The application and nature of technology is changing rapidly in our global society. The goal of the Technology and Engineering Education department is to direct learning for students in areas that will allow them to be critical thinkers, productive employees, sophisticated consumers, and technologically literate. This allows the student to learn skills for participation in an ever-changing world.
The courses represented here reflect many changes that include problem solving, design, and changes in tools, materials, and processes. Each area offers introductory level courses and the interested student can continue on to higher levels if successful in entry level classes. Most advanced courses will require prerequisites. The skills and knowledge that are acquired may be used vocationally for a career in solving consumer problems. All areas in the Technology Education curriculum are co-ed.
A student who earns a B or better in a transcripted high school class will receive credit at Northcentral Technical College or any other technical school that offers a similar program of study. The “School to Career” approach and “Applied Curriculum” will help students keep connected with educational and real world practices in industry. Technology Education is practical education that can enhance learning in other academic areas. Students will be building skills that can be used throughout life!
FABLAB INNOVATIONS I
Grade Level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Description: Technology, Science, Arts and Math come together in an innovative fabrication laboratory which strives to provide an open environment to explore innovative class projects. This class provides an opportunity for students to use technology to express their ingenuity and creativity. Projects will explore the use of natural and synthetic materials, using advanced technologies to create real life projects. The course will introduce students to the design process and problem solving concepts, allowing students to creatively use their imagination alongside 3D software, as well as building and modeling their creations. This hands on course allows students to learn the safe and proper use of technology equipment. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: Laser Engraver, CNC Router, Vinyl Cutter, 3D Printer, Large Format Printer and Industry 4.0 with Robotics.
FABLAB INNOVATIONS II
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: C or better in FabLab Innovations 1
Description: Do you like art, design, electronics, building or wonder how everyday things are made? Do you have an idea that solves a want or a need? Would you like to improve a product or build something of your own that is fun and functional? Have you ever thought of working with other students around the world on the same project through video conferencing? Let us help you learn how to make just about anything. In the FabLab Innovations 2 course you will dive deeper in the capabilities of our state-of-the-art equipment to turn an idea into a design that you will build and test. This course develops skills used in many interrelated career fields, including engineering, science, mathematics, art, graphic design, computer aided design (CAD), electronics, and entrepreneurship. FabLab Innovations 2 is a course designed to meet the needs and goals of our student body, community, and business and industry partners.
FABLAB INNOVATIONS III
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: C or better in FabLab Innovations II
Description: Do you enjoy watching Mark Rober design and build glitterbomb bait packages, or squirrel ninja warrior obstacle courses? Do you ever wonder how he does this? If yes, then this course is for you. We will work through a course with the one and only Mark Rober to design and create our very own builds following the same design process he, NASA, and Apple use. We will focus on the design process and real world problem solving applications. This course will also work to complete the one off community projects that come into the FAB Lab. Pride in your work is a must for this course as your work will be seen by thousands in the community. This will be a semester-long capstone FAB Lab course where students show mastery of all of the tools and equipment they have available to them in the FAB Lab.
WOODS I
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This is an elective course for the high school student who desires knowledge of the use and care of woodworking tools and machines. Emphasis is placed on mastery of the basic principles of safe and proper use of woodworking equipment with a major emphasis on power tools. Projects will be instructor designed to teach the use of the machines and tools and will incorporate the maximum learning opportunities in major areas of squaring, layout, fastening techniques, adhesives, terminology, shaping, post finishing, finishing, and machine use. An introduction to CNC/CAM is also emphasized. Coursework includes conversion and applied math (costing and billing). Wood is not the only material emphasized in this class. Problem Solving is included in projects after introduction. There will be some project cost for some of the lab work.
WOODS II
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Earned a C or better in Woods I
Fee: Our project for this course will cost around $45.00-65.00. There is a possibility of additional costs coming from more projects. These projects have to be paid for by each student at the cashier’s office.
** If course fees are an issue, please contact Student Services **
Description: This course will emphasize more intermediate operations with woodworking machines and tools. The basic knowledge and skills learned in Wood Technology I will be improved on in this course. Projects will be instructor designed to teach the use of the machines and tools, and will incorporate the maximum learning opportunities in major areas of advanced wood joinery, finishing techniques, etc. Fundamentals of design, proper (safe) procedures and problem solving will all be incorporated in project selection. Labs will include using algebraic and geometrical themes. CAD/CAM is brought to another level in this course. Both natural and synthetic materials will be explored.
ADVANCED CABINET AND FURNITURE MAKING
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit (course may be taken multiple times)
Prerequisite: Earned a C or better in Woods II
Fee: Students need to provide financial backing to construct such items. All payments will be submitted to the cashier’s office and paid at the cashier’s office. (Usually $100-$300 is needed to complete projects of adequate size).
