Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)

Engineering Design

Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the process of design as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting and what is required to gain and maintain employment in these areas. This course teaches the basics of AutoCAD, 3dsMax, and other AutoDesk programs.

Engineering Science

Prerequisite:Geometry or concurrent enrollment in Geometry. Successful completion of Intro to Engineering Design (IED) is recommended.

This course is part of the Project Lead The Way (PLTW.org) preengineering sequence. Applying the principles of physics to various technology systems and manufacturing processes helps students learn how engineers and technicians use science, technology, and math in an engineering problem solving process. Topics covered include: mechanisms and mechanical advantage, static forces and bridge design, material properties, energy and power generation, thermodynamics, kinematics, fluid power, and creation of Robot C language programs for robotics and machine control. Successful completion of both semesters of this course will receive science credit.

Aerospace Engineering

Prerequisite:Algebra II or concurrent enrollment; PLTW Principles of Engineering (POE) or
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED). Principles of Engineering is recommended.

Aerospace Engineering is the study of the engineering discipline which develops new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration. The course explores the evolution of flight, flight fundamentals, navigation and control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, orbital mechanics, ergonomics, remotely operated systems and related careers. In addition the course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Students will analyze, design, and build aerospace systems. While implementing these designs, students will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creativity, and application of the design process. Students apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final multi-media project to envision their future professional accomplishments.

Engineering Design & Developement

Prerequisite: PLTW Principles of Engineering or Engineering Design

This is the capstone course in the PLTW high school engineering program. It is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology. Students will perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the probelm, teams of students will design, build, and test their solution. Finally, student teams will present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.

Digital Electronics

Open doors to understanding electronics and foundations in circuit design.  Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, high-definition televisions, etc. Students learn the digital circuit design process to create circuits and present solutions that can improve people’s lives.  Learn how advancements in foundational electronic components and digital circuit design processes have transformed the world around you.  Digital electronics is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. In contrast to analog electronics, where information is represented by a continuously varying voltage, digital signals are represented by two discrete voltages or logic levels. This distinction allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world of electronics.  The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.