STEM ACADEMY: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING STRAND and 

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN STRAND and COMPUTER SCIENCE STRAND

The Biomedical Engineering Academy, Engineering Academy, and Computer Science Academy are open to ALL incoming freshmen for the 2024-2025 school year. Students within the academy will complete four years of core classes in science and math (at any level) in addition to accumulating 20 elective credits in biomedical sciences, engineering, and computer science.

Students entering the biomedical strand will take courses that will allow them to progress through case-based forensic investigations.  Within the courses offered, students will learn about biological systems, comparative anatomy, and the integration of advanced technologies.  Students will participate in a capstone course that will allow them to investigate, document, and analyze evidence regarding the death of a fictitious individual.

Students entering our Engineering and Design strand will take courses that will allow them to learn both hands-on and computer-based design methods.  Additionally, students will utilize both 2D and 3D formats to solve real-world, complex problems.  The capstone course will have students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, demonstrating the ability to take on post-secondary programs. 

Students entering our Computer Science program will learn how to program in various programming languages.  Through coding, they will develop apps, troubleshoot others’ code, and investigate real-world scenarios in the context of cyber-security and artificial intelligence.  Students will participate in a capstone course that will require them to analyze problems for computational difficulty and analyze solutions for computational efficiency, culminating in the opportunity to work as a team to deliver a software solution for a real-world design problem. 

SIGNING UP FOR THE SHS STEM ACADEMY

Interested students should attend a STEM Academy information session held during January. Students wishing to pursue the program will be required to sign up for the academy and their intended strand using the link posted to the SMS website before February 29, 2024. Please email Dr. Marisa Wilson if you have any questions: marisa.wilson@sparta.org

To be successful within the Sparta High School STEM Academy, students must have an:

-        Interest in science, math, engineering, or computer design/programming

-        Have an excellent work ethic

-        Have the ability to think creatively in order to solve problems

-        Be able to work independently and in a group setting

-        Be able to dedicate time to large projects

Upon completion of the academy sequence, students will receive a STEM Academy seal on their transcript.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Sparta High School proudly offers a diverse selection of biomedical, engineering, technology, and design electives. Students are encouraged to pay close attention to prerequisites and course sequencing to get the most out of their STEM Academy experience. Please see your guidance counselor or Dr. Wilson for assistance in mapping out a sequence of courses.

BIOMEDICAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course Title: CP Principles of Biomedical Science

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Recommended for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine as they take on the roles of different medical professionals to solve real-world problems. Over the year, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene to solve a mystery, diagnosing and proposing treatment to patients in a family medical practice, tracking down and containing a medical outbreak at a local hospital, stabilizing a patient during an emergency, and collaborating with others to design solutions to local and global medical problems. 

This course is eligible for Concurrent Enrollment,

*All students will be required to complete the national PLTW end-of-course exam (no exemptions).

Course Title: CP Human Body Systems

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites:  Open to all juniors and seniors who completed Biology, or sophomores who completed Principles of Biomedical Science 

Students will examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis.  Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal mannequin, use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration, and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

This course is eligible for Concurrent Enrollment,

*All students will be required to complete the national PLTW end-of-course exam (no exemptions).

Course Title: CP Medical Interventions

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5     

Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science AND Human Body Systems

Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.  Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options, and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail.  Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

This course is eligible for Concurrent Enrollment,

*All students will be required to complete the national PLTW end-of-course exam (no exemptions).

Course Title: Honors Biomedical Innovations Capstone & Internship 

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems and Medical Interventions

In the final course of the Biomedical sequence, students will build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.  Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology.  They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution. This course includes a 20-hour shadowing/internship requirement.

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course Title: Introduction to Engineering                                       

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite or Corequisite: Algebra 1

This is a STEM-based course that serves as an introduction to engineering: What is an engineer? What do they do?  What is the career and college path to becoming one?  What is the role of process-driven design in engineering?  In addition to answering these questions, we explore the use of simulation software to help the development of new technology. We will learn the use of tools and techniques to innovate solutions to technical problems. The context for learning will be in designing and building solutions to problems in selected areas of engineering such as Civil, Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Package Design.  Projects may include the design and construction of a bridge or tower structure, airplanes, and rockets, impact-resistant packaging, 3D design using CAD for modeling, printing, and then custom manufacturing a mechanical pencil or pen.  Students will also improve their basic writing, math, drawing, time management, and communication skills. 

