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Course Descriptions

The following courses are the most popular student choices year-in and year-out.  These courses traditionally fill up fast! 

ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS / HONORS ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS 

STEM

GRAPHIC ARTS / ACCELERATED GRAPHIC ARTS 

STEM

WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY

PHOTOGRAPHY / DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 

STEM

INTRO TO TECH & ENGINEERING

STEM

ELECTRONICS 

STEM

ACCELERATED STEM GUITAR 

STEM

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING COURSE STRUCTURE: 

LEVEL 1 COURSES - These courses provide an exploration of course-specific content, and are offered on an alternate day or semester (previously termed Introduction level courses) or full year (previously termed Essentials level courses) basis.

ACCELERATED LEVEL 2 COURSES - These advanced level courses provide a rigorous study of course-specific content beyond the material addressed in Level 1 courses, and are offered on a full year basis or alternate day. Pre-requisites for any Accelerated Level 2 course: Successful completion of the Level 1 course (C or above) or the permission of the instructor. These courses may fulfill the school district requirement for the graduation project.

HONORS COURSES - Honors level courses are the most rigorous courses offered in the department. Students desiring to take any Honors level course are expected to meet the prerequisites listed in the individual course descriptions.

INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES - Rigorous study of course-specific content beyond the material addressed on an advanced/honors course offered on a full year basis. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of an advanced/honors course.

ENTIRE 2023-2024 COURSE OFFERINGS

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

ACCELERATED STEM GUITAR  (GRADES 9-12) 

STEM

This STEM-based course explores the design elements, manufacturing, and assembly of solid-body electric guitars.  Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) concepts that relate directly to guitars are used to help students make an applied learning connection.  Students will use CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) as well as a variety of tools and machines to design and build themselves a fully functioning electric guitar!

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING (GRADES 9-12)

STEM
 

This STEM-based course explores the various courses within the Technology and Engineering Department.  Problem solving is stressed, as students pursue activities that build a strong foundation for practical application of technology. Students are expected to complete hands-on projects, as well as written assignments. Recommended for ninth grade as an introduction to the Technology and Engineering area, but other grades are welcome. 

    ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS (GRADES 9-12)  
STEM

This course has been designed to expose students to the rapidly expanding technologies of Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Three Dimensional Modeling, Computer Aided Manufacturing, and Robotics. Students will USE hardware, software and computer applications to engineer, design and produce solutions to assigned problems.
Students will gain experience in creating computer-aided drawings, controlling robotic systems, and manipulating manufacturing processes and control systems, both electronic and mechanical. Computer programs, controls, and sensors will be explored as they apply to automated machines, tools, and systems. Both commercial and residential applications will be investigated. Students will gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in our modern technological society.

HONORS ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS (GRADES 10-12) 
STEM

This course has been designed for highly motivated students who would like to explore the rapidly expanding technologies of Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Three Dimensional Computer & Traditional Modeling, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Numerical Control, Computer Interfaced Components, and Robotics. Students will use hardware, software and computer applications to engineer, design, and produce solutions to assigned problems. Technical research and professional presentations of the material will be required as part of the overall curriculum.
Students will gain detailed experience in creating computer aided drawing, controlling robotic systems, and manipulating manufacturing processes and control systems, both electronic and mechanical. Computer programs, controls, and sensors will be explored as they apply to automated machines, tools, and systems. Both commercial and residential applications will be investigated. Students will gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in our modern technological society. This course is recommended for those students who are looking into the fields of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. Students enrolling in this course must have successfully completed or be enrolled in a course of Algebra 2, Geometry, and Physics. In addition, some background in programming is recommended due to .Basic. and .C. being used in class.

  WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY 1 (GRADES 9-12)

This course is designed to introduce students to the tools, materials, machines and technology used in woodworking. Initial projects will be assigned by the instructor; later projects will be selected/designed by the student. Areas of study include construction, wood turning, laminating, and wood finishing. An experience in manufacturing may be undertaken by each class.
Experience in planning and designing woodworking activities and the development of safe work habits form integral parts of the instructional program.