** If course fees are an issue, please contact Student Services **
Description: This class is for the woodworking student who has experienced success in Wood Technology I and II and wishes to continue to expand and improve these skills in a more specified area. Some of the units to be covered include machine setup, maintenance, framing and the use of sheet goods as a major part of cabinet design and construction. More in-depth work will be done with specification and tolerances met. Students will have to design their OWN projects, Bill of Material and Plan of Procedure prior to working in the shop. Student will design and construct a major project of his/her choice, i.e., furniture, cabinet construction or both. Making frames, doors and drawers are a requirement as well as using all joinery techniques shown in previous Wood Technology courses.
Dual Credit
Fundamentals of Furniture MFG
10-465-119
2.0 NTC Credit
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Grade level: 10 (with instructors consent) 11-12
Year (2 hours per day): 2 credits
Prerequisites: Woods II
Description: Building Construction will offer enrolled students the opportunity to construct a residential home. From the layout of the floor system to the completion of the interior walls, a hands-on approach is emphasized. The basics of this course are trade oriented and will adhere to local and state building codes. Strict compliance to safety rules and attitudes will be maintained at all times. With completion of this course, the student will be prepared for an entry-level position in the construction field. Skill development in other trade areas will be explored when instructional and investigation time is available. Students will be asked to be prepared for the weather at all times. Students must provide their own work boots and winter clothing. Some personal tools may be brought in by the student; however, most of the equipment is supplied by the program.
*Based on the number of student interested in being part of the course, there may be a required application for students to complete as spots are limited. Students would be made aware of this in the spring after registration is complete and would complete the application before the course begins.*
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION II
Grade level: 11-12
Year (2 periods per day): 2 credits
Prerequisite: Building Construction I
Description: This class will afford students a second year of home construction to build upon the skills they have learned in Construction I. Strict compliance to safety rules and safety attitudes will be maintained at all times. With completion of this course, students will be very marketable in the construction industry. Student MUST provide their own work boots and winter clothing. Some personal tools may be brought to school by the students. However, most of the equipment is supplied by the program.
METALS FABRICATION
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Intro to Welding
Description: This course provides more in depth and hands-on exposure to each of the major welding processes. Related safety and in depth fundamentals of SMAW (STICK), GMAW(MIG), FCAW, GTAW(TIG), and Oxy-Fuel and Plasma cutting will be covered. Learners will focus on several manufacturing processes incorporating layout and blueprint reading found in the weld manufacturing trade. Students will create a variety of projects to support their learning along the way.
Dual Credit
Introduction to Welding
10-442-101
1.0 NTC Credit
&
Thermal Cutting
10-442-173
1.0 NTC Credit
MACHINE TOOL APPLICATIONS
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Intro to Metalworking
Description: Learners will focus on shop safety guidelines and become familiar with common machine tool shop equipment. Focus will be on drill press, power saw, manual lathe and mill operations and pedestal grinding machines. Learners will gain knowledge in layout tools and procedures and the proper use of hand tools in the shop along with precision measurement and blueprint reading found in the machine tool trade all while machining parts to print specifications.
Dual Credit
NTC Machine Tool Applications 1A
32-420-631
INTRO TO WELDING
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course provides an introduction and hands on exposure to different welding processes. In this course students will focus mainly on GMAW(wire) and SMAW(stick) processes along with Plasma Cutting and Oxy-Fuel Cutting learning the basic fundamentals of each process along with shop safety and measurement. Students will learn about material preparation and different welding joints while producing some cool projects along the way.
INTRO TO METALWORKING
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course provides an introduction and hands on exposure to many different metals manufacturing concepts. In this course students will be introduced to manual milling machines, manual lathes, saws, welders, and plasma cutters while rotating through several different shop work stations. Students will learn about precision measurement, have an introduction to blueprint reading, as well as shop safety while machining, welding, and manufacturing parts throughout the semester.
AUTO 1 (CONSUMER AUTO, WATDA AUTO'S 1)
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This is a comprehensive automotive course at an entry level. Basic Auto offers light/initial coverage of all eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas including: Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission; Manual Drive Train & Axle; Suspension & Steering; Brakes; Electrical Systems; Heating & Air Conditioning; and Engine Performance. This course will provide an excellent introduction to servicing the entire automobile. A hands-on, lab-oriented approach to the automobile makes this an enjoyable class for students. Students will have the opportunity to work on personal vehicles as well as lab vehicles to perform a variety of tasks while learning about automobiles at an entry level. Some lab tasks that will be performed throughout the course will include oil changes, tire rotations, tire changes, wiper installation, vehicle inspections, vehicle scans, fluid checks, brake inspections and repairs, filter changes, and much more. All class activities will help students be informed consumers along with exploring potential careers in the automotive industry.
