Technology

Students enrolled in the High School Career and Technical Education Program may choose a 5 unit sequence as part of the requirements for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. However students not wishing to pursue a CTE pathway may also take Technology Education courses as electives. Students pursuing a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation may also elect to complete 5 units of Technology in place of the world language requirement.

There are two technology pathways to consider:

• Pre-Engineering – Design – Architecture

• Technical Trades Career Program

Additional considerations:

• Many college engineering programs recommend programming experience.

• The following pathways are recommended, however, students with the necessary prerequisites can change pathways.

• All students can take Technology electives and are not required to complete a 3 or 5 unit pathway.

College Drawing and Design for Engineering – DDE/PLTW 101 

1 Year/1 Unit of Foundation Credit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum - Design and Drawing for Engineering is the first course in the Pre-Engineering sequence. Students who are interested in engineering as a career should take this course. In DDE students are challenged to solve interesting design problems using a systematic design process. An emphasis is placed on communicating design ideas through drawings or graphical models. Students begin with sketches and continually refine their design ideas through sketching and ultimately resulting in a computer generated model. These models are created using powerful, state of the art CAD software. Students also use the 3-D solid modeling software to analyze their designs for function and structural integrity. This requires a basic understanding of material properties and fundamental mechanical design concepts. In addition to focusing on the design process, DDE also exposes students to various career opportunities in the field of engineering.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 9-12

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in Integrated Algebra/Integrated Algebra Honors. This course is suggested for honors level students.  This course is not recommended for students concurrently enrolled in Algebra with Lab.

College credit is available to students who qualify through RIT (PLTW 101- Introduction to Engineering Design) (3 credits)

(approximate cost $240). This credit may be transferred to other colleges.*The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program.  Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the fee would present a financial hardship.

DDE meets the graduation requirement for one unit of art or music.

College Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)/PLTW 104 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum - This course is an introduction to modern manufacturing concepts that utilize cutting edge technologies. Here students build on the solid modeling skills developed in DDE by designing products to be manufactured using automated machine tools. Industrial robotics is also introduced, with students exploring why and how robots are applied in industry today. Students will program and configure a robotic arm to solve real manufacturing problems. In addition, computerized modeling kits (Vex Robotics) are used to build and program fully operational, scaled models of robots and other automated manufacturing equipment. The last section of the course explores the concept of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) which combines marketing, design, manufacturing and sales into a fully integrated and computerized system.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 9-12

Requirement: College Drawing and Design for Engineering (DDE) or DDP.

College credit is available to students who qualify through RIT (PLTW 105) (3 credits) (approximate cost $240). This credit may be transferred to other colleges.*The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program.  Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the fee would present a financial hardship.

College Principles of Engineering/PLTW 102

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum- Principles of Engineering is a broad-based survey course designed to help students understand the field of engineering and engineering technology and its career possibilities. Students will develop engineering problem solving skills that are involved in postsecondary education programs and engineering careers. Students will explore various engineering systems and manufacturing processes while gaining an understanding of how engineers address the social and political consequences of technological change. Through hands-on projects and relevant instruction students will gain a good understanding of what a career in Engineering is truly like.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

Requirement: College Drawing and Design for Engineering (DDE) and College Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Successful completion of Algebra program and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher.  Students should have a strong understanding of math concepts. 

College credit is available to students who qualify through RIT (PLTW 102) (3 credits) (approximate cost $240). This credit may be transferred to other colleges.*The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the fee would present a financial hardship.

College Digital Electronics/PLTW 103

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum - This is a course in applied digital logic. It is patterned after the first semester course in Digital Electronics taught in two and four year colleges. Students will study the application of electronic logic circuits and devices and apply Boolean logic to the solution of problems. Such circuits are found in watches, calculators, video games, computers and thousands of other devices. The use of smart circuits is present in virtually all aspects of our lives and its use is increasing rapidly, making digital electronics an important course of study for a student exploring a career in engineering/engineering technology. Using MultiSim, or other simulation programs, students will test and analyze simple and complex digital circuitry. A capstone project for the course is the design of a printed circuit board and construction of a battery powered digital device.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

Requirement: completion of/or enrollment in Integrated Algebra/Integrated Algebra Honors. 

College credit is available to students who qualify through RIT (PLTW 103) (3 credits) (approx. $240). This credit may be transferred to other colleges.*The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program.  Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the fee would present a financial hardship.

