

PLTW-CAPSTONE 

40 Weeks    |    1 Credit    |    Grade 12    |    Course Number: 7754

Prerequisite: None

Required course materials: 2 Drafting Pencils, 2 Black Pens, 1 Black Fine tip Sharpie Marker, 3 Ring Binder with pocket folders, Engineering Composition Notebook, Set of Graphing Paper,  Calculator

PLTW Capstone, previously known as Engineering Design and Development (EDD), is the capstone course in the PLTW high school engineering program. It is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APPB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams of students will design, build, and test their solution. While progressing through the engineering design process, students will work closely with a community mentor and experts and will continually hone their organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, their creative and problem solving abilities, and their understanding of the design process. EDD is appropriate for students who are interested in any technical career path.