HS S.T.E.M
Course Descriptions
Automotive Technology Pathway
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY I
GRADES: 10-12
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
In this course, students explore, handle, and perform basic functions in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. Students who successfully complete the Automotive Technology program may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination. The ASE Student Certification is the first step in building a career as a service professional in the automotive industry. Automotive Technology I and II are closely aligned with the 2017 ASE Education Foundation automobile program standards for Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR).
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY II (YEAR-LONG CLASS)
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): AUTO TECHNOLOGY I
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
In this course, students build upon their basic knowledge of automotive technology, exploring more advanced tasks in engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, and brakes. They also learn about electrical, electronic, and HVAC systems in automobiles. Automotive Technology I and II are closely aligned with the 2017 ASE Education Foundation automobile program standards for Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR).
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY III (YEAR-LONG CLASS)
GRADE: 12
Prerequisite(s): AUTO SERVICE II
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
This course prepares students to perform automotive diagnosis and repairs in the following areas: engine repair, cooling systems, transmission and transaxle, manual drive trains and axles, suspension and steering, wheel and tire, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, HVAC, and engine performance. Students are provided with more advanced instruction in all systems as they prepare for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations. The Automotive Technology program provides the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing and challenging industry as an automotive technician. This course is closely aligned with the ASE Education Foundation (formerly NATEF)’s 2017 standard for Automobile Service Technology (AST). Upon successful completion of the course, students may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examination.
Carpentry Pathway
CARPENTRY I
GRADES: 9-12
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
Carpentry I is foundational for achieving high-level construction industry skills that can result in an exciting and lucrative career. With an emphasis on safety, students are taught to use hand and power tools, cut stock, apply construction mathematics, interpret blueprints, and understand basic rigging. Students will become proficient in identifying types of residential construction components to frame walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, doors, and windows. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential.
CARPENTRY II (YEAR-LONG CLASS)
GRADES: 10-12
Prerequisite(s): CARPENTRY I
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
Carpentry II prepares students for successful transition into postsecondary education for careers in carpentry and related fields, such as construction management, architecture, and others. Students are taught the safe use of hand and power tools common to the industry to complement their Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential earned in Carpentry I. Students will become proficient in assembling and installing various types of residential construction components according to industry standards, including forming foundations, framing floors, walls, ceiling, roofs, trusses, roofing materials, stairs, and exterior doors and windows.
CARPENTRY III (YEAR-LONG CLASS)
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): CARPENTRY II
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
Carpentry III is an advanced course that allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in construction skills. Students explore specialized areas in carpentry, such as building decks and porches, alternative framing, interior finishes, drywall installation and finishing, as well as energy efficiency and green technology. Exploration of licensure requirements and entrepreneurial opportunities are emphasized.
Energy Systems Technology Pathway
ELECTRICITY I
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
Students develop fundamental electrical skills to help them prepare for a career in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Students will engage in hands-on activities in a lab setting. They will be introduced to residential wiring of houses and apartments; commercial wiring of retailers, schools, businesses, and hospitals; and industrial wiring of factories. This program is located at the South Boston Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
ELECTRICITY II
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
Students will continue to develop skills in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students will also study electrical theory and mathematical problems related to electricity, apply requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) Book, select and install conductors, examine lighting, communication, and power systems, and work with conduit and raceways, panelboards, switchboards, grounding systems, and generators. This course leads to industry certification options to further validate student mastery of related skills. This program is located at the South Boston Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
*BOTH COURSES ARE COMBINED FOR A YEAR-LONG, TWO PERIOD PROGRAM
Industrial Electricity Pathway
ELECTRICITY I
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
Students develop fundamental electrical skills to help them prepare for a career in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Students will engage in hands-on activities in a lab setting. They will be introduced to residential wiring of houses and apartments; commercial wiring of retailers, schools, businesses, and hospitals; and industrial wiring of factories. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill. This course is pending VDOE approval.
ELECTRICITY II
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
Students will continue to develop skills in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students will also study electrical theory and mathematical problems related to electricity, apply requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) Book, select and install conductors, examine lighting, communication, and power systems, and work with conduit and raceways, panelboards, switchboards, grounding systems, and generators. This course leads to industry certification options to further validate student mastery of related skills. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill. This course is pending VDOE approval.
*BOTH COURSES ARE COMBINED FOR A YEAR-LONG, TWO PERIOD PROGRAM
Welding Pathway
WELDING I
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
Welding is required by a wide variety of industries—anywhere fusible materials and high heat are needed to manufacture, repair, or alter tools and products. Students in Welding I are taught to use manual welding, cutting, and electrical arc welding processes to fabricate and join metal parts according to diagrams, blueprints, and specifications. Students will also learn all safety related practices and techniques, including earning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 card. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.
WELDING II
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credits: 1 ELECTIVE
This course teaches advanced welding students how to fine-tune their craft and to perform welds in various positions, using multiple welding processes. Welding is required by a wide variety of 3 industries—anywhere fusible materials and high heat are needed to manufacture, repair, or alter products. Professional welders are in high demand and can earn accordingly. This course leads to industry certification options to further validate student mastery of related skills. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.
WELDING III
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credits: 1 ELECTIVE
This welding capstone course teaches students the industry's emerging technologies, along with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn to operate a computer numerical control (CNC) cutting table. This course leads to industry certification options to further validate student mastery of related skills. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.
*ALL THREE COURSES ARE COMBINED FOR A YEAR-LONG, TWO PERIOD PROGRAM
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Pathway
HVAC I
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credit: 1 ELECTIVE
In this first course of the instructional program, students are taught to professionally install, repair, and maintain the operating conditions of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and 3 refrigeration (HVACR) systems. Students work with piping and tubing, study the principles of heat and electricity, install duct systems, and comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Successful completion of the two-course sequence may prepare students for a career as a HVACR technician. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.
HVAC II
GRADES: 11-12
Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST
Credits: 2 ELECTIVE
This instructional program teaches students to professionally install, repair, and maintain the operating conditions of heating and cooling systems. Students also explore emerging technologies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, energy conservation techniques, and systems with exempt and non-exempt refrigerants. Completion of this sequence will prepare students for employment in a variety of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) occupations. This course leads to industry certification options to further validate student mastery of related skills. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.
*BOTH COURSES ARE COMBINED FOR A YEAR-LONG, TWO PERIOD PROGRAM