Grades 10-12 |Credits: 2.5

Ever wondered how ideas turn into real, working products? In Mechanical Engineering, students become designers, builders, and problem-solvers as they tackle hands-on challenges that mirror real-world engineering.

Using CAD software, laser cutters, and 3-D printers, students transform 2-D designs into 3-D creations while following the engineering design process from concept to completion. A unique highlight of this course is collaboration with the Electrical Engineering class, where students work as interdisciplinary teams to integrate electronic components designed by their peers into their mechanical projects—just like in real engineering companies.

Along the way, students build strong skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. While this course is part of the East Brunswick Engineering Progression, the skills learned are valuable for any career—and life beyond the classroom.

Next course in the progression: Applied Engineering Honors

If you enjoy creating, collaborating, and seeing your ideas come to life, this class is for you.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5-5 | Prerequisite: See chart above

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.

Grades 9-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course introduces the foundational architectural and design skills necessary for further study in Architecture, Engineering, and Industrial Design. Students begin with abstract, symmetrical pattern-making, exploring composition, color theory, proportion, congruency, and symmetry as tools for visual communication. The course then transitions to architectural and product design applications, including small house design, truss structures, and playground apparatus, with an emphasis on form, function, spatial relationships, and human use. Throughout the course, students engage in the design process, using scaled architectural drawings and physical or digital models to develop and refine ideas while making clear connections to mathematics, measurement, and geometric principles.

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 explores the design process as it applies to professional graphic design and branding. Students study typography, color theory, and general aesthetics, while developing real-world design solutions. Through research, collaboration, and client-focused projects, students create custom design briefs and execute branding concepts using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

Digital Composition and Illustration introduces students to digital art and design using industry-standard tools such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Students apply design and illustration principles through hands-on projects for digital and print, using professional Macintosh workstations and production tools. The course builds creative skills for future design coursework, career exploration, or personal enrichment.

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

Screen Printing introduces students to the screen printing process for producing single-color and multicolor designs on paper and fabric. Students learn industry-standard direct emulsion and digital stencil creation using Photoshop and laser printers, then design graphics for printed projects such as posters, t-shirts, and apparel. The course emphasizes digital design and production using professional Macintosh workstations and printing equipment.

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

Media Production Lab II builds upon the skills developed in Video Production, challenging students to create more complex and professional-level projects. Students refine advanced editing techniques, visual effects, and storytelling while expanding into live video production, including multi-camera setups and real-time switching. This hands-on course emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and industry-style workflows, preparing students for higher-level media production and real-world applications.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Media Production Lab II

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!  Media Production Lab Workshop is an independent, project-based course for students who have completed Media Production Lab II. Students work at an individualized pace to plan, produce, and refine original video projects with the goal of building a professional online portfolio. Emphasizing creative direction, advanced technical skills, and self-management, this course allows students to showcase their strongest work while preparing for college programs, careers in media, or personal content creation.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 

Video Journalism is a hands-on course focused on producing news content for the school’s daily morning announcements. Students work as reporters, videographers, and editors to create news packages and video segments for a real audience. The course emphasizes storytelling, interviewing, shooting, and editing while preparing content for broadcast and online platforms such as social media, YouTube, and the district website. No prior video experience is required.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 

Notes:

• Students will receive Practical Arts credit for this course. 
• This course is a prerequisite for "Photography Workshop" Course Code: 1252 (See Arts Education Visual Arts course guide for more information)

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.