21st Century Life & Careers

We live in a technological age. Technology is the study of the human quest for solutions. The impact of technology on the individual, society, and the environment is great. Society needs people who understand technological forces and are prepared to help manage those forces. In the Design and Technology department students study a variety of themes including the historical development of technology, its impact, and techniques in problem solving through the application of technology, design, communication, and technology systems. Technology & Research (T&R) is a required course for graduation.

Technology & Research (03147)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

In this class, students will develop advanced computer application skills while developing products that are relative to both the educational setting and the 'real world'. Possible projects include digital imaging; digital portfolios; video game design and introductory computer programming; CADD; and digital video. Students will also learn advanced research and collaboration skills through the vast resources available over the internet, including those of our Media Center. Projects will focus on developing students' problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students will evaluate the impacts on society of technology, as well as the ethical and unethical uses of technology. During this course students will participate in a career and interest assessment with the Guidance department. This course also serves as the springboard for the personal finance program required of all students.

Multimedia Technology 1 (03101)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to the techniques and equipment used in the Bernards High School television studio. Students will learn to use portable and studio video cameras, linear and digital editing systems, character generators, and graphic and audio effects. Video projects will include interviews, commercials, music videos, instructional videos, and taping and editing of co-curricular events for broadcast. Completion of this course will enable the students to enroll in "Video Production and Broadcasting." This course may not be repeated.

Multimedia Technology 2 (03103)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Multimedia Technology 1

This course is available to all students who have successfully completed "Multimedia Technology 1." Students will develop television productions to be broadcast to the community on the local cable system (Channel 14 BHS-TV). Production techniques will be explored through the use of scripts and storyboards, studio and portable cameras, lighting, sound, and digital editing systems. Student produced projects will include replications of TV and movie scenes, music videos, film analysis and movie mistakes, interviews, news programs, public service announcements, commercials, students as teachers, open videos (student developed/teacher approved topics), and taping and editing of co-curricular and community activities for broadcast. Guest speakers, field trips, and films will be used to broaden the students' experiences. This course may not be repeated.

Multimedia Technology 3 (03100)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Multimedia Technology 1; Multimedia Technology 2

This class will focus on producing videos of BHS co-curricular events. The course will cover proper videotaping techniques, digital editing methods and voice-overs. All final productions will be played on channel 14 for the community to watch. This course may not be repeated.

Multimedia Technology 4 (03109)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Multimedia Technology 1; Multimedia Technology 2

This full year course will provide students the opportunity to explore and develop the video technology skills acquired in "Multimedia Technology 2." Advanced video techniques will be utilized emphasizing filming, editing and production methods. Students in the advanced program will be required to effectively present the various athletic, musical, theatrical, scholastic and other important events that take place in and around the school. These programs will showcase the talents of students in the class while they highlight the diverse accomplishments of our student body. A major goal of the class will be to produce a monthly BHS program on BHS TV. This course may not be repeated.

Introduction to Woodworking (03110)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This is a semester course providing opportunities for students to develop woodworking skills using selected stationary power equipment. Machines that will be used include the jigsaw, drill press and the jointer. Course content includes the operation of the wood lathe. Hand tools, portable power tools, and various finishing techniques also will be studied.

Advanced Wood Processes (03114)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking

This is a semester course designed for the serious woodworker. Advanced woodworking techniques such as marquetry, laminating, veneering and carving will be studied. Course content also includes the process of bending wood. Hot water or steam bending are used to make such projects as cross country skis, toboggans, skateboards and snowboards.

Machine Woods (03112)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking

This is a semester course providing opportunities for students to improve woodworking skills utilizing all stationary power equipment. Course content will include safety and introductory activities utilizing the table saw, jointer, band saw, radial arm saw and the overarm router. Basic cabinetmaking and furniture design also will be studied. Students will be allowed to select their own projects based upon demonstrated ability.

Cabinet Making and Manufacturing (03116)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking & Advanced Wood Processes or Machine Woods

This full-year course is for students who have completed Introduction to Woodworking and Advanced Wood Processes and/or Machine Woods. This course includes basic cabinetmaking and furniture construction techniques. The selection of a project will be based on the demonstrated ability of the student. The course also includes development of a corporation that will design, manufacture, and market a product. Corporate manufacturing procedures and policies will be studied.

Engineering and Problem Solving (03120)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

In this course students will dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects enhanced by Project Lead The Way curriculum. Collaboration is key to the successful project completion as teams design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software. Students will develop and apply various design skills including sketching, 2D and 3D computer aided design, instrument drawing, prototype modeling and marker rendering. These skills along with student’s creative problem solving approaches and imagination will create solutions to real world challenges. A successful completion of this course could also lead to student opportunities (scholarships, college credit, training programs) in various colleges across the United States.

Engineering II (03116)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Engineering and Problem Solving

Enhanced by Project Lead The Way curriculum, students will experience engineering design problems that will engage and challenge. Students will explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students will develop skills in problem solving, research and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration and presentation. A successful completion of this course could lead to student opportunities (scholarships, college credit, training programs) in various colleges across the United States.

Architectural Drafting (03121)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Engineering and Problem Solving

Architectural Drafting is a basic architectural course focusing on the development of drawing and design fundamentals within the area of residential construction. After examining modern and traditional building styles, each student will design a residential structure including floor plans, elevations, detailed drawings, plot plan, specifications, and pictorial rendering. This course may not be repeated.

Web Page Programming (03160)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Technology & Research

Practical uses of the Internet have grown in epic proportion in the last few years. Supporting the Internet is one of the fastest growing service industries and promises to provide employment opportunities well into the next millennium. This course will begin to prepare students to create and manage "Webs" using the latest software and techniques available. Students will learn how to create Web pages, add and format content, incorporate images and create Hypertext links between and within pages. Practical uses might include publishing student and club newsletters, creating and maintaining a district web page, art projects, poetry, and school -wide news and developing student multimedia portfolios.

Leadership Development & College Readiness (04100)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

The Leadership Development and College Readiness course is geared to assist students prepare for the rest of their lives. In addition to a leadership development component and a series of presentations by business and community leaders, students will work closely with a Guidance Counselor on navigating the college application and selection process. There will be considerable writing expectations as students work on college essays, compile research on potential college options, complete personal learning style and aptitude surveys, and present an oral report to the class on a profession of their choosing. The course will be taken for credit towards graduation, but will not be factored into the GPA.