ACCELERATED WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY 2 (GRADES 10-12)

This course is designed for students who want to further develop their woodworking skills and knowledge. The correct and safe use of hand tools and machines is stressed. Attention is given to the development of careful planning, design, accuracy, skill, judgement, and workmanship. Students are given an opportunity to select, design, plan, and develop laboratory activities (projects). The research of woodworking topics is an important part of this course. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed Introduction or Essentials of Woodworking, or have the permission of the instructor.

   

DRAFTING TECHNOLOGY

  DRAFTING AND DESIGN ENGINEERING 1 (GRADES 9-12) 
STEM

This STEM based course is highly recommended for students considering careers in any field of engineering. The following areas will be explored during this year-long course: sketching, use of mechanical drawing instruments, orthographic and isometric drawing, sectioning, revolutions, auxiliary views, fasteners, pictorial and working drawings, surface developments, and modeling. Students will develop fundamental skills through board work and the use of a Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program.

ACCELERATED DRAFTING & DESIGN ENGINEERING 2 (GRADES 10-12) 
STEM

This STEM based course is designed for students who wish to explore advanced problems dealing with machine parts and accessories, sheet metal pattern development, mechanical perspective drawings, and other forms of three dimensional drawings. Emphasis will be placed on understanding two and three dimensional forms through standard board practices and through the use of the computer (CADD). The student enrolling in this course should have successfully completed Essentials of Engineering Drafting and Design or have the permission of instructor.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING (GRADES 9-12) 
STEM

A course for students interested in exploring structural design and/or engineering. Architectural plans will be created utilizing Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and Board Drawings. This STEM based course focuses on the design of spaces, incorporating ergonomics, environmental impact studies, green living, and other technologies impacting human life. Students will be expected to utilize problem solving skills in a design loop to create solutions for real-world problems.

HONORS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING (GRADES 10 -12) 
STEM

This course is highly recommended for students wishing to explore careers in architecture and architecture-related fields. During this year-long course, students will study basic structural planning, design, and construction. Class time will be devoted to problem solving, creating architectural plans and construction of models. An introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) will be presented. Students enrolling in this course must have successfully completed or be enrolled in a course in Algebra 2, Geometry, and Physics.

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

      GRAPHIC ARTS 1 (GRADES 9 -12)  
STEM

A course for students interested in exploring design and printing technologies. This STEM-based course will expose students to the art of visual communication, from design to production. Students will engage in projects; i.e. screen printing t-shirts and vinyl cutting stickers, using professional design software and industry standard equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for art students to explore industrial reproduction techniques and the artist’s role in graphic reproduction.

ACCELERATED GRAPHIC ARTS 2 (GRADES 10-12)  
STEM

This second level STEM-based course is for those students who wish to explore the various methods of graphic reproduction. The emphasis in this course will be on advanced photo-offset techniques such as halftone, duotone, reverses, screen tints, special effect screens, posterization, and color process printing. Also included will be multi-color techniques for design and layout, advanced press operation, and maintenance. Students will be involved in producing projects using these advanced processes. The role of computers in pre-press imaging and copy preparation is an integral part of the course. The student enrolling in this course should have successfully completed Essentials of Graphic Arts or have the permission of the instructor.

  DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATION (GRADES 9-12)  
STEM

This STEM-based course will develop and broaden the student's computer skills and use the principles of graphic design while solving real-life layout problems. The course will focus on digital imaging using scanning, digital cameras, clip-art and original illustration to design creative materials. Professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and PageMaker will be used to layout, retouch, create, and design products fit for publication, web pages, and art shows. This class is highly recommended for people entering into the fields of graphic design, publication, illustration, web design and commercial art.

ONLINE MEDIA 9 - 12 
STEM

This STEM-based course is offered to students who wish to explore various uses of the Internet through the building of web pages and web sites. Students will gain experience in working with HTML code, web authoring software including Adobe’s Dreamweaver, digital images, video, gif animations, and appropriate web design and layout.

