Technology

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Technology courses will encourage the study of materials, processes, tools, occupations, products, manufacturing, organization and research. The study of technology will provide a variety of experiences for students with varied interests and aptitudes.

Sequences and Requirements

In order to receive a five–unit sequence in technology, students must take and pass:

• Introduction to Business 0.5

• Design and Drawing for Production (Engineering) 1.0

• Systems Course (Production or Communication) 0.5

Students may receive their other three credits through any technology courses. One of these three credits also may be an internship or cooperative work credit.

Course Offerings

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

The Project Lead the Way curriculum is a pre–engineering pathway. It is designed to expose students to the basic principles of engineering and focuses on teamwork and project-based learning. In several courses students are eligible to receive college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology.
Courses in this pathway include:

• Design and Drawing for Production-Engineering (DDP-E)

• Aerospace Engineering (AE)

• Principles of Engineering (POE)

• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

• Digital Electronics (DE)

• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

Design and Drawing for Production—for Engineering (PLTW)

This is the introductory course for the pre-engineering pathway. The theme of the course is the use of a systematic design process to develop creative solutions to many types of problems. Students will develop skills in creative problem solving, 3-D sketching, industrial design, teamwork, and presentation skills. State-of-the-art computer-aided design (CAD) software is used. Students will spend a large percentage of their time creating computer models. Throughout the course, math and science concepts are used to arrive at the best solution to a design problem. Students will develop skills in creating prototypes or models of their design. Students will learn to safely and accurately use a variety of hand tools and machines to produce prototypes of their design. Projects include researching past inventions, creating 3-D models and/or technical drawings of objects and assemblies, and designing products
that can be manufactured.
Credit: 1
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam
College Credits: 3-4 credits through RIT by passing PLTW Exam.
*Strong math skills required.
*Meets art/music requirement for graduation.
Lab fee: Yes

Principles of Engineering (PLTW) See a video slideshow of sample projects

This is a broad-based survey course designed to help students gain a better understanding about careers in engineering and engineering technology. The main goal of the course is to experience, through theory and hands-on problem-solving activities, what engineering is all about and to answer the question: “Is a career in engineering or engineering technology for me?” This course reinforces problem-solving communication and teamwork skills. Projects include building and testing a “Rube Goldberg” contraption, a bridge structure, a mousetrap-powered vehicle, a computer-controlled machine, and others. Students
are required to write two technical research papers related to branches of engineering and technical failures in engineering.
Credit: 1
Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: DDP-E
Final: Exam
College Credit: 3-4 credits through RIT by passing PLTW Exam.
*Strong math skills required.
Lab fee: Yes

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (PLTW) See a video slideshow of sample projects

This course introduces the principles of robotics and automation. It builds on the solid modeling skills developed in DDP–E. Students use computer numeric controlled (CNC) equipment to produce actual models of their 3-D designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing and design analysis are included.
Credit: 1
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: DDP-E
Final: Exam
College Credit: 3-4 credits through RIT by passing PLTW Exam.
*Strong math skills required.
Lab fee: Yes

Aerospace Engineering (PLTW) See video slideshow of class projects

This course is designed to offer students a better understanding about careers in aerospace engineering and aerospace technology. Students gain this experience through theory and hands-on activities. Projects emphasize developing creative problem-solving skills, communication skills ,and teamwork skills. Mathematical and scientific skills are integrated into all activities. Projects include research and class presentation on the history of flying vehicles; run computer simulation programs developed by NASA to design wings and model rockets; design, build, and test a wing section using a wind tunnel; learn to navigate using a flight simulator; design, build, and test glider planes, a g-force simulator, and a micro gravity drop tower; and much more
Credit: 1
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: DDP-E
Final: Exam
*Strong math skills required.
Lab fee: Yes

Digital Electronics (PLTW)

This course offers applied logic used in creating electronic circuits and digital devices. Basic principles of electricity are also covered. Computer simulation is used, as well as hands-on construction of circuits and devices. This class stressed both theory and practice.
Credit: 1
Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: DDP-E
Final: Exam
College Credit: 3-4 credits through RIT by passing PLTW Exam.
*Strong math skills required.
* $15 lab fee required.
Lab fee: Yes

CEA-Civil Engineering and Architecture (PLTW)

This course provides an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture while emphasizing the interrelationship of both fields to each other. Students will use state-of-the-art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions with hands-on projects and activities. This course covers such topics as the roles of civil engineers and architects, project planning, site planning, building design, and project documentation and presentation.
Credit: 1
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: DDP-E
Final: Project/Exam
*strong math skills required
Lab fee: Yes

Engineering Design and Development (PLTW) See video slideshow of students collaborating with industry experts

This course is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. Students submit progress reports and a final written report, as well as defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. Although it is a PLTW course, it is strongly recommended for any student pursuing a technology sequence.
Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: DDP-E, must be fourth technology credit
Final: Project
Lab fee: Yes

Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)

This is the introductory course that prepares students for any of the technology pathways. Students will develop skills in creative problem solving, 3-D sketching, industrial design, teamwork and presentation skills. State of the art computer aided design (CAD) software is used. Students will spend their time creating computer models and completing hands-on projects. Projects may include: researching past inventions, creating 3-D models and/or technical drawings of objects and assemblies, woodworking projects and designing other products that can be manufactured.
Credit: 1
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam/Project
Lab fee: Yes
*Meets art/music requirement for graduation.