Course Title: Architecture and Design 1

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This is a comprehensive hands-on course introducing students to the standards, methods, and applications of technical drawing and CAD that form the 2D “language” of the design fields. Areas of emphasis include technical lettering, freehand sketching, problem-solving, instrument and computer-aided development of presentation and working drawings as well as orthographic and axonometric projection dimensioning, sections, geometric construction, and the alphabet of lines. Special consideration will be given to the place of these tools in the entire continuum of the creative problem-solving process in Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, and Interior Design.

Course Title: Architecture and Design 2

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Final grade of 83 or better in Architecture 1

A continuation of Intro to Architecture and Design 1, this course is a comprehensive introduction to the methods and application of three-dimensional modeling using CAD systems as well as hand modeling techniques. Emphasis is placed on model making and 3D software such as Autodesk Revit, Fusion 360, and 3D printing as design tools in the creative problem-solving process in Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, and Interior Design.

Course Title: Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Desktop 3D printing is like today’s printing press, putting rapid prototyping and customizable products within reach of the general public. This course provides students with a basic understanding of, and the ability to 3D print and innovate.  Students gain the fundamental skills of digital design and learn about the hardware of 3D printing. Students will be able to take their designs from their minds, create a computerized 3D model, and print their designs using our 3D printers. 

Course Title: 3D Printing & Modeling 2

Course Length:  Half Year/ Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling

Building on what was learned in Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling, students are guided to become fully-fledged design innovators. They develop a deeper understanding of design software and the iterative process of design and making. This course gives students the skills to design and create more advanced models and prints, and are challenged to create products and designs that take on real-world issues. 

Course Title: Robotics Engineering 1

Course Length: Half Year / Credits 2.5

Robotics Engineering 1 is designed to grow a student’s technical literacy in a broad range of technical disciplines. As students design, build, and program autonomous controlled robots, they are exposed to math, science, and technology principles. They will learn mechanical advantage, conversion of units, basic electronics, programming, technical process, design engineering, sensors, mechanical systems, and how to organize time, money, and resources. They will apply their learning in fun and energized competitions between student teams in the class.

*Robotics Engineering 1 is a prerequisite to participation in the Robotics Club.

Course Title: Robotics Engineering 2

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Robotics Engineering 1 with a final grade of 83 or teacher recommendation

Robotics Engineering 2 builds on the concepts of Robotics Engineering 1.  Students are challenged with more complex design systems and programming.  This is a strong foundational course for competitive robotics here at the high school.  Students will systematically design and troubleshoot VEX-based robots for in-class projects.  As they design, build, and program autonomous and tele-remote-controlled robots, they are exposed to STEM principles.  They will learn how to use tools such as 3D CAD software and our new state-of-the-art 3D printer for rapid prototyping in ABS, Carbon Fiber ABS, and Nylon.  They will learn various industrial-grade machines to enable them to manufacture customized parts for their robotic designs.  They will learn mechanical design and construction techniques, sensor-triggered feedback and outputs, pneumatics systems, how to build geared transmissions for speed and torque, and much more.   They will work in teams and learn to strategize to maximize the performance of their designs.  Students are not required to compete after school but can join a competition team if they choose.

Course Title: Computer Programming 1

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Co-requisite or Prerequisite: CP Algebra 1

Intro to Computer Programming (Coding) is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to the fields of programming and computer science. During this course, students will learn how to write computer software that are Windows applications. Students will create simple games and applications, create various user interfaces, use variables and data types, and write simple programming constructs and algorithms. They will learn how to take apart and reassemble computers. This course is a prerequisite for the second-semester course entitled Computer Programming 2 - Advanced Coding.

Course Title: Computer Programming 2

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1

Computer Programming 2 continues the study of methods of writing Object-Oriented/Event-Driven (OOED) applications using Python. Using realistic case studies, students will exhibit their ability to write code for variables, selection structure, repetition, sequential access files, dialog boxes, error trapping, viewing and manipulating databases, and two-dimensional arrays. Students will also demonstrate their ability to work to design, create, test, debug, document, and present advanced, computer software applications/games that incorporate concepts learned in Computer Programming 1.