Engineering Design

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum- This applied research and design course requires students to formulate the solution to open-ended engineering questions, and explore advanced methods in design, problem solving and prototyping. Class activities will implement the engineering design process through advanced 3-D CAD models, and physical modeling techniques that use CNC and laser fabrication methods. The class instructor acts as a mentor as students apply the skills gained in their previous courses. Strong emphasis is placed on written reports to document their applications, which will be presented to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADE: 12

Requirement: College Drawing and Design for Engineering (DDE) or Design and Drawing for Production (DDP), and a minimum of three units of Technology.

Drawing and Design for Production – DDP

1 Year/1 Unit of Foundation Credit

Course description

Design and Drawing for Production (DDP) is a springboard course to a number of trades and technology courses offered in grades 10–12.  These courses include Architecture, Manufacturing, College Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Transportation. The DDP curriculum includes basic technical drawing and design skills, including computer aided design.   DDP emphasizes hands-on fabrication skills as students learn to precisely manufacture projects by reading and interpreting technical drawings. Students will practice measurement, scaling, workshop safety, and product creation.  Students will be exposed to a variety of career opportunities and the progression of technology courses offered at Shen that lead to those in-demand careers.  This course satisfies the graduation requirement of one unit of art or music.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADE: 9

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in Integrated Algebra with lab or higher.

This course meets the graduation requirement for one unit of art or music.

Automation and Robotics – HONORS

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

This course applies the competencies developed in the courses of CAD, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics. Students learn the industrial applications of electromechanical technology as it relates to automation and robotics. A state of the art Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining center and robotic parts handling system enables students to learn about automation and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) concepts. Machine control language for cutter tool path programming is taught along with automatic tool path generation using AutoDesk Inventor and MasterCAM on a Local Area Network (LAN). The course also includes the planning and implementation of an automated manufacturing cell.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

Requirement: College DDE and College Principles of Engineering. 

Mobile Device Application Development

½ Year/ ½  Unit

Course description

This course is open to any student interested in learning how to create their own mobile app.  No technical knowledge is required.  Students will develop a series of functional mobile apps using Apple or Android devices and the MIT Mobile App developer (beginner app environment) This course is structured similarly to workforce professional development courses.  Students will work through a series of projects at their own pace and students choose how detailed their app(s) wil be.  As projects are completed, they will be shared with the other students in the class for feedback.  Students may use the MIT App developer for their projects for the entire 20 weeks, or may branch out and use mobile app developer code following Code Academy tutorials.  There is no final exam in this course- the final is project based.  Student projects may be entered in mobile app development competitions.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

There are no prerequisites

Java

1 Semester/.5 Unit

Course description

Java is an introductory semester long course in which students develop fundamental skills in the Java programming language. Students will learn to design and implement their own programs using Java commands. The Java programming language is object oriented and primarily geared toward developing internet based applications. Topics such as looping, developing classes and simple games are covered in this course. Students will develop several small programs that will culminate in a final project. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

This course is a prerequisite for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Course. 

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

Requirement: Successful completion of Algebra

Computer Science Principles

1 Year/1 Unit of Foundation Credit

Course description

Whether it's 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computers play an innovative role in careers, the economy, and our culture. Exposure to computer science is becoming increasingly important for students’ success in the workforce of tomorrow.  

Computer Science Principles explores foundational ideas of computing and how these concepts are transforming our world. This engaging course, while rigorous, is designed to be accessible by a broad profile of students. 

Unlike AP Computer Science A, which launches quickly into hard coding, Computer Science Principles covers a broad range of cutting edge topics such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and data analytics. Emphasis is given to developing a deep understanding of the logic of coding such as algorithms, strings, loops, and arrays. Students will be introduced to JavaScript, a scripting language used all over the internet. Students apply their coding skills to creatively solve relevant problems of their choice. 

*Students in this course may optionally choose to take the AP exam associated with this course. The exam is unlike other AP exams. There is a performance task component in which all students will explore a problem of their choice using code. The AP exam in Computer Science is approximately $100. The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship. 

**It is recommended that students complete Algebra I prior to taking this course.

Advanced Placement Computer Science 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

Advanced Placement Computer Science builds upon the programming skills developed in Java. Students will explore more advanced topics in computer science including stacks, lists, binary trees, recursion and object oriented programming. Students are exposed to some of the historical events of the computer industry as well as some of the ethical dilemmas. Participation in a small group project as well as individual programming assignments will be assigned. Students scheduled for this course are expected to commit themselves to consistent, rigorous study throughout the year.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

• All students enrolled in this course are expected to register for and complete the AP exam in May at a cost of approximately $100, which will be reduced or waived for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. 

• OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

• Requirement: Successful completion of Java and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. 

• Recommendation: 90% or better average in Java.

