The Academy of Engineering & Technical Sciences
Engineering Career Pathway

IT Exploratory
STEM
Course Code:  700
Credits: 0.25
Grade:  9
Weight: General
Schools: WCA
This course will provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding and application of information technology.  This course explores the nature of technology, technology systems, and the history, evolution and characteristics of technology as well as its effects on our society, culture, economy, politics and the environment.  

Conceptual Engineering Milestones
STEM
Course Code:  763
Credits: 0.5
Grade:  All (WCA 11-12 Only)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA
Designed by professionals with over 50 years of combined experience as Fortune 500 engineers and engineering managers, this course serves as a broad introduction to the world of corporate engineering. CEM is a horizon-broadening experience as much as a project-based laboratory to practice key professional skills required in all 21st century STEM industries including critical thinking, public speaking, task management, and effective teamwork & communication. Through a series of conceptual small-team projects culminating in a hands-on final project, CEM will test the limits of all students’ critical-thinking and collaborative abilities. The primary objective is to open students’ eyes to the wide variety of career opportunities available to them in 21st century engineering, how to pursue them, and what day-to-day life as a corporate engineer may entail.  Please note:  Students at WCA may only take this course in grades 11 or 12.

Engineering Design Project
STEM
Course Code:  764
Credits: .05
Grade:  All (WCA 11-12 Only)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA
Prerequisite: Conceptual Engineering Milestones
This course is the brainchild of engineers educated under the CDIO (Conceived-Design-Implement-Operate) Initiative developed at MIT in the late 1990s. The CDIO approach uses active learning tools, such as group projects and problem-based learning, to better equip engineering students with technical knowledge as well as communication and professional skills. Milestone C’s EDP curriculum has been carefully crafted with a sharp technical focus to groom future design engineers. Student teams will embark on an extended design project emulating a real-world engineering program complete with requirements analysis, milestone reviews, schedule and budget management, and a detailed test program prior to fielding a complex, physical end-product. Students will benefit from the technical and soft skills acquired during this course for years to come, regardless of the career path they choose.  Please note:  Students at WCA may only take this course in grades 11 or 12.

Robotics 1
STEM
Course Code:  7795
Credits: 0.5
Grade:  All
Weight: General
Schools: C, WAMS
This half-year course will allow students to study the main technical systems of Robotics. Primary focus will be on the physical, mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems and how they connect with industrial manufacturing robots. Students will be given an opportunity to apply robotic theory by constructing and testing several types of robotic machines. Students will be taught safety procedures, design techniques, and an approach to problem solving.

Robotics 2
STEM
Course Code:  7796
Credits: 0.5
Grade:  All
Weight: General
Schools: C, WAMS
Prerequisite: Robotics 1
VEX V5 is a metal-based robotics platform with bolt-together pieces that are machinable to create any mechanism. Students can begin at any level and move to more advanced engineering concepts as they explore and challenge their robotic designs and programs. The VEX V5 Brain enables wireless driving and wireless programming while the V5 Controller provides users with instant feedback from the Robot Brain.

Robotics 3
STEM
Course Code:  7797
Credits: 1.0
Grade:  10-12
Weight: General
Schools: C, WAMS
Prerequisite: Robotics 2
VEX V5 can be coded using VEXcode, a coding environment that provides students with an authentic programming experience and enables their VEX robots to become an engine of invention. Students use the same tools and programming languages that professionals use every day. With VEXcode, students acquire workforce readiness, and develop their identity as a programmer. Students will go through the engineering design process for an open ended build. 

Drone Technology
STEM
Course Code:  748
Credits: 0.5
Grade:  All Grades (WCA 11-12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA, WAMS
This course employs cutting-edge technologies and techniques to equip students with key professional skills pertinent not only to the drone industry but also to engineering at large. DTE students will learn about basic aerodynamics, unmanned aircraft architecture, and drone flight dynamics before applying the engineering process to design, build, and test-fly their drones in small teams, emulating a real-world aerospace engineering program from beginning to end. Following requirements analysis, design, manufacturing, and flight test, DTE students will embark on an engineering modification program, integrating wireless cameras and First-Person View (FPV) piloting systems on their drones. This one-of-a-kind aerospace experience culminates in a drone challenge, allowing student teams to compete against each other by applying the knowledge, skills, and experience gained during the course. Please note:  Students at WCA may only take this course in grades 11 or 12.

Drone Operator Prep
STEM
Course Code:  749
Credits: 0.5
Grade:  All Grades (WCA 11-12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA, WAMS
Prerequisite: Drone Technology
The emergence of drones in everyday life has captured this generation’s imagination and remotely-piloted systems are undoubtedly the way of the future! DOP focuses on drone aerodynamics, design architecture, and careers, and offers extensive flight training opportunities on highly realistic drone simulators. This curriculum also serves as an intensive FAA test prep course for students who wish to become licensed commercial drone operators. In a truly unique combination, DOP creates a hands-on laboratory environment for students to apply their previous STEM knowledge while opening doors for lucrative and prestigious future career opportunities. Please note:  Students at WCA may only take this course in grades 11 or 12.