Tech Ed

This first year, two semester course, requires students to use 3D solid modeling software (Autodesk Inventor) to help design solutions to proposed problems.  Students will learn how to document their work in an engineering notebook and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community using solid models, presentations and drawing files. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design and problem solving process. Students are introduced to the concepts of innovation and invention. Other points of focus include research and analysis, teamwork, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. 

This second year Pathway To Engineering course gives students the opportunity to explore technology systems and manufacturing processes to find out how math, science, and technology are integrated into the solutions to problems.  Students are required to complete this (POE) course to take the third year Civil Engineering and Architecture course. 

This course provides students with a variety of experiences working on vehicles. Students will have many opportunities for hands-on experiences as well as using technical information for repair and troubleshooting.  Areas covered in the course are tires, suspension, brakes, belts, cooling, lubrication, ignition and electrical and onboard computers, also how to get a loan for a car, and what to look for when buying a new or used car.  If possible, the student should have access to the use of a family car one or two days per week.  A car is not required to take the class.  Note:  You must have a driver’s license to drive a vehicle in the shop. 

This course is designed for those students who have a basic understanding of the operation of the automobile.  The course provides an opportunity for more in-depth study and lab experience in automobile systems and the chassis. A car is not required to take the class.   Note:  You must have a driver’s license to drive a vehicle in the shop.

Do you like to sketch, doodle, and draw?  Would you like to do this as part of your job or career?  Learn computer aided drafting (CAD) and develop the skills necessary to pursue a variety of design related careers.  Students will learn how to use industry standard software such as ProEngineer/CreoPro and Inventor to create models and drawing files typical to a variety of fields. Students taking this course are not required to have any previous drafting or computer experience.

Do you like to sketch, doodle, and draw?  Would you like to do this as part of your job or career?  Learn computer aided drafting (CAD) and develop the skills necessary to pursue a variety of design related careers.  Students will learn how to use industry standard software such as ProEngineer/CreoPro and Inventor to create models and drawing files typical to a variety of fields. Students taking this course are not required to have any previous drafting or computer experience.

Are you an idea person?  Do you enjoy thinking of new and creative ways to solve everyday problems?  Do you want to join in on the challenge and fun as you design and build products that you produce?  In FabLab 1, students will learn to develop 2D designs using AutoDesk CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Using the designs, students will get into the 21st Century Fabrication Lab to gain real world experience on laser engravers, vinyl cutters, CNC equipment, and printers to produce the designs.  Students with basic computer skills, an imagination, and a desire to learn will be successful as they guide their path of learning through these digital technologies. 

Develop your problem solving, research and design, decision making, and process management skills as you work on problems that tackle real industry situations.  Students will develop and enhance skills using 2D and 3D computer design software. With their digital designs, students will have access to a variety of rapid prototyping equipment to produce models and test their solutions. Students will further develop 21st Century Skills as they collaborate on design and fabrication for a final project. This course is designed as a pre-engineering learning experience. FabLab 1 is not required, students that have taken FabLab 1 will have new experiences in this course. 

Woods 1 is a course designed to introduce learners to a variety of tools and equipment to produce professional level wood based products. Most students will enter class with little to no prior knowledge, an emphasis is placed on shop and home safety to help students build confidence in their skills. Students will customize their learning experience through  a variety of choices including project selection, material use (both domestic and exotic lumber will be available), and the operations used to complete the projects. Project offerings are regularly updated to meet the interests of students. If you are interested in a hands-on learning experience with lots of independent learning time in the lab, this is a great course for you!

Woods 2 is an intermediate learning experience. Students will build on the skills they developed in woods I with the addition of content related to wood species identification, project assembly and finishing techniques, and project planning strategies. Students will pick from over a dozen project offerings ranging in size and skill. Shop and home safety will be revisited along with practice measuring, planning projects and using equipment. If you enjoyed woods I, woods II is an extension of that learning and it allows students to further explore the woodworking industry through project based learning.

This course will cover the cabinet making process, advanced joinery, assembly of cabinets and hardware, and professional finishing methods. This is an advanced course with the vast majority of time being dedicated to the lab and independent learning time. Students will continue building on their prior skills and experiences with a new emphasis on creating parts that fit together to complete a functional cabinet including case work, face frames, doors and drawers. It is recommended that students take woods I and woods II but only woods I is required as a prerequisite for this AWESOME learning experience.   

Metals 1 is an introductory course into the metal-working fields.  Students will be exposed to various metal working operations such as oxygen-acetylene welding, SMAW (Stick) welding, GMAW (Wire feed) welding, thermal cutting and sheet metal work. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice safety procedures while building confidence with these new procedures. At the end of the quarter, students will apply their skills and knowledge to complete a metals project that includes welding, cutting, grinding and finishing. If you are interested in a hands-on learning experience, this could be a great course for you! 

Metals 2 is an intermediate metal-working course that helps students build on their skills and experiences from Metals 1. Students will review SMAW, GMAW, grinding, and cutting. They will apply these skills to advanced joints and assembly techniques. In addition, students will have experiences with the CNC plasma table, GTAW (TIG) welding, and the design process to develop their projects. Students will complete a variety of welding challenges to test their skills and students will design/fabricate a comprehensive welding project. If Metals 1 was a positive learning experience, Metals 2 is an extension of that learning. 

Metals 3 is the capstone learning experience in the metals lab at PLHS. Students will design and fabricate a project of their choice to demonstrate their learning. Students will brainstorm ideas, create detailed sketches, order materials required for the final project, use lab resources to assemble the project and apply finish to the completed project. This is a comprehensive learning experience that allows students to showcase their skills they have developed in both Metals 1 and Metals 2.  It is recommended that students take Metals 1 and Metals 2 but only Metals 1 is required as a prerequisite for this AWESOME learning experience.  

Small engines are used on lawn mowers, snow-blowers, string trimmers and other common gas-powered engines.  Many problems encountered with these devices can be repaired quite easily if one is knowledgeable about engine systems and has had the experience of rebuilding a small gasoline engine. Students in Small Gas Engines 1 will learn to disassemble a motor, identify and measure the parts. After learning about the internal workings of the motors, students will re-assemble and troubleshoot the engine to get it running. Students are provided with the engines in class. 

There are many occupations related to the repair, maintenance, and upkeep of small engines and what they power.   The course curriculum often reflects the season; students will have experiences winterizing/summarizing a motor. Students will learn about cosmetic operations through a restoration project. Students will demonstrate the culmination of their skills learned in small gas engines 1 and 2 through a final project. Students will be required to provide their own products to work on throughout the quarter based on instructor pre-approval.