NPSD PROGRAM OF STUDIES & STEM PROGRESSIONS

MS PROGRAM OF STUDIES

HS PROGRAM OF STUDIES

ELEMENTARY STEM COURSES

KINDERGARTEN - 6TH GRADE

The STEM K-6 program infuses science, technology, engineering, and math standards by tackling real-world challenges using specific criteria and constraints. Examples include: examining climate change data to formulate solutions for drought management, mitigating risks to riverside communities due to rising water, and building parachute systems to deliver goods remotely. Students utilize various electronics, robotics, CAD software, and 3D modeling to test and analyze visions for challenges.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM COURSES

CODING 

(7th grade)

Coding is an interactive, hands-on, inquiry-based STEM module combing science, technology, engineering, math, and 21st- Century skills to introduce students to coding and the culture of creative computing. The course uses a design-based learning approach that emphasizes: (1) Creating - opportunities for learners to engage in designing and making, not just listening, observing, and using, (2) Personalizing - opportunities for learners to engage in activities that are personally meaningful and relevant. (3) Collaborating - opportunities for learners to interact with others as audience members, coaches, and co-creators, (4) Reflecting - opportunities for learners to review and rethink their creative practices.

DESIGN AND MODELING (PLTW)

(7th grade) 

Design and Modeling is a nine-week course adapted from Project Lead the Way (PLTW). The focus of this course is to build real-world competencies in engineering, including collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students will develop and refine skills in the design process, engineering drawing, measuring in standard and metric, data analysis, and computer-aided design (CAD). The course culminates in a real-world engineering project where students use all the skills they learned throughout the course to create a therapeutic toy for a child in need of supportive devices using classroom materials. The entire course centers on hands-on, student-led problem-solving and requires students to be creative, think critically, and work in teams. Students will also reflect on their solutions to see what worked well and what did not and have the opportunity to improve their design solutions. This STEM elective is interdisciplinary; students must use previous knowledge and learn new skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to create both tangible and computer-modeled solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS (PLTW)

(8th grade)

In PLTW Automation and Robotics, students are given the opportunity to combine mechanisms with input and output devices to automate the mechanisms. Construction and programming skills are layered, and projects and the problem provide students the opportunity to connect their learning throughout the lessons in the unit. Students take on the role of interns, and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics, and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers. 

HIGH SCHOOL STEM COURSES

AP COMPUTER​ ​SCIENCE​ ​PRINCIPLES 

(9th - 12th grade)

Students are introduced to the central ideas of computer science and computational thinking while fostering creativity and exploring how computing and technology can impact the world. The course uses technology and programming for creative problem-solving and real-world applications.

AP​ ​COMPUTER​ ​SCIENCE A 

(10th - 12th grade)

This course develops the content and applications of computer science and emphasizes problem-solving in numerous disciplines with an emphasis on algorithms and fundamental data structures.

ARCHITECTURAL​ ​AND​ ​ENGINEERING​ ​DESIGN 

(9th - 12th grade)

Architecture and Engineering Design starts with students investigating various design challenges using the engineering design process. Students initially communicate their solutions by drawing manually and graduate to using high-end professional workplace software programs. Students learn technical drawing and graphics, including scaled and dimensioned 2D views, cross-sections, and isometric 3D illustrations. Students then progress to designing and illustrating a scaled house floor plan using 3D architectural software. Students develop their creativity and the analytical, problem-solving, and visual communication skills used in engineering, industrial design, and the architectural profession. 

CYBERSECURITY

(11th - 12th grade)

Cybersecurity is a semester course that introduces high school students to basic cybersecurity concepts and allows them to explore possible cybersecurity careers.  The focus of instruction will include the implementation and monitoring of security on network and computer systems. Students will investigate strategies to identify and protect against security threats like hackers, eavesdropping, and network attacks. The concepts of cryptography and logic reasoning are explored along with the role they play in securing remote transactions.  Hands-on labs in virtual environments will provide practice in the configuration and mitigation of system vulnerabilities. Each unit integrates current events and related cyber ethics and law.  All students and parents must sign an ethics agreement during the first 2 weeks of class. 

DIGITAL CIRCUITS 

(11th - 12th grade)

Digital Circuits is a project-based foundation course for students interested in electronics and circuit design. The course includes an exploration of logic, logic gates, synchronous and asynchronous counters. Students explore systems analysis, electronic circuits, resistive elements and networks, circuit analysis methods, and decision-making. Through the design and analysis of circuits, students learn to optimize with alternative design techniques. The course concludes with an exploration of state machines to deepen understanding of their significance and practical application. 

DYNAMICS OF HEALTHCARE (RUTGERS) 

(10th - 12th grade)

Dynamics of Healthcare in Society is offered in association with Rutgers University and provides students interested in the healthcare profession the opportunity to earn college credits. The course provides an interdisciplinary orientation to healthcare and delivery, focusing on functioning in diverse healthcare settings, ethical healthcare issues, and the evolution, nature, and complexities of healthcare delivery.  

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (PLTW) 

(9th - 12th grade)

Students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions.

HONORS AEROSPACE​ ​ENGINEERING (PLTW) 

(11th - 12th grade)

A rigorous specialization course that ignites students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight, such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and rocket while using industry-standard software.

HONORS​ ​BIOMEDICAL​ ​ENGINEERING 

(11th - 12th grade)

An introduction to the multidisciplinary field of biomedical engineering and the application of engineering principles to solving problems in biology, physiology, and medicine. Students will explore various topics, from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology.

HONORS INTRODUCTION​ ​TO​ ​ENGINEERING​ ​DESIGN (PLTW) 

(9th - 12th grade)

Students are introduced to the engineering profession and dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on, open-ended projects and 3D design modeling software.

HONORS PRINCIPLES​ ​OF​ ​ENGINEERING (PLTW) 

(9th - 12th grade)

Through engaging and challenging real-world problems, the course exposes students to some of the central concepts they will encounter in post-secondary engineering courses, including mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (RUTGERS) 

(11th - 12th grade)

Medical Terminology is a semester course offered in association with Rutgers University that provides students interested in the healthcare profession the opportunity to earn college credits. Students study the critical vocabulary concerning body systems, anatomy, physiology, medical processes/procedures, and various diseases.  Emphasis is placed on the specialized language used by a healthcare team, enabling healthcare workers to communicate in an accurate, articulate, and concise manner and the use of language in processing medical/dental records and claim forms.

PROGRAMMING​ ​AND​ ​INNOVATION 

(9th - 12th grade)

This course teaches the basic concepts and techniques of computer programming and computational thinking using Python while introducing students to programming applications such as Robotics, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence.

TECHNOLOGY​ ​&​ ​CONSTRUCTION 

(10th - 12th grade)

Technology and Construction develops the student's knowledge and skills in woodworking and construction. The course exposes the student to using various materials and processes. Technology and Construction provides the opportunity for the interested student to specialize in the woodworking area that interests them most. 

TECHNOLOGY​ ​&​ ​DESIGN​ ​PROCESS 

(9th - 12th grade)

Students enter the world of technology by exploring the various technological, engineering, and design systems in today's industry. Students are involved in hands-on structural design problems such as towers, bridge building, and automotive technology, including designing and building race cars.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY​ ​&​ ​DESIGN​ ​PROCESS 

(11th - 12th grade)

Advanced Technology and Construction is a course designed for the student who wants to enhance his/her skills in woodworking through the continued design and construction of projects in wood. Students will safely use tools and machinery in creative projects. Each student’s progress is self-paced; projects are selected jointly by the student and teacher. Projects are completed through individual contracts.