AUTO 2 (WATDA AUTO'S 2)
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: Basic Auto’s with a minimum grade of a C
Description: This automotive course will deeply explore Electrical System diagnosis and service including Lighting, Battery, Starting and Charging Systems, along with Fuel Delivery Systems. Electronics and Computer Systems basics will also be addressed. Completion of this course will prepare you for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry Level Certification in the ASE areas A6 - Electrical & Electronic Systems and A8 - Engine Performance Systems.
SMALL ENGINES 1
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Supplies Needed: Students will need to bring a small engine to class to work on, if students are unable to provide an engine, talk to your instructor for other options or to borrow a school issued engine for the course.
Description: This course will provide students with an introduction to small engine theory, operation, maintenance, and repair, primarily focused on outdoor power equipment. Students will gain an understanding of how 2-stroke, 4-stroke, diesel, and rotary engines work through lectures, assignments, and lab activities. During this course students will completely dis-assemble, inspect, evaluate, and re-assemble a 4-stroke gasoline engine while learning about fuel, ignition, electrical, and power systems. Students will use a variety of hand tools and diagnostic equipment during this course.
SMALL ENGINES 2
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: Small Engines 1 with a minimum grade of a C or better
Description: This course consists of continued hands-on application of 2 and 4 stroke internal combustion engine principles and troubleshooting techniques and mechanical gears in transmissions. There will be a continued emphasis on proper disassembly, inspection, and cleaning and reassembly of various small engines and transmissions, along with gear ratios, parts identification. Further research into alternative energy is also included with hands-on labs. Students will be performing diagnostic and maintenance on small engines that enter the shop including but not limited to lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, trimmers, atv’s, snowmobiles and much more.
INTRO TO CADD (COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN & DRAFTING: MECHANICAL & ARCHITECTURAL)
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This is an introductory course where students will explore both Architectural and Mechanical Drafting. Both disciplines have foundations in plan reading, sketching, multi-view drawings, dimensioning, section views and pictorials. While exploring Architectural Drafting students will learn about AutoDesk’s AutoCAD and REVIT software. Students will learn about Architectural design and what makes an efficient floor plan, while mainly focusing on residential construction. When learning about Mechanical Design students will have a look at 3-D modeling, while using AutoDesk’s AutoCAD and Inventor softwares. Students will discuss mechanical design with a focus on engineering principals and 3D Animation and Assembly.
GRAPHICS 1
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This is a hands-on course designed to introduce students to the different design programs used in the graphic design field such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will also get an introduction to products that can be created in Graphics such as vinyl stickers and t-shirts. This course will give students a strong foundation of design techniques that they can apply to things for the rest of high school and beyond.
GRAPHICS II
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Graphic Communications I with a C or better
Description: This is a hands-on course designed for students to further their knowledge of the programs used in the graphic design field. Students will be applying their knowledge of programs to create t-shirts, vinyl stickers, canvas prints, large-format printer products, laser engraver products and more.
SPORTS GRAPHICS (CAN BE REPEATED)
Grade level: 11-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: none
Description: Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be in charge of the social media page of a major sports team? In this course you and a partner will draft a fantasy football team and take on the role of your team's Graphic Design/Social Media Intern for the semester.
ADVANCED GRAPHICS
Grade level: 10-12
Year: .5 credit
Prerequisite: Graphic Communications II with a C or better
Description: This advanced course covers the major techniques used in the graphic communications field. Students will earn dual credit while taking this course. Students in this class will play a major role in completing the school year-book along with obtaining training on machines such as a vinyl cutter, large-format printer and laser engraver.
Dual Credit
Introduction to Graphic Software & Design
10-204-121
2.0 NTC Credit
BLUEJAY DESIGN & MANUFACTURING 1 & 2
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite: Any of the following: Advanced Graphics, Metals 2, Woods 2, Intro to Business, Fab Lab 1, or teacher recommendation
Description: Make money and earn scholarships during the school day! Bluejay Design and Manufacturing is a student-run business where students can apply their knowledge from a variety of courses to create products for resale and complete customer work requests. Students will work in teams to dictate the projects for the class, as well as being in charge of the marketing and business end of the projects made. The class is currently looking for students to fill the following roles:
Graphics- Design Team: 3-4 students
Graphics Printing/Press Operators: 3-4 students
Woodworking Manufacturers: 1-2 students
Marketing Team: 1-2 students
Business Manager/ Accountant: 1-2 students