Technology and Engineering Education is 21st century instruction where students collaborate and learn from their experiences designing, creating/ prototyping and testing solutions to problems. In Technology and Engineering Education, students apply Math, Science, and their knowledge of materials, tools and machine processes.
Shaker High School Students can gain knowledge and skills with their choice of 5 Career Pathways and 19 different courses in the Technology Education and Engineering Department. Each career pathway is a sequence of courses is approved by the New York State Education Department, and includes a professional exam, work-based learning experiences, and at least one college level course. Students who complete all the required courses and pass the professional exam will receive a CTE Endorsement Seal on their diploma.
P = Prerequisite
E = Elective
R = Regents
AP = Advanced Placement
UHS = University in the High School
811 UHS Design and Drawing for Engineering
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of all five Technology and Engineering Education's Career Pathways.*
This course may be used to fulfill the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
This course introduces students to design principles, sketching, technical drawing, problem solving, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). Students will use the skills developed throughout the course to solve real-world design challenges. DDE is a foundational course for any student interested in pursuing a sequence in any technical field or engineering. Students successful in this course and pay a tuition fee may earn three college credits from SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
812 Principles of Engineering (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of the Engineering Technology and Pre-Engineering Career Pathways.*
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1, two units of science, Design & Drawing for Engineering and Manufacturing Processes for Engineering or permission of CTE Supervisor.
This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the major areas of engineering. The course will involve product research, engineering design, construction of products and/or prototypes, and communicating engineering ideas in multiple formats. Students will study and apply engineering concepts that have connections to the physical sciences and mathematics learned in their core subject areas. Students will utilize the Engineering Design Process to develop projects that are multifaceted and require engineering teams to complete. Areas of study may include RC Gliders, Lego Machine automation and control, Wind Turbines, Solar Trackers, Truss Bridge Design, and Space Balloons. This course is open to students in grades 11-12.
817 Engineering Capstone (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of the Pre-Engineering Career Pathway.*
The Engineering Capstone course is for students to explore, research, and then develop solutions to an engineering problem they wish to address and then be partnered with local professionals in the field to help determine a possible solution. Students will utilize laboratory facilities to design and then prototype, computer simulate and/or develop mathematical models to address technical solutions to develop their idea. Students will document their research and present and defend their results to a panel of instructors and engineering experts. Students who complete #812 Principles of Engineering may apply for this course.
This course is open to students in grade 12. Students enter this course through an application process during the end of grade 11.
830 Electronics and Robotics (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of the Mechatronics Career Pathway.*
Prerequisite: Algebra I.
This course introduces students to the principles and applications of modern electronics through hands-on exploration and project-based learning. Students begin with foundational electronic theory and progress through both analog and digital electronics, developing a strong understanding of how electronic systems function and how they can be designed and controlled.
The digital portion of the course centers on Arduin, an open-source programmable microcontroller, which students use to build and control their own electronic and robotic projects. Programming is completed using C, a language closely related to Java and widely used in engineering and industry.
As students advance, they apply their electronics knowledge to robotics, automation, and sensor-based systems. Coursework includes breadboarding circuits, Arduino coding, servo/stepper/motor control, building and programming robots, and designing components with 3D printing.
This is a primarily hands-on, project-driven course that incorporates basic algebra and emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills.
834 Advanced Robotics (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
This course builds on foundational robotics knowledge and challenges students to expand their skills in robot design, engineering, and programming. Throughout the year, students work with VEX robotics systems to design, build, and program robots capable of completing complex tasks and functions.
Students explore key engineering concepts such as kinematics, the study of motion, and gain a deeper understanding of how motors, actuators, and servos influence robot performance. They investigate a variety of drive systems, learning how gearing, mechanical advantage, and design choices affect speed, torque, and precision.
The course also introduces students to elements of automation and artificial intelligence, applying these concepts to robots designed for different environments and challenges. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, iteration, and engineering design.
The year culminates in a student-designed capstone project, in which learners identify a real-world problem and develop a robotic solution that demonstrates their understanding of advanced robotics principles.
835 UHS Manufacturing Processes for Engineering (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
*The course is part of the Engineering Technology and Pre-Engineering Career Pathways.*
Prerequisite: Grade of 85% or better in DDE is required or permission of CTE supervisor.
Manufacturing Processes for Engineering is a one-unit course that will explore the technological processes used to transform various materials into consumer products. The curriculum will include hands-on production activities utilizing raw materials including woods, plastics, and composite materials. Throughout the course students will develop the skills needed to operate hand tools, machine tools, and advanced computer automated manufacturing technology (Computer numeric controlled machines or CNC). These skills help students to better understand the capabilities and limitations of common manufacturing processes enabling students to better design for production. Students will also conduct research and explore new technologies and trends in the world of manufacturing. Students who are successful in this course, and pay a tuition fee, may earn two college credits from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC).
850 Wood Construction
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of the Building Sciences Career Pathway.*
Construction industry jobs are expected to grow “faster than average” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This course was developed with input from the local carpenters union. Students will learn about tools and machines used in the construction industry. Students will apply this knowledge and develop skills getting them ready to join the Carpenters Local 291’s Apprentice Program, go directly to private employment or to college for a construction related career.
For information on the Carpenters Local 291’s Apprentice Program please see: http://carpenterslu291.com/training/apprentice-program/
This course is open to all students in grade 9-12.