ACCELERATED ONLINE MEDIA (GRADES 10-12) 

STEM

This second level STEM-based course is offered as a follow up to Online Media 1. Whereas the first level class concentrates solely on HTML as a language for web development, Online Media 2 takes HTML 5.0 and offers a rich development environment for mobile devices such as Android and iOS platforms. This course concentrates on the media applications of mobile devices through programs such as Adobe’s Flash and the Corona Software Development kit. Programming languages will include Adobe’s Action Script, advanced HTML 5.0, and Lua.

  PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (GRADES 9-12) 
STEM

This STEM-based course is designed for the student who wishes to explore black & white photography. Projects in the course may include studio work, action photography, mounting photographs, and photographic special effects. Students will perform laboratory activities for each assignment. Student performance is evaluated by testing and laboratory performance on assignments.

ACCELERATED PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (GRADES 10-12) 
STEM

This second level STEM-based course is designed for the serious student who wishes to pursue photography beyond the material covered in the Level 1 course. The course will cover advanced assignments including the following: portfolio of work, portraiture, photographic montage, photo research projects, and special camera and darkroom techniques. Coursework will consist mainly of laboratory activities, supplemented, as appropriate, by the instructor. Student performance will be evaluated by a variety of critique formats. It is highly recommended that students enrolling in this course have their own SLR film camera. The student enrolling in this course must have successfully completed Photography 1, Digital Photography, or have the permission of the instructor.

INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHOTOGRAPHY (GRADES 11-12) 
STEM

This course is designed for the self-motivated student as an offering above the advanced level course. Potential students must have successfully completed Advanced Photography as the prerequisite to this course. Students accepted into the course will select a concentration or .Unit Study. in an area of their choice. Students will complete research, experiments, and examples as well as a paper totaling approximately ten pages.

ELECTRONICS (GRADES 9 -12) 
STEM

This course provides an opportunity for students to gain fundamental knowledge of electronics and applied scientific principles. The subjects covered are atomic theory, current, resistance, voltage, power, electrical production, series and parallel circuit analysis, Ohm.s, Watt.s and Kirchoff.s laws, and digital circuitry. Students will be introduced to digital electronics through the study of numbering systems, Boolean algebra, Karnough mapping, combinational logic circuits, encoders, decoders, displays and counters. The second semester will cover sequential logic circuits including flip-flops, counters, shift registers, arithmetic circuitry, multiplexing, digital to analog converters, and system analysis. The students will utilize the laboratory's computer programs to simulate digital circuitry, design printed circuit boards, and to analyze and solve circuit problems. Students will also investigate the theory, operation, and application of major electronic components. Experiments and projects are designed to reinforce theoretical principles. Some circuit design, soldering techniques, project construction, and tool use are involved in individual projects throughout the year. Contemporary topics in electronics and safe working practices are stressed throughout the course.

 

POWER TECHNOLOGY

  KNOW YOUR CAR (GRADES 9-12)   Students who plan to own a car will benefit from this course. Dealing with the automotive field, this consumer-oriented course will offer students individual work sessions, outside demonstrations, and lab lectures. Topics included are automotive care and cosmetics, principles of operation, consumer awareness, safety, and buying new and used cars.   ENERGY, POWER & TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY 1 (GRADES 9-12) 
STEM

This course is designed to introduce the student to different sources of energy produced from various power sources. The student will learn how power is produced by steam and combustion engines, CO2, and rocket propulsion, and how this power is used to propel machines, automobiles, airplanes, rockets and boats. The student will be introduced to alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and fuel cell technologies. The student will also work with pneumatic and hydraulic systems and learn how they are applied to automated manufacturing systems and entertainment technologies.

ACCELERATED ENERGY, POWER & TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY 2 (GRADES 10-12)  
STEM

The student, having learned the basics in the Essentials course, will have the opportunity to become familiar with more in-depth automotive principles of operation and systems, including automotive computer control and diagnostics. The student will also become more intensely involved with power transmissions, hydraulics, pneumatics and propulsion systems. The student will actively apply these principles through problem-solving design activities throughout the course. The student enrolling in the course should have successfully completed Essentials of Power Technology or have the permission of the instructor.