Basic Electric/Electronics

A comprehensive study of the electrical technologies commonly found in use today. Students will investigate the fundamentals of DC theory by working in the lab with semiconductors and integrated circuits. Students will also develop knowledge of how AC electricity is made, used, and distributed to businesses and homes. Each topic covered in class will include discussions, demonstrations, laboratory experimentation, and construction of take-home projects. Students will develop skills in soldering, printed circuit board construction, and integrated circuit use.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam
Lab Fee: Yes

Communication Systems

This course is designed to offer a broad-based view of how people communicate information. Students complete a variety of projects using various computer tools and equipment to learn the fundamentals of audio, audiovisual, television, and Web-based communication technology. Students will use digital cameras, video cameras, and scanners. Students also will be exposed to the following programs: PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage, and Adobe Photoshop. Projects will include a research paper, public service announcements and advertising products.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam
*Meets systems requirement for technology sequence.

Computer Applications

This course deals with the evolution of today’s computer, its architecture, and how it has developed. A study of how computers are being used in business and industry will be completed with an emphasis on technical applications and engineering design. Students also will learn how to operate a computer and basic maintenance and repair techniques that are commonly faced by computer users. Students will work on projects using a variety of software applications such as, CAD, CIM, LuckyLogic, and Microsoft Office. This course is recommended for students who wish to become more familiar with the operation of computers.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam

Computer-Aided Design I (CAD I)

This course introduces students to the field of Computer Aided Drafting. Students will have an opportunity to work with different CAD applications that serve varying design purposes. The goal of CAD is to effectively communicate a designer’s ideas to those responsible for making the product. Students will work on a variety of class projects that employ these basic concepts.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam/Project
Lab fee: Yes

Computer Aided Design II (CAD II)

This course is a continuation of CAD I. Students complete projects similar to those in the first course, but will go into greater detail and use different software applications. Greater emphasis is placed on drafting standards and how they are used to convey detailed design information. Students will complete projects using mechanical, electrical, and architectural CAD applications.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: CAD I
Final: Exam/Project
Lab fee: Yes

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and describe automated manufacturing equipment and their components. The use of robots within specific machine applications will be covered. Students will learn how to program controls and direct a robot to perform a task.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Project/Exam
Lab fee: Yes

Materials Processing I

This is an introductory course designed to offer a broad-based view of how people change or process materials. Students will complete a variety of projects using various tools and machines to teach them the fundamentals of manufacturing processes. Activities include precision measurement, reading blueprints, forging and heat treatment of metals, and manufacturing tools and parts. Machines/tools used are band saw, drill press, engine lathe, milling machines, and oxy-acetylene welding torch. This course provides valuable experience to students interested in a manufacturing career.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Exam
Lab fee: Yes

Materials Processing II

This course will extend the concepts and techniques learned in Material Processing I. Students will develop advanced machining skills and relate them to mathematical and scientific concepts. Students will apply computer applications in developing parts on a computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling machine.
Credit: 1
Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: Materials Processing I
Final: Exam/Project
Lab fee: Yes

Production Systems

This course focuses on production activities. Two major production categories are covered—manufacturing and construction. Manufacturing is the production of any object or material in a factory. Construction is the production or assemble of a material on site. Approximately 75 percent of class time is dedicated to hands-on activities using a variety of tools. Students will design, investigate, research, and construct objects in both woodworking and metal fabrication. Sample projects include Adirondack chairs, Shaker furniture, chess boards and metal shelf brackets.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: DDP or DDP-E
Final: Exam
Lab fee: Yes
*Meets systems requirement for technology sequence.

Residential Structures

This course is designed to give students some knowledge about how buildings are constructed. Included in the course will be the planning of a house, including cost estimation, foundation (includes footings), siding (wood and vinyl), roofing, and electrical and plumbing codes. A storage shed can be constructed and erected. Other examples of projects and labs include stair design, pipe fittings, electrical layout, framing and roofing.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Production Systems
Final: Exam
Lab fee: Yes

Architectural Drawing I

This course studies the historical and cultural influences that are considered by the architect and its impact on the architectural designs of today. Students will study structures from primitive lean-to shelters to modern day technological advances. They will gain an understanding of architectural styles as well as research famous architects and their works. Students also will design and draw their own floor plans and house plans.
Credit: 0.5
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: Project - Design and construct a 1/4 scale model of a residential plan. Typical material cost, $15-$20.

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