STEM Clusters
STEM focuses on planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services. Although listed as a separate funding cluster, the Connecticut State Board of Education (Board) believes STEM education is key to preparing students for college, career, and civic life. Thus, high-quality STEM instruction should be incorporated across the clusters and pathways to provide students with numerous opportunities to problem solve, innovate and critically analyze complex problems.
Engineering, Design, and Development Courses:
Sample Related Occupations: Aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, chemical engineer, computer engineer, design engineer, electronics engineer, engineering manager, engineering and related technician and technologist, industrial engineer, manufacturing engineer, mechanical engineer, software engineer, mechanical engineering technician, robotics engineer, robotics technician, water or wastewater engineer
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN
Grade 9,10,11,12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES-70E395
This course introduces students to the art and science of engineering design. Engineers create products, systems, and processes to solve real problems and meet societal needs. Students will learn and apply the engineering design process as they work collaboratively to solve real-world design problems. They will engage in hands-on projects while learning about various engineering concepts and career paths.
COMPUTERS, ELECTRONICS, AND PROGRAMMING
Grade 11,12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 70E369
Using Arduinos and Raspberry Pi hardware, students will explore electronics, computers, and programming to complete desired tasks with the use of coding. Students will use these platforms to develop software that interacts with the world beyond the computer through a combination of hardware and software. This is a project based course that will culminate in students completing a project of their own design. Examples may be remote controls, light switches, a talking clock, or even a Twitter enabled coffee pot! Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. Not required but recommended: Robotics 1 and Robotics 2.
ROBOTICS 1
Grade 9,10,11,12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES –70E275
This course offers an introduction to basic robotic systems, circuits, sensors, and gear mechanisms. Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Students in this course will develop programming skills to solve increasingly complex tasks and challenges.
ROBOTICS 2
Grade 9,10,11,12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES –70E280
This course is a continuation of the Robotics 1 course with an emphasis on electronics and computer programming in addition to math and science. An independent technology project, which is a required component of this course, must be completed successfully for a technology credit. Prerequisite: Robotics 1.