Engineering & Technology

INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

This introductory course teaches students the skills common to all manufacturing and construction occupations. Students learn to safely use tools and machinery commonly used in the manufacturing and construction industries. Students plan and fabricate individual projects while developing fundamental skills necessary to construct quality projects from wood and other construction materials. Topics include material identification, shop safety, construction measurements and calculations, separation and assembly techniques, and careers related to construction and manufacturing. Required projects are used as a means to provide students the opportunity to constructively use tools and machinery.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Production Tech 

Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

This course continues to build on the skills & concepts from the Introduction to Manufacturing course. Students will design, plan, and manufacture advanced products with a primary focus on advanced machinery setups and use. Students will manufacture projects individually and in an assembly line process. Additionally, this course provides a continued emphasis on safety and introduces the concepts of machine and tool maintenance . 

TECHNOLOGY EXPLORATION

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Production Tech 

Open to: All

This foundational course presents a comprehensive exploration of numerous technology concepts in an engaging and approachable manner. Over the course of the semester, students will rotate through and examine a wide range of current and emerging technological concepts, aiming to enhance their knowledge and proficiency across all technology domains. Topics sampled include, but are not limited to: Computer Terminology, Google/Office Suite, 3D Printing, AI, Robotics, Computer Programming, Website Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, and The Engineering and Design Model.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

AutoCAD is a design software used by architects, engineers and many other professionals. This course teaches the students the basics of  drafting using AutoCAD software. The course will cover the concepts and applications of orthographic projections, isometric, oblique, perspective drawings and dimensioning. Students will learn many of the AutoCAD commands and much of the different menus. They will also learn 2D drawing, dimensioning, how to create layers and different drafting techniques. At the end of the course, the students will create a floor plan.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Semester Course 

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

Architectural Design surveys many popular styles in modern residential construction. Students complete exercises in the visualization and drafting of structures and construction conditions using orthographic projection, isometric and sectional drawings as an expression of architectural communication. Portfolio work includes plans, elevations, details, schedules, and sections of traditionally framed structures. Students experience a simulation of an actual architectural client-based project. The challenges presented have varied architectural styles, materials, and constraints, offering a wide range of experiences in architectural drawing.

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICITY

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

Introduction to Electricity is a hands-on exploration of modern electronics technology. Students will begin by learning the basics of electronics such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, and magnetism. Students will be exposed to current soldering techniques as well as the proper ways to identify major electronic components. Throughout the course, students will complete various projects that will serve to guide them through all aspects of series and parallel circuits in direct current (DC) applications, such as building a Digital Clock, Speaker using transistors, and A Levitating Car. Additionally, students will use multimeters to dissect, analyze and design circuits, as well as use circuit simulation software to emulate the behavior of a real circuit.  Lastly, breadboards will be used to build and analyze circuits.

 ROBOTICS

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

STEM Academy Requirement Year 1

Robotics is an interactive course designed to engage students, promote creativity, and develop fundamental science and math skills. Students work in groups exploring the engineering design process in constructing various projects using the Pitsco Tetrix kit. Students must also teach their robot to operate autonomously by using Arduino Software to program in C++ and remotely using Tetrix R/C motor controller, sensors, actuators and wireless gamepad receiver. Students are encouraged to use problem solving, creativity, collaboration, programming techniques, and analytical communication skills essential in the engineering field today.

ENGINEERING DESIGN

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

STEM Academy Requirement 

This course is designed as an introduction to the engineering profession. Classroom discussions and presentations will inform the students of many different avenues available to one in the field of engineering.  Additionally, Engineering Design examines the form and function of structural and mechanical systems.  Student projects will follow the engineering design process and cover topics including solids, modeling, rendering, and simple animation. Professional standards and tolerance sensitive manufacturing will be stressed throughout the course to give students real-world experience with the engineering field.  Furthermore, each computer-generated design will be manufactured/designed using 21st Century software technology. 

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

This course is an introduction to basic computer programming concepts and techniques. Students will learn to design and build their own customized computer programs using drag-and-drop programs such as code.org’s Game Lab, create apps for simulated smartphones using MIT App  Inventor or code.org’s App Lab and use Python text-based coding to create simple to sophisticated graphical programs.

WEB DESIGN

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

This course examines the aesthetics elements and technical skills required in website development. Students will learn how to plan and construct professional quality websites using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap and other current technology. Additionally, Students will learn the fundamental principles of (artistic) design in order to create dynamic websites that look as good as they function.

COMPUTER ANIMATION

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All

This course is designed to expose students to animation techniques and Adobe Animate Interface.  Students will gain the knowledge needed to create computer-generated moving images.  Emphasis will be placed on the processes involved in creation of characters, design using inverse kinematics, and sound. Students will learn many techniques used in animation such as the differences between frame-by-frame animation, motion, shape, nested, and classic tweens. At the end of the semester students will be able to create a story animation using the tools learned in class.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

This course is intended for students who have a desire to pursue advanced topics in computer science. This course is the equivalent of two semesters of college computer science. The course will follow the College Board syllabus for AP Computer Science Principles and includes programming using Snap block programming. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and a career. Details about the course content can be found by accessing the College Board website. Students are prepared for and required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.