Engineering & Computer Science Pathways
Engineering and Technology informational video
American High School's Technology (PLTW) Course of Study
Exploring Computer Science (ECS):
This is a beginner course for 10-12 grade students designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics, rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages. The course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving, and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today's students. Students will be introduced to HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, Scratch, Python, and Arduino. Group work and collaboration are daily classroom practice. No previous computer science experience is required. It is recommended that students have completed Algebra 1 prior to this course. This course is not a prerequisite for AP Computer Science.
PLTW Intro to Design (IED)
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work. This course is open to 9th-12th grade students.
PLTW Principles of Engineering (POE)
Honors and CP: This is a survey course exploring the different fields of engineering. The course covers: mechanical advantage; electrical engineering through building breadboards, exploring solar panels and fuel cells; materials with stress-strain curves; truss and bridges; thermodynamics; and machine control using VEX equipment. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. This course is open to 10th-12th grade students. Algebra is required for this course. The Honors course requires a higher level of mathematics and complexity on projects.
PLTW Digital Electronics (DE)
Honors and CP: The course covers basic electronics and digital logic and design. Students design and build circuits that use combinational logic, asynchronous and synchronous sequential logic, state machines, and programmable logic controllers. Recommended for all students considering a major in Computer Science and Engineering. CP recommended completion of Algebra 2. Honors recommended concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher.
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Honors and CP: Manufacturing transforms ideas into products. This course provides an opportunity for students to develop a better understanding of this innovative and exciting industry. Students learn about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students develop their knowledge and skills of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing to produce products using a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mill. Students apply the knowledge and skills gained in this course as they collaborate to design, build, and program factory system models. Manufacturing provides products we use daily. How can a student become part of it? Students should have a strong understanding of Algebra for this class and be willing to work hard.
PLTW Digital Electronics (Honors and CP): The course covers basic electronics and digital logic and design. Students design and build circuits that use combinational logic, asynchronous and synchronous sequential logic, state machines, and programmable logic controllers. Recommended for all students considering a major in engineering. CP recommended completion of Algebra 2. Honors recommended completion or concurrent enrollment in Calculus.
Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) - (at MVROP - Open to 11th/12th grade students)
This course provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state of the art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as:
- Project Planning,
- Site Planning
- Building Design
- Project Documentation and Presentation
- This is a hands-on course.
AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP):
This course is open to Juniors and Seniors. This class covers the fundamentals of computer science including binary number systems, algorithm design and analysis, computer architecture with an introduction to CPU operation, fundamentals, cyber security, and an introduction to web design, javascript, and python programming. Recommended for all students considering a major in computer science. Recommended completion of Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
AP Computer Science A (APCSA):
AP Computer Science A is a college-level course that introduces students to computer science through object-oriented programming and design using the Java language. It is both a course for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for students planning to study in any STEM field. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, designing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures using Java. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. This course is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. Prerequisite - Precalculus or concurrent enrollment.