Academics
Departments & Curriculum
Course Description Guide 2023-24

Technology (2023-24)

Technology - Semester Courses

List of 6 items.

  • Design Thinking & Innovation - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 credit

    Required tool(s): Engineering notebook

    Design Thinking spends the first quarter in an academic exploration of technology systems, the design process, and resource/material management. The second quarter will provide a foundation for students to use 3-D printing, CAD software, and explore communications necessary for innovation and design technology. The overall goal is for students to develop technical vocabulary while immersing themselves in the design process to solve a practical problem. Students will be expected to draw conceptual sketches and use an Engineering Notebook.

    This course is best suited for older students ready for a cross-curricular approach to technology and innovation.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to Design Thinking
    Marketing and Design
    Drafting and Engineering
    Design Process
    Resource and Product Management
    Prototyping
    CAD and 3D printing
    Innovation and Production
  • Robotics - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    This course uses a hands-on approach to introduce students to the basic concepts of robotics through the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots to accomplish challenging tasks. Students will explore physics, engineering, and physical science concepts as they assemble and program a robot. They will also explore the broad scope of robotics applications in fields such as manufacturing, security, transportation, automation, food preparation, entertainment, customer service, biomedical engineering, healthcare, agriculture, military science, space and underwater exploration, and more. Students will compete in FIRST Robotics challenges as part of the class. This class may be repeated for credit with teacher permission.

    Units of Study
    Lab Safety
    Measuring
    Tools and Tool Safety
    Machining
    Design Process
    Technical Drawing
    CAD and 3D modeling
    3D Printing
    Programming
    Wiring and Electronics
    Cabling
    Transmission and Gears
    Wheels
    Sprockets, Chains, and Belting
    Microcontrollers and Sensors
    Transmitters and Receivers
    Pneumatics
    Control Systems
    Software and Driving
    FIRST Robotics Challenge
  • Technology Fundamentals - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    Technology Fundamentals is a survey course designed to introduce students to seven main categories of technology: IT Systems & Communications, Energy & Power, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, Medical, and Agricultural & Biotechnology. Students will critically examine each one of these topics, with hands-on projects to explore concepts in depth. The focus of this class will be on how people use current, innovative technologies for human advancement with social and ethical considerations that shape our society today. This class provides a framework for the student to make informed decisions and judgments about the use of IT for self and society. 


    Units of Study
    Introduction to Technology & Social Considerations
    IT Networks
    Communication Technology
    Energy & Power
    Construction Technology
    Transportation Technology
    AgriculturalTechnology
    Biomedical Technologies


  • Digital Videography 1 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Digital Videography counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 1 introduces students to cinematography and video production through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will apply problem-solving skills in planning, editing, and evaluating quality video productions. Topics include the fundamental technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Directors
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Sound Design
    Lighting
    Interviewing
    Directing
    Green Screen
  • Digital Videography 2 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit
    Prerequisite:  Digital Videography 1 or teacher permission

    Digital Videography 2 counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 2 expands on what students have learned about cinematography and video production in Digital Videography 1 through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn about the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post production to plan, create, and evaluate quality video productions and short films. Students will explore more of the technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, movements, and composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Film Roles
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Advanced Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Character Development
    Advanced Sound Design
    Advanced Lighting
    Directing
    Special Effects


  • Programming Through Game Development - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    This course is designed as an introductory course to both programming and game development. Students will be taught elements of successful game development through coding, modeling, game design, and digital citizenship. This is a project-based course and successful students will benefit from active engagement and participation.

    Units of Study
    Block-based Programming
    Coding
    Game Design
    Game Mechanics
    Programming Languages
    Robotics
    Drones
    Circuitry
    3D Modeling
    Unity

Technology - Yearlong Courses

List of 1 items.

  • AP Computer Science A

    Grades 11-12

    As an upper-level course in Computer Science, this course seeks to provide students with the opportunity to use critical thinking in developing solutions to problems through the use of Java language.  Students learn coding strategies, consider how to process data, and develop an awareness of the social and ethical aspects of computing. This course is analogous to a first-semester university course in Computer Science and can help prepare students for study in technical, engineering, and science fields.  Success in this course requires students to be very self-motivated, persevere through challenges, and be self-directed as the course may be offered through a virtual platform.

    There are special circumstances associated with this course, so students wishing to take it must talk with the Head of Student Support and Academic Program.