• Students taking Advanced Placement Computer Science can opt for Siena credit, AP credit, or both.  Four college credits may be obtained through Siena Introduction to Software Development CSIS 120.  The current Siena fee is $250.  This fee may be reduced for students on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Aerospace Engineering

1 year/1 Unit

Course description

A Project Lead The Way Curriculum - Aerospace Engineering is a one unit elective in the Pre-Engineering Pathway.  This course introduces students to the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight.  Students explore the physics of flight, while bringing the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. Students also examine the application of robotics in the field of Aerospace Engineering through projects such as remotely operated vehicles.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

Requirement: College Drawing and Design for Engineering (DDE) or Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)

Manufacturing Systems 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

Manufacturing Systems is a hands-on course which applies the design process to woodworking and plastics. Topics will include lab orientation, safety, reading drawings ,machine operations, hand tools, woodworking, and manufacturing. Students will work individually as well as part of a team to produce custom projects. Students will explore the processes that a product goes through as it evolves from concept through design, production and final product. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

 OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

 Requirement: DDP - can be taken concurrently with AA approval

 A Prerequisite for Construction 1

Transportation Systems 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course description

This is a hands-on, entry level, exploratory course for students who would like to experience the practical uses of both hand and power tools as they apply to a small engine/auto repair facility. The course is generally 1/3 theory and 2/3 applied hands-on lab activities.  The Transportation Systems course covers three distinct areas of transportation: land - air - water. Students research and create projects related to each of the three topics. For instance, while learning about air transportation, students might apply aerodynamic principles while designing and building a working glider. In the land transportation unit, students learn about gasoline engines by disassembling a small engine and rebuilding it to specifications. While rebuilding the gasoline engine, students discover how the different systems work together to power the engine. Further topics include lab orientation, safety, machine operations, computer applications, hand tools, metal working, automotive work, and career exploration.  This is a prerequisite for the Automotive Technology Systems course.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

Construction Technology Systems I

1 Year/2 Units

Course description

Construction Tech Systems I meets every day for a full block. Students construct a 1,200 square foot modular home situated behind High School East. Through hands-on learning, students develop practical skills useful to homeowners as well as those pursuing a career in construction, architecture or other building related fields. The course topics include safety, building materials, estimating, design and installation of basic electrical/plumbing systems, blueprint interpretation, framing, building code requirements and the methods of constructing buildings. 

Three  college credits may be obtained through HVCC CNST 130 by successful completion of this course at a cost of approximately $210. Tuition may be further reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

Requirement: Successfully completed Manufacturing Systems or Architecture 

Construction Technology Systems II

1 Year/1 Units

Course description

This capstone course is a continuation of Construction Technology Systems I.  It meets for a full block every day. Students construct a 1,200 square foot modular home situated behind High School East. Students will build on the skills learned in construction I, going deeper and gaining new skills in job site and construction management.

An emphasis of Construction II includes the attainment of industry recognized credentials and job site internships.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADE 12

Requirement: Successfully completed Construction I

Automotive Technology Systems I

1 Year/2 Units

Course description

Automotive Technology Systems I meets every day for a full block. This technology preparation course has been developed through the combined efforts of instructors at Hudson Valley Community College and Shenendehowa High School. The main objective of this course is to provide students with a foundation of basic technical skills necessary for students entering a community college or trade school. Technical skills to be emphasized will include Automotive shop safety practices, use of hand tools and automotive related equipment, and accessing industry information.. These areas will be addressed by actual “Live Work” on customer owned cars and trucks.  Daily live work consists of basic automotive engine service, tire service, brake service, steering/suspension service, and NYS Inspections.  The course is generally 1/3 theory and 2/3 applied hands-on lab activities. New York State Education Department, Bureau of Technology Education modules covered include: transportation systems, automotive technology, computer applications, electricity, and energy applications.This course is articulated with the HVCC AUTO 145 - Passenger Car Chassis I. Successful completion (70% or better) of this course and passing the final exam will earn the student 3 HVCC credits. Tuition assistance is available to those that qualify.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

Requirement: Successfully completed Transportation Systems

Automotive Technology Systems II

1 Year/2 Units

Course description

Automotive Technology Systems II meets every day for a full block.  It is our capstone technology course that builds on the skills learned in Auto Tech Systems I.  In addition to practicing the servicing skills learned in Auto Tech I, students will be more fully immersed in topics like: engine disassembly and assembly techniques, precision measurement, diagnostic wheel and tire service, automotive engine service, automotive powertrain diagnostics, automotive electronics, and steering alignment.  Students will also be given the opportunity to earn several industry certifications that would be helpful in career placement. 

An emphasis of this class will be industry partner internships, providing students the opportunity to gain experience in a working automotive repair shop or dealership service department.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 12

Requirement: Successfully completed Automotive Technology Systems I