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
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.
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 2, or Counselor 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: 4-5 students
Graphics Printing/Press Operators: 4-5 students
Metals Fab: 1-2 students
Woodworking Manufacturers: 4-5 students
Marketing Team: 2-3 students
Business Manager/ Accountant- 1 student
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: Woods I, enrolled in Algebra I
Fee: Our project for this course will cost around $35.00 - 40.00. 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: 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 Credits
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: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This is an introductory course designed to allow students to experience basic metalworking techniques and fabrication. Areas of focus include blueprint reading, welding, oxy/acetylene and plasma cutting, sheet metal fabrication, and training with many of the common hands-on tools found in a machine lab.
Dual Credit
Thermal Cutting
10-442-173
WELDING
Grade level: 11-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Metals Fabrication 1
Description: Students will be challenged to create several hands-on projects to build a strong understanding in each of the major areas of fabrication with a strong emphasis on welding. More advanced techniques of welding, for example aluminum and stainless steel TIG welding will be taught. This course follows the NTC welding dual-credit program.
Dual Credit
Introduction to Welding
10-442-101
CAD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) - MECHANICAL DESIGN I
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: We will use pro level software and make use of 3D printers, lasers, and CNC mills as needed to bring your project to life! This course is a wonderful opportunity to glimpse into the world of 3-D modeling and mechanical design. Principles and techniques will be taught which allow students to gain skills and knowledge in sketching, multi-view drawings, dimensioning, section views, pictorials, and the manufacturing process. Real life mechanical projects will be explored!
Dual Credit
Technical Drafting/CAD
10-606-105
2.0 NTC Credits
CAD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) - ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course allows you to explore the creative process of architectural design using professional Architectural software. You have the opportunity to explore the architectural design process through personalized activities, where you create your own dream design.
Students will create plans and architectural environments to master the fundamentals of the architecture design process while they learn to use AutoCAD Revit. Ultimately students will be challenged with designing the house of their dreams. Massively beautiful blueprints are created for you to showcase your work! Students will make use of 3D printers and Lasers to bring architectural models to life!
Dual Credit
Revit Residential for Architectural Design
10-614-127
2.0 NTC Credits
CAD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) - MECHANICAL II
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: CAD Mechanical I
Description: We will use pro level software and make use of 3D printers, lasers, and CNC mills as needed to bring your project to life! This course is for the student who is interested in learning advanced modeling techniques to design and model solutions from inception; to planning, research, and virtual assembly. Projects are personalized to your interest. We learn best when we create what we conceive. 3D printing, lasers, and CNC equipment play a large role in your daily experience. Students have the opportunity to create their ideas such as extreme sports equipment, musical instruments, and many many yet to be designed ideas. You will work with professional design software (Solidworks) and use your imaginations in 3D while enhancing knowledge using engineering principles.
Dual Credit
Solidworks I
10-606-133
CAD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) - ARCHITECTURAL II
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: CAD I - Architectural
Description: Students will make use of 3D printers and Lasers to bring architectural models to life! This course is for the passionate architectural design student who is interested in learning advanced techniques including use of both 2D and 3D CAD software applications. Design work will take place inside Autodesk's Revit 3D and SketchUp. Revit is a parametric modeling program for designing residential and commercial buildings. Sketchup, is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and engineering.
Both environments allow us to explore and discover important aspects of building and site design and development. Additionally, a large component of our course will be used in the creation, design, and testing of real-life physical models. Yes, you’ll actually build a scale model of your project!
Dual Credit
SketchUp for Architectural Design
10-614-129
ADVANCED CAD
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: CAD II
Description: Students will make use of 3D printers and Lasers to bring architectural models to life! Advanced CAD offers an amazing opportunity for students to develop mastery using pro level architectural and mechanical engineering software (Solidworks, SketchUp, and Revit). Personal projects come to the fore as you develop your creations using the Design/Engineering process. Rapid prototyping, and the use of CNC machines, 3-D Printers, Laser, 3 Axis CNC Mill and hand-modeling processes are commonplace activities.
Dual Credit
Solidworks II
10-606-134
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
Grade level: 11-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: none
Description: In this course you will draft a fantasy football team and take on the role of your team's Graphic Design/Social Media Intern.
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
BLUEJAY DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1 credits
Prerequisite: Any of the following: Advanced Graphics, Metals 2, Woods 2, Accounting 1, Intro to Business, Fab Lab 2, or Counselor 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: 4-5 students
Graphics Printing/Press Operators: 4-5 students
Metals Fab: 1-2 students
Woodworking Manufacturers: 4-5 students
Marketing Team: 2-3 students
Business Manager/ Accountant- 1 student
ELECTRONICS 1
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Enrolled Algebra I
Description: This course is an amazing introductory experience into the fascinating world of electricity and electronics. It will teach the basics of electricity and electronics. Using ARDUINO technology we will learn and develop skills in building and interpreting circuits, digital electronics, and working with some pretty incredible tech. Each unit is hands-on with soldering and circuit building. This course also teaches the fundamentals of coding in the ‘C++” programming language to control the Arduino!
Dual Credit
Intro to Microcontrollers
10-660-121
ELECTRONICS II
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Electronics & Electricity 1 & Algebra
Description: Dive deeper into the world of electronics, the science of electricity, and C++ coding! Students will also learn to create and etch custom made circuit boards as well as learn about more advanced circuitry and electronic components, for example transistors; semiconductors, amplifiers, control systems, oscillators, combinational and sequential logic gates, and so much more! It’s amazing!
Dual Credit
Industrial Electronics Technology 3 - Electronic Circuits & Devices
10-660-125
AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Electronics & Electricity, Enrolled Algebra I
Non-Requirement, Recommended: CADD Mechanical I
Description: This course is an incredible hands-on robotics workshop where you’ll have an amazing experience working in small teams to 3D print, build, and code. You will learn programming skills to code electronic circuits, sensors, and so much more! It’s hands-on; it’s coding, it’s building, It’s Robots! We’re even building and coding on a full-size humanoid robot named ‘Steve’.