Engineering and Technology Education Courses

The electronics industry today may be characterized as one of fast growth and constant change.  As computers, network systems, and the World Wide Web have proliferated and changed the way we live, the idea of knowing how these systems work become very important. The courses offered in this area begin to build a foundation for which further study in systems and information technology is based.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course will provide a practical introduction to game design and game design concepts, emphasizing the basic tools of game design: paper and digital prototyping, design iteration, and user testing. This course will allow students to spend the quarter learning how to create a basic video game or game content. Students who have an interest in video game design but do not know where to begin should consider taking this course. At the most basic level, students may use 2D game creation software such as Game Maker to look into the mechanics of gaming and the code behind it. There is also the opportunity to explore further and collaborate in groups to create a more advanced game using a game engine and animation software.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course is designed for students who want an introduction to electronics in preparation for further study in electrical engineering, college engineering, or technical school programs.  Learn how to build, analyze, and troubleshoot circuits using common tools and components. The course concludes with collaborating with mechanical engineering students on a capstone project such as a simple toy or game, accessory, display or art project, or another practical device.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Electronics Engineering I

Electronics Engineering II uses the knowledge and skills gained in Electronics Engineering I; Electronics Engineering II incorporates the power of microcontrollers into the equation.  Students spend the first quarter exploring the capabilities of what microcontrollers can do and programming them to react to sensors, motors, displays, etc. The course concludes with another collaborative project more elaborate and functional than the first.

Engineering Capstone Honors is our highest-level pre-engineering course offered for those students who want to tackle a real-world engineering challenge. Students in this course will work in a team to develop a large-scale engineering project using the skills taught in the prerequisite lower-level courses. Potential projects could involve the exploration of augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, remotely operated underwater/in air vehicles, national engineering competitions, or any other student-inspired topic. Projects will be selected prior to enrollment by collaboration with the instructor.  As what happens in the professional environment, students will be expected to be part of an engineering team that may include experts in the profession to complete the project they have developed.

Electronic printing and desktop publishing make affordable professional systems available for the average person.  A personal computer is a powerful tool, which may be used to generate sales and inventory records, business communications through word processing and design through computer-assisted drafting.   It also provides immense possibilities for the average business in areas of interoffice correspondence, advertising, logo design, layout, and production.  Students proficient in these skills are in high demand in the job market.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

Students are introduced to the basic technology of electronic printing and computer graphics.  They learn about materials and methodologies used in electronic and desktop publishing. The equipment available includes a network of the newest and fastest Macintosh computers and a 4-color laser printer. Students design and produce a variety of Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud activities utilizing industry-standard software. Projects include invisible man, postcard text, text and image effects, and custom booklet design.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite:  Computer Graphics I

In this advanced course, there is a greater emphasis on production work in which the skills learned from the previous course are integrated into more complex Photoshop Creative Cloud activities.  Projects include duotones, photomontage, low-poly artwork, and photo mosaics.  Students may produce material for personal use as well as internal school printing projects. A great emphasis is placed on individual skills where students can design, layout, and produce one-of-a-kind projects for personal portfolios.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

Logo Design & Branding will explore the core concepts of the design process as it relates to the real world of graphic design careers.  Students explore concepts like Typography, Color Theory, Movement, General Aesthetics, and Package Design.  The course will delve into the Designer / Client relationship through interviews, research, and collaboration with other students and classes, culminating in a comprehensive, custom Design Brief for their “client”.  Students will utilize the Adobe Creative Suite to execute their design ideas, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course will provide students with hands-on experiences in the digital arts through graphic design industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator & Adobe InDesign).  Students will explore various toolsets to complete a wide range of creative and unique documents and vector drawings.  No previous graphic design skills are necessary.  Even just a limited amount of instruction, combined with some imagination, will yield professional results with a personal touch. The course introduces new areas that will be helpful in future course selection and will add to the student’s overall educational experience.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course focuses on conceptually based 3-D package design and product graphics within the realm of identity and branding systems as it relates to career paths in graphic design. Projects employ alternative materials and formats. Students develop packaging from initial concept to production and presentation of 3D designs. Typography, photography, and illustration are integrated into complete packaging designs. Various substrates, materials, methods, practices, and production considerations are explored in this course to aid the construction of packaging for a “client.”

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

In this course, students are introduced to the screen-printing process. Students will begin by using various hand-cut techniques for printing images on several different mediums.  They soon advance to the process of Photographic Screen Printing preparing images using Macintosh computers and the Adobe Creative Suite of programs.  Students will learn the art of printing images on paper, fabric, and decal stickers.

Many career opportunities are available in photography and video production, including news photography, fashion photography, sports reporting, television reporting, and/or filming and film production. The photography and video production sequences cover a variety of areas in this industry.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire and utilize an understanding of the video production process and relate it to careers in business and industry. Students will work in front of the camera as talent, as well as behind the scenes as directors and editors. Camera techniques will be learned, as well as production techniques, including lighting, audio, pre-and post-production, and editing to create videos.   This course will bring together skills learned in language arts, business, technology, science, and social studies as students organize, write, and produce scripts for final digital production. Projects range from Autobiographies & Commercials to PSA’s and Music Videos.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Video Production I (B or better)

The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to advance their skills acquired from Video Production I to create professional demonstration reels for personal use or for their portfolio. Students will learn advanced editing techniques in combination with multiple software packages to create projects for live broadcast and DVD.  Students will also learn studio lighting, multiple camera shoots, audio mixing, technical directing, and rundown assembly as they increase their live production skills.  The course will bring together skills learned in language arts, business, technology, science, and social studies as students organize, write, and produce scripts for video and live television broadcast production. 

Students who are successful in this course can open the door to a vast number of media-related jobs, some they never realized were a part of social media, television, and other mediums. Opportunities include on-camera or on-air talents, sales, and marketing roles, but students will also have opportunities to learn about Social Media Directors, Engineers, IT techs, videographers, photographers, human resource professionals, business managers, Master Control Operators, promotion Producers, Directors and many other roles related to media.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Video Production II

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!  The video production workshop course will allow students to continue to develop advanced skills in the areas of studio and news/broadcast production as well as developing advanced skills in video editing.   This course is project-based and will serve to create a college-ready portfolio as they continue to increase their understanding of the correct use of transitions, effects, sound, and camera angles. This course may be taken multiple times.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course introduces the basic principles of photography to beginning students interested in photography as a hobby or a career.  Digital and 35MM cameras are analyzed and used. Photographic composition is studied and applied.  The basic darkroom techniques, including the process of developing negatives, enlarger operation, and proof sheets are taught. Students also use computer applications such as Adobe Photoshop to enhance shots.  Cameras, film, and paper are supplied for the basic assignments.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite:  Introduction to Photography

Photography Workshop is a sequential course consisting of levels 2 through 5.  Constantly building from the basics, students are introduced to photography accessories:  lenses, studio lighting, conceptual images and digital and computer enhancements. Emphasis is placed on photographic techniques of the experts and mastery of shooting and printing.