STEM

Advance Design Applications

Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

Prerequisite:  Foundations of Technology and Technology Design

This course has been designed as an advanced study for students engaged in themed academies and general technology studies that lead to the capacity to understand how technology’s development, control and use is based on design constraints, and human wants and needs. The structure of the course challenges students to use design processes so that they can think, plan, design and create solutions to engineering and technological problems. Students are actively involved in the organized an integrated application of technological resources, engineering concepts, and scientific procedures.

Digital Electronics

Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

Prerequisite:  Algebra I and Principles of Engineering and Technology

Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to (1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters, and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), (2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, (3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and (4) effectively communicate designs and systems. Students develop additional skill in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Upon completion of the Digital Electronics course, proficient students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs through a variety of media.

Engineering Design

Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

Prerequisite:  Foundations of Technology, Technology Design, and Advance Design Applicaionts

In Engineering Design, engineering scope, content and professional practices are presented through practical application. Students in engineering teams apply technology, science, and mathematics concepts and skills to solve engineering design problems and project based learning. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors, and ethics. This course will maintain a focus on how engineers apply their creativity, resourcefulness, mathematical, scientific, and technical knowledge and skills in the creation or refinement of technological products/systems. A key approach will be the employment of a sophisticated, sequential, and iterative design and development process to solve authentic engineering tasks/problems using Project based Learning.

Foundations of Technology (paired with Computer Applications)

Grade Level: 9 Credit:.5

Prerequisite:  None

Foundations of Technology prepare students to understand and apply technological concepts and processes that are the cornerstone for the high school technology program. Group and individual activities engage students in creating ideas, developing innovations, and engineering practical solutions. Technology content, resources, and laboratory/class-room activities apply student applications to science, mathematics and other school subjects in authentic situations. This course will focus on the three dimensions of technological literacy: knowledge, ways of thinking and acting, and capabilities, with the goal of students developing the characteristics of technologically literate citizens. It will employ teaching/learning strategies that enable students to build their own understanding of new ideas. It is designed to engage students in exploring and deepening their understanding of engineering. And makes use of a variety of assessment instruments to reveal the extent of understanding.

Computer Applications (paired with Foundation of Technology)

Grade Level: 9 Credit:.5

Prerequisite:  None

This course is designed to develop computer technology skills. Students will use a variety of computer software and hardware tools and features of an electronic information network. Students will explore the social, business, and ethical issues of using computer technology. The students will develop skills that will assist them with efficient production of word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations.

Principles of Engineering and Technology

Grade Level: 9 Credit:1

Prerequisite:  None

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.  

Robotics & Automated Systems

Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1 (taught as a singleton)

Prerequisite:  Algebra I, Geometry, Physical Science, and Chemistry or Physics, Principles of Engineering and Technology (or Equivalent), Digital Electronics (or Equivalent)

Robotics & Automated Systems is an applied course for students who wish to explore how robots and automated systems are used in industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have an understanding of the historical and current uses of robots and automated systems; programmable circuits, interfacing both inputs and outputs; ethical standards for engineering and technology professions; and testing and maintenance of robots and automated systems.

Technology Design

Grade Level: 10-11 Credit:1

Prerequisite:  Foundations of Technology

In Technological Design, engineering scope, content, and professional practices are presented through practical applications. Students in engineering teams apply technology, science, and mathematics concepts and skills to solve engineering design problems and innovate designs. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors, and ethics. This course is an essential experience for students who are interested in technology, innovation, design, and engineering.