851 UHS Advanced Wood Construction (P)
Full Year 1 Unit
*This course is part of the Building Sciences Career Pathway.*
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of 90% in Course 850 and strong math skills. Students must be able to: add fractions, subtract fractions, reduce fractions and solve basic geometric proofs to enroll in this class.
Construction workers are in high demand. These Jobs are not going to be replaced by AI. This college level course was developed to further enhance student skills needed to be successful in the construction industry. Students will develop skills getting them ready to join the Carpenters Local 291’s Apprentice Program, go directly to private employment or to college for a construction related career.
This HVCC college course is a continuation of Wood Construction. Students will learn more advanced construction skills with additional time to master skills. Students who are successful in this course and pay the registration fee can earn three college credits.
860 IT Essentials
Full Year 1 Unit
Grade Levels: 9–12
The Information Technology field continues to grow rapidly, with employment opportunities projected to increase “faster than average” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This course is designed for students interested in computer hardware, networking, and fields in Cybersecurity.
IT Essentials provides a comprehensive introduction to computers, mobile devices, and networked systems. Students participate in hands-on labs to build practical skills and gain real world experience in diagnosing and troubleshooting.
Throughout the course, students will:
Develop a working understanding of how computers and mobile devices operate.
Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities, including malware, phishing, spoofing, and social engineering.
Apply skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot computers, mobile devices, and software.
Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving abilities using both physical equipment and network simulation tools.
Engage with the global Cisco Networking Academy community.
813 Architecture 1
First Semester ½ Unit
*Part of the Architectural Design & Building Sciences Pathway*
Architecture 1 is an entry level course in architectural design. Students will explore topics including architecture drawing, drafting tools and techniques, area/room planning, floor plan design, architectural dimensioning, section drawings, exterior elevations and career exploration. Students will utilize industry standard CAD software including AutoCAD and Revit which are used in Architecture firms and colleges. Students will conclude the course by developing a set of architectural plans for a residential house. This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
814 Architectural Drawing II (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Architectural Drafting and Design Career Pathway.*
Prerequisite: Architectural Drawing I.
This is an advanced-level course that covers the design of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The course will focus on the advanced concepts of Architecture and will utilize Autodesk Revit, a professional CAD program. Students will be introduced to the various materials, construction concepts, and mathematical computations needed to properly design and construct a house to local and state specifications. Students who are successful in BOTH Architectural Drawing I, Plus Architectural Drawing II, AND plan on attending Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), may earn two credits for HVCC's CNST 120. This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
815 Architectural Drawing III (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Architectural Drafting and Design Career Pathway*
Prerequisite: Architectural Drawing I and II with a minimum grade of 90%.
The Architecture III course is for Students who want a true Architectural challenge. Architecture III utilizes student prior knowledge and challenges them to research, design, develop drawings and model them for review. Students will use AutoCad, Revit and various modeling techniques to complete unique structures that include a commercial structure, Rambler house and an Urban Row building. Projects represent the types of projects found in professional Architectural firms. Students will present their findings at the end of the course to a panel of Architects to obtain feedback on their designs. Students who are successful in Both Architectural Drawing II Plus Architectural Drawing III, AND plan on attending Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), may earn four credits for HVCC's CIVL 102. This course is open to students in grades 10-12.
818 Metal Processing
First Semester ½ Unit
This course will explore the areas of metal processing including: shearing, sawing, chip removal, fastening, forging, heat-treating, welding, and fabrication. This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
819 Advanced Metal Processing (P)
First Semester ½ Unit
Prerequisite: Completion of #818 with a minimum grade of 90% or permission of CTE supervisor.
In this course students continue to develop knowledge and skills essential for success in the metal processing industry.
822 Auto Maintenance
Second Semester ½ Unit
This is a general course in the study of land vehicles with a main emphasis on automobiles. Topics include fuel systems, ignition systems, lubrication systems, brakes, transmissions, consumer awareness, and auto insurance. This course is open to students in grades 11-12.
836 Home Electricity
Second Semester ½ Unit
This introductory-level course will cover basic electrical theory and its relation to house wiring. Students will wire typical household circuits in accordance with the National Electric Code. This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
838 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Architectural Drafting and Design Career Pathway.*
Prerequisite: Completion of #811 DDE or #813 Architecture I or by permission of the CTE Supervisor.
In this course, students will use the computer as a drawing tool. Students will be introduced to multiple CAD software that includes: AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit and Rhino. Students will use computers to research and design multi-step projects that integrate multiple CAD software. Projects in this course have an architectural focus that enhances student knowledge of how computers are used to develop technical and architectural type drawings.
Students who are successful in Both Architectural Drawing 1 Plus Computer Aided Drafting, and plan on attending Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), may earn three credits for HVCC's CIVL 110.
842 Advanced Auto Maintenance (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
Prerequisite: Grade of 90% or better in #822 or permission of the CTE supervisor.
This course is for students with a high interest in auto mechanics. Students must possess the necessary skills to work and learn independently. Students will also be expected to assist first year Automotive Maintenance students during scheduled class time as peer tutors.
This course is open to students in grades 11-12.
847 Advanced Home Electricity (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
Prerequisite: Grade of 90% or better in #836 or permission of the CTE supervisor.
This course is an advanced home electrical course where students will be expected to master basic electrical skills and learn more advanced electrical wiring. Students must be proficient in algebra to determine electrical wire size and electrical load. Students will be able to explain the relationship between Voltage, Current and Resistance using Ohm’s Law.