Level 1 Courses:

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN

Grade: 9–10 Credit: 1 Course #1651

Prerequisite: None 

Recommended Prerequisite: Algebra I

Have you ever wondered how your sunglasses or iPod was designed?  If so, then you should consider taking Introduction to Engineering Design. This is a Project Lead The Way course designed to explore the world of engineering, which will cover units in design, sketching, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and assembly, geometric relationships, analysis, documentation and presentation. This course may include Engineering Design and Problem Solving including Engineer Your World.

Level 2 Courses:

ROBOTICS I HONORS

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Course #1672

Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction To Engineering Design or Principles of Applied Engineering (Engineering I) in middle school

In Robotics I, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment through implementation of the design process. Students will design, build, and program VEX robots to solve a variety of engineering challenges. Additionally, students will explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry. 

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY l 

Grade: 10–12 Credit: 1 Course #1676

Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

In Manufacturing Engineering Technology I, students will gain knowledge and skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of products in a manufacturing project-based environment. Students will design and build prototypes using computer aided design (CAD using Fusion 360), 3D printing, and CNC machining. The course will include opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in competitions such as Battlebots or other STEM related challenges.  The study of manufacturing engineering will allow students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings in a manufacturing setting. 

Level 3 Courses:

ENGINEERING SCIENCE (HONORS)  -  (Formerly called PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING)

Grade: 10-11 Credit: 1 Course #1652         

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design and concurrent enrollment in Geometry

Have you ever used coat hangers and duct tape for something other than hanging coats and taping ducts?  Then this course is for you!  This introductory course in engineering is a “hands-on” project-oriented course, designed to help students understand the field of engineering technology and its career possibilities.  Students will be taught project management skills and be expected to pace their studies as they progress through each unit.  Students will explore technology systems and manufacturing processes to help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course also addresses concerns about the social and political consequences of technological change.

ROBOTICS ll HONORS 

Grade: 11–12 Credit: 1 Course #1677

Prerequisite: Robotics l

In Robotics II, students will explore artificial intelligence and programming in the robotic and automation industry.  Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will build prototypes and use software to test their designs.  This course will consist of instruction and hands-on learning in areas related to robotics including: shop tools, machining, engineering design, mechanical systems, pneumatic controls, and programming (Python/C++).  Coursework will be focused around working within a team of students to design, build, and program robots for the VEX Robotics Competition.  Students will be encouraged to participate in extracurricular competitions.  

Note: This course satisfies a math credit requirement for students on the Foundation High School Program. 

CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE (HONORS)

Grade: 10–12 Credit: 1 Course #1655

Prerequisites: Algebra II and Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) OR Architectural Design

This is a study of the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects. The course includes an introduction to many of the varied factors involved in building design and construction including components and systems, structural design, stormwater management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation, energy efficiency, heat loss/gain, beam design/analysis, surveying and careers in the Civil and Architectural industry. The students will utilize industry-leading 3D software Autodesk Revit Architecture to create and test their own residential and commercial designs. At the conclusion of the course, the student will have a better understanding of design and construction of residential and commercial industries. Students will be required to take an End-of-Course exam administered by Project Lead the Way (PLTW). The exam is composed of 64 multiple choice questions with an 80-minute time limit. NOTE: This course requires a course fee 

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS  (HONORS)

Grade: 10–12 Credit: 1 Course #1653

Prerequisites: Geometry and  Introduction to Engineering Design (IED), 

After beginning with an introductory unit into basic electrical fundamentals, the Digital Electronics course transitions into the digital focus of electronics. In the second unit of the course, the students build fun and engaging projects such as a voting machine and a fireplace control circuit as they learn principles of combinational logic. The students are then introduced to sequential logic as they build projects such as a burglar alarm, and a 60-second timer. The fourth major unit of this class introduces the development of circuits based upon microcontrollers as students build a toll booth gate and copier jam detector. As the class learns digital electronics concepts, circuits are first prototyped virtually using circuit design software called Multi-Sim and then built live either on a breadboard or with the use of a microcontroller. Students do not need to have any prior knowledge of electronics before taking this course.  Students will be required to take an End-of-Course exam administered by Project Lead the Way (PLTW).  The exam is composed of 65 multiple choice questions with an 80-minute time limit.  NOTE: This course requires a course fee

ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (HONORS)

Grade: 11–12 Credit: 1 Course #1656        

Prerequisite: Engineering Science plus 1 of the following:

• Architectural Design

• Civil Engineering and Architecture

• Computer Science

• Digital Electronics

• Robotics

This course is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. They must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year.

Level 4 Courses:

SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN (S.T.E.M.) HONORS

Grade: 10-12       Credit: 1              Course #1342

Prerequisite: Biology Pre-AP

This course combines open inquiry research, whether you are interested in Biology, coding, or psychology, etc. In this unique course, you will learn how to research and design investigations while participating in the district science fair with the ability to move on to the Austin Energy Science Festival and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair.  *Some upper-level math involved.

PRACTICUM IN ENGINEERING HONORS 

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 2 Course #

Prerequisite: Successful completion of  two or more credits, including the completion of one or more advanced (Level 3 or 4) , in CTE courses that are part of a coherent sequence of courses in the selected CTE STEM Program of Study.

This practicum in Engineering  is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience.  NOTE: This course is double blocked.   Please review the LTHS Practicum and Career Prep Handbook  before selecting a practicum or career prep course.