Course Title: Honors Robotics Engineering Capstone & Internship 

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: 15 credits of STEM Academy Engineering & Design Electives

Students are challenged with more complex design systems and programming. As students design, build, and program autonomous and Tele-remote controlled robots, they are exposed to math, science, engineering, and technology principles. They will use 3D CAD software and 3D printing capability for rapid prototyping. They will receive machine shop training using industrial-grade fabrication equipment to enable creative design flexibility. They will work as teams to design, build, program, and troubleshoot VEX-based robots for in-class projects as well as competitions with other schools. They will learn how to master project and time management skills to accomplish their missions and prepare for the competitive environment outside of the classroom. In addition to these class features, they will also be engaged in an out-of-school internship with an engineering-based company. They will work with corporate engineers in a defined role that will give them hands-on experience.  They will also prepare a capstone presentation using their engineering notebook and multimedia to present their robotic design that was used in the competition.  This will be presented to various audiences.  Sparta Honors Robotics teams have won state championships and have competed internationally against 40 countries. 

AP Capstone Program: Link here.

COMPUTER SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Title: Computer Programming 1

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Co-requisite or Prerequisite: CP Algebra 1

Intro to Computer Programming (Coding) is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to the fields of programming and computer science. During this course, students will learn how to write computer software that are Windows applications. Students will create simple games and applications, create various user interfaces, use variables and data types, and write simple programming constructs and algorithms. They will learn how to take apart and reassemble computers. This course is a prerequisite for the second-semester course entitled Computer Programming 2 - Advanced Coding.

Course Title: Computer Programming 2

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1

Computer Programming 2 continues the study of methods of writing Object-Oriented/Event-Driven (OOED) applications using Python. Using realistic case studies, students will exhibit their ability to write code for variables, selection structure, repetition, sequential access files, dialog boxes, error trapping, viewing and manipulating databases, and two-dimensional arrays. Students will also demonstrate their ability to work to design, create, test, debug, document, and present advanced, computer software applications/games that incorporate concepts learned in Computer Programming 1.

Course Title: Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling

Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Desktop 3D printing is like today’s printing press, putting rapid prototyping and customizable products within reach of the general public. This course provides students with a basic understanding of, and the ability to 3D print and innovate.  Students gain the fundamental skills of digital design and learn about the hardware of 3D printing. Students will be able to take their designs from their minds, create a computerized 3D model, and print their designs using our 3D printers. 

Course Title: 3D Printing & Modeling 2

Course Length:  Half Year/ Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling

Building on what was learned in Exploring 3D Printing & Modeling, students are guided to become fully-fledged design innovators. They develop a deeper understanding of design software and the iterative process of design and making. This course gives students the skills to design and create more advanced models and prints, and are challenged to create products and designs that take on real-world issues.

Course Title: Honors Computer Science

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Computer Programming 1 and 2, and teacher recommendation

Students will learn the basics of programming with Java. Basic object-oriented concepts such as attributes, states, classes, objects, and methods are introduced through writing in the context of Java code. Encapsulation is discussed as a core-oriented principle. Students will learn about creating classes, about the facilities of Java for selection, iteration, and more about some of the core, provided Java classes. Different kinds of errors are discussed, along with debugging in an integrated development environment. By the end of the course, students will be expected to write short classes to specification.  Students will develop mobile phone applications.

Course Title: AP Computer Science

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite: 73 or higher in Honors Computer Science and a teacher recommendation

AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem-solving and algorithm development.  It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction.  The implementation language is Java and the course covers the curriculum developed by the College Board.  Students enrolled in AP Computer Science are expected to sit for the AP exam.  After the exam, students will work on individual projects of interest, such as learning a new programming language, C++, Python, or creating software or mobile apps.

Course Title: Honors Robotics Engineering Capstone & Internship 

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite: 15 credits of STEM Academy Electives 

Students are challenged with more complex design systems and programming. As students design, build, and program autonomous and Tele-remote controlled robots, they are exposed to math, science, engineering, and technology principles. They will use 3D CAD software and 3D printing capability for rapid prototyping. They will receive machine shop training using industrial-grade fabrication equipment to enable creative design flexibility. They will work as teams to design, build, program, and troubleshoot VEX-based robots for in-class projects as well as competitions with other schools. They will learn how to master project and time management skills to accomplish their missions and prepare for the competitive environment outside of the classroom. In addition to these class features, they will also be engaged in an out-of-school internship with an engineering-based company. They will work with corporate engineers in a defined role that will give them hands-on experience.  They will also prepare a capstone presentation using their engineering notebook and multimedia to present their robotic design that was used in the competition.  This will be presented to various audiences.  Sparta Honors Robotics teams have won state championships and have competed internationally against 40 countries. 

AP Capstone Program: Link here.