Technology & Engineering

This new course is a hands-on class designed to benefit students with no prior experience and those with varying levels of prior experience. In this course students will employ all aspects of the Technology and Engineering Department to design and create projects of their choice. Students will explore the design process while working through activities, projects, and problems in a self-directed, teacher supported lab environment. CAD, 3-D printing, laser engraving, CNC will be the foundation of this exploration and design course. The pace each student moves through the course will be dependent upon their previous experiences.  

In this course, students will complete the required STEM Innovation Lab projects.  For honors credit, students will additionally complete a professional portfolio that displays their work,  5 STEM content assignments, and  3 advanced learning opportunities (ALO's). ALO's could include  formal presentations, portfolio interviews, advanced design projects, entering a STEM competition, or a learning opportunity designed by the student.

This introductory course provides students with a foundation in basic woodworking skills.  Woodworking encourages focus and resilience while developing the ability to measure, cut, and assemble projects by hand.  Students build lifelong skills in the safe use of tools and machines, project planning, material properties, and problem solving.  Students create both guided and self-selected projects that may include wall shelves, cutting boards, and other functional items.

Prerequisite (one of the following): Wood I ,PLTW,  STEM Lab, or upperclassmen with approval.

This course is an intermediate hands-on class expanding upon the basic skills learned in Wood Technology I. Students will also be introduced to “modern woodworking” Digital Machining technology such as CAD/CAM, CNC and Laser applications. Through individual and cooperatively grouped projects, students experience alternative materials and safe machine use, production techniques, design and problem-solving, and industrial workforce needs.

Prerequisite: Wood II 

This course is an advanced hands-on class focusing on material selection and multi-step processes to create products of value. Through comprehensive project-based assignments such as the Tool Chest project, students utilize advanced Digital Machining (CAD/CAM, CNC, Laser) joinery, machinery and tooling, hardware, finishing techniques, and an appreciation for workmanship. The study of planning and design applications will also be explored. 

Prerequisite: Wood III 

Students in Wood IV have an opportunity to fulfill advanced Wood requirements through the hands-on construction of independent study projects. Appropriate to student skill and comfort level, projects are in-depth explorations that typically follow one of three categories: Imitation (following a plan), Adaptation (changing existing plan), or Innovation (student designed product). Students have an opportunity to take advantage of both advanced traditional and Digital Machining techniques to create professional quality products. 

This course is a project based, hands-on introduction to the principles of electronics, metal fabrication, energy and power technology. Major projects include soldering an electronics game kit with metal enclosure, creating an electric motor powered air boat, and a pressurized water rocket. All projects include design and problem solving elements that will utilize the safe operation of the tools and equipment.

Prerequisite (one of the following): Electronics and Metal I ,PLTW,  STEM Lab, or upperclassmen with approval.

This course is an intermediate hands-on experience that includes electronics prototyping (i.e. strobe light, amplifier, programmable LED cube), printed circuit board (PCB) development, soldering, welding fundamentals, use of fabrication equipment including, metal lathe, milling machine, sheet metal equipment and laser cutter/engraver (i.e. electronics enclosure, hammer, sheet metal tool tray). All projects include design and problem solving elements that will utilize the safe operation of the tools and equipment.

Prerequisite: Electronics and Metal II.

This course is an advanced hands-on learning experience that includes electrical alternating current (AC) wiring (residential, the power grid, design and construction of an Edison style lamp), electronics (LED task light), metal fabrication using CAD/CAM, CNC machining, CNC plasma cutting. All projects include design and problem solving elements that will utilize the safe operation of the tools and equipment.

Prerequisite: Electronics and Metal III.

This course is an advanced hands-on, research and development course in which students can work in teams or individually to pursue extensive learning in an independent study format. Appropriate to student skill and comfort level, projects are in-depth explorations that typically follow one of three categories:  Imitation (following a plan), Adaptation (changing existing plan), or Innovation (student researched and designed product). All projects include design and problem solving elements that will utilize the safe operation of the tools and equipment.

