Civil Engineering and Architecture
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0
Civil Engineering and Architecture is the study of the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects. The course includes an introduction to many of the varied factors involved in building design and construction including building components and systems, structural design, stormwater management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation, energy efficiency, and careers in the design and construction industry.
Using the industry standard software Revit, the CEA course will expose students to the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APPB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will analyze, design and build electronic and physical models of residential and commercial facilities. While implementing these designs students will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process.
Civil Engineering and Architecture satisfies one credit of fine art, applied art, STEM, computer or general elective requirement for graduation.
Electrical Applications for STEM*
Grades: 10,11,12 Credit: 1
Prerequisite (s): One of the following: Exploring Technology and Engineering, Digital Electronics, Engineering and Architecture, Intro to Engineering Design (1 or 2).
Electrical Applications for STEM is an exciting, advanced-level course that lets you dive deep into the world of electrical systems and engineering—perfect for students eager to start a career in technology. Offered in partnership with Central Connecticut State University, this year-long course not only challenges you academically but also gives you the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school! Whether you're interested in electrical engineering, robotics, or any trade career, this course will give you the hands-on skills and foundational knowledge you need to take your tech journey to the next level. By the end of the course, you'll have earned college credits, developed essential skills for a future in technology, and gained valuable experience in electrical systems, setting you up for success in your career path.
Electrical Applications for STEM is a one credit course.
*Pending board approval
Engineering Design and Development
Grades: 11, 12 Level: H Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Required – Any Engineering course
EDD is a capstone engineering research course in which students work in teams of two to design, construct, and test, and analyze the solution to an open-ended engineering problem (original, taken from a database of problems, or a national challenge) while applying the principles and skills developed in the four preceding courses. Students will maintain an engineering notebook as part of a portfolio of their work. Each team will be responsible for delivering progress reports and making final presentations of their project solution to an outside review panel and community members. The completed portfolio will be invaluable as students apply to college.
Engineering Design and Development satisfies one credit of applied art, STEM, computer, or general elective requirement for graduation.
Exploring Technology and Engineering*
Grades: 9, 10 Credit: .5
Exploring Technology and Engineering is your chance to dive into the exciting world of design, building, and problem-solving! Over the semester, you’ll rotate through four hands-on units, each one introducing you to a different area of technology and engineering. You’ll get to explore Engineering by learning how to solve real-world problems, Woodworking by mastering tools and creating your own projects, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to design 3D models and prototypes, and Manufacturing to understand how things are made in the real world. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation to pursue more advanced tech courses and open the door to exciting careers in engineering, design, and technology. If you love hands-on work, enjoy solving challenges, and are curious about how things are built and made, this is the perfect course for you!
Exploring Technology and Engineering is one half credit and serves as a prerequisite (or co-requisite) for other Tech Ed courses.
*pending board approval
Introduction to Engineering Design 1
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: .5
Introduction to Engineering Design 1 is a hands-on course that introduces students to the exciting world of engineering and design. In this class, you’ll explore how engineers solve real-world problems and create products that improve our everyday lives. You'll focus on developing strong problem-solving skills and learn how to approach design challenges step by step, just like engineers do in the real world.
Through a variety of projects, you'll learn to think critically, brainstorm solutions, and refine your ideas into workable products. You'll apply the engineering design process, which includes steps like defining problems, creating prototypes, testing designs, and evaluating solutions. By the end of the course, you'll have a better understanding of how engineers create functional products and how design is a key part of improving technology and society.
Introduction to Engineering Design 2
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: .5
Introduction to Engineering Design 2 takes your design skills to the next level by diving into the world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing. In this course, you'll learn how to create detailed 3D models using industry-standard software, such as Autodesk Inventor, and then bring those models to life with cutting-edge 3D printing technology. You'll explore how engineers use CAD to solve real-world problems, designing functional products that improve our everyday lives.
Throughout the course, you’ll focus on developing your problem-solving abilities while learning the engineering design process, from concept to creation. You'll start by sketching basic shapes and gradually move on to designing more complex, three-dimensional models that can be printed and tested. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, as you'll create, analyze, and refine your designs, just like engineers do in the field. By the end of the class, you'll have the skills to turn your ideas into physical prototypes using 3D printing, preparing you for real-world applications in engineering, product design, and technology.
Principles of Engineering
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0
POE is a high school-level survey course in engineering. This course exposes students to some of the major concepts they will encounter in a college engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering topics which include mechanisms, energy sources and applications, machine control, fluid power, statics, material properties, material testing, statistics, and kinematics. POE provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity, projects, and problem-based learning. POE further challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem-solving skills while investigating engineering concepts. Students will develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning by the conclusion of the course.
Principles of Engineering satisfies one credit of applied art, STEM, computer or general elective a requirement for graduation.