Drafting and Design I is an introductory course designed for students with no prior drafting or computer experience. Students will develop an ability to design, produce, and understand drawings as a  form of graphic communication for careers in including architecture, engineering, interior design, commercial art, computer graphics, and more. Drafting and Design students will utilize both CAD (computer aided drawing) and sketching techniques, design and layout software, and have an opportunity to experience both Laser Engraver and 3D printer projects.

Prerequisite: Drafting & Design I, IED or STEM Lab

Drafting and Design II is an intermediate level course building on the basic concepts and skills developed in Drafting and Design I. Students receive special emphasis on CAD (computer aided drafting), including creating parts, assemblies, and working drawings. Students will complete several design projects incorporating but not limited to CAD, Laser Engraver, and 3D printing.

Prerequisite: Drafting & Design II 

Students in Drafting and Design III focus on two major areas of study, engineering design and computer aided drafting. The engineering design process is used to develop projects from the brainstorming/sketching stage to the prototyping stage. Some prototypes will be produced using our computerized laser cutter and our 3D printer. Engineering Design problems such as prosthetics, reverse engineering, and an in-depth knowledge of Autodesk Inventor will be gained through the production of working drawings and projects.

Prerequisite: Drafting & Design III

Drafting and Design IV is an independent study course for students interested in pursuing engineering or any other mechanically oriented career. Students will pursue specific areas of interest to complete individualized projects. Students with an interest in advanced computer applications would also find this class beneficial.

Prerequisite: Drafting and Design I, IED, or STEM Lab

This course introduces students to residential architectural design. Using architectural computer aided design software students develop personal design projects beginning with a Small Utility Building and culminating with the design of a Dream House. Through model building students will learn about construction techniques and systems. This is a blended course in which students work at their own pace and are encouraged to download the free CAD program on their personal devices to enhance their skills.

 Prerequisite: Architecture I or CEA

This course allows students to continue to pursue their interest in architectural design. Students may complete both residential and commercial projects. These advanced building designs will allow students to develop very high level computer aided drafting skills. This is a blended course in which students work at their own pace and are encouraged to download the free CAD program on their personal devices.

Students will explore the technological aspects of printed and electronic media. This course is an introductory hands-on class designed for students with no prior experience.  Students are introduced to graphics technology and desktop publishing using Mac OS. Students will use the Internet, digital cameras, original and stock images to create media for print, presentation, vinyl cutting and screen process printing.

Prerequisite: Graphics Technology I

This area of technology deals with communication through printed, televised or computerized media. Students explore the fields of Advertising, Commercial Art and Design, Photography, Graphic Design, Screen-Printing, to create artwork or solve design problems. Projects may include, but are not limited to the creation of logos, posters, ads, magazine spreads, information graphics, animations and websites. Students will further knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

Prerequisite: Graphics Technology III

Students are given the opportunity to contribute to real-world graphics technology productions within the school and community. Students will further develop their photography skills and integrate them with graphic design concepts to produce unique and original creations.

Prerequisite: Graphics Technology III

In this course, students pursue a self-directed, in-depth exploration of advanced techniques and creative practices in graphics technologies. They are challenged to investigate complex graphics concepts with greater depth, independence, and artistic intention.

Photography I is an elective for any student interested in learning the fundamentals of photography. The course covers camera types, accessories, composition, genres, chroma key techniques, and DSLR skills, along with editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Students also build a digital photography portfolio by applying both automatic and manual shooting techniques using Canon DSLR cameras and prime lenses.

Prerequisite: Photography I, or Concurrently Enrolled in AP® Studio Art 

This course expands on the skills learned in Photography I and introduces advanced techniques to further develop students’ photographic interests. Students explore portrait photography, studio lighting with single and multiple strobes, advanced manual camera settings, and expanded editing and organizing tools in Adobe Lightroom. Throughout the course, students continue work with Canon DSLR cameras and build a more advanced digital photography portfolio.

Prerequisite: Photography II

This course guides students through the full photographic process from planning and shooting to editing, workflow management, and final presentation while using Canon DSLR cameras and mastering manual settings and depth of field with prime lenses. Students will continue expanding their digital photography portfolio.

Prerequisite: Photography III

In this course, students pursue a self-directed, in-depth exploration of advanced techniques and creative photographic practices. They are challenged to investigate complex photographic concepts with greater depth, independence, and artistic intention.