Technology Course Offerings and Descriptions
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY COURSES
The PLTW Pathway to Engineering Program is designed to encompass all four years of high school. Foundation courses are supplemented by a number of electives to create five rigorous, relevant, reality-based courses. Activities are hands-on and project-based. Students learn how to use the same industry-leading 3D design software that is used by companies such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar. Students explore aerodynamics, astronautics, and space life sciences and apply biological and engineering concepts related to biomechanics and robotics. Students design, test, and actually construct circuits and devices such as smart phones and tablets and work collaboratively on a culminating capstone independent study project.
Students interested in a pre-engineering college preparatory experience can take a full sequence of PLTW courses. Students can also opt to take selected courses as stand-alone experiences. For more information about the Project Lead the Way Program, see pltw.org.
751 PLTW - Principles of Engineering (POE)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
This survey course exposes students to some of the major concepts of a post-secondary course of study in engineering. Students will learn about how engineers use design thinking, technological systems, and manufacturing processes to solve problems. Having acquired an understanding of design thinking, students will generate solutions for real world challenges. Finally, students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community. 4.0 Hours of Dual Credit may be available for Triton College’s Introduction to Manufacturing (ENT 100) course.
754 PLTW - Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Open to all students
2 semesters; 2 credits
In this course, students use 3D modeling software to help design and test solutions for meaningful problems. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus of the Introduction to Engineering course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. 4.0 Hours of Dual Credit may be available for Triton College’s Production Drawings & CAD (ENT 110) course. An additional 3.0 Hours of Dual Credit may be available for Triton College’s Autodesk Inventor Design (ENT 255) course.
758 PLTW - Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
Open to juniors and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
In this course, students will investigate the roles of civil engineers and architects, project-planning, site-planning, building design, project documentation, and presentation. Having acquired an understanding of those topics, students will work in teams and utilize modeling software to address real world problems and communicate their solutions. Specifically, students will be asked to simulate the real life practice of civil engineers and architects as they complete their own property development project.
794 PLTW - Digital Electronics (DE)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, and high definition televisions. In this course, students will learn how to use applied logic in the development of electronic circuits and devices. Simulation software will initially be utilized as students design and test their ideas. In the end, students will actually construct circuits and devices that address real world problems. As is the case in our other PLTW offerings, design thinking, teamwork, documentation, and communication of ideas will also be emphasized in this course. 3.0 Hours of Dual Credit may be available for Triton College’s Electricity I (ENT 104) course.
759 PLTW - Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
Open to seniors
Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one PLTW engineering course
2 semesters; 2 credits
In this capstone course, students apply what they’ve learned about the engineering design process in previous PLTW courses to develop a solution to a real-world technical problem. Students will perform research to select, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams will work under the mentorship of an industry professional and their teacher to design, build, and test a solution to their problem. The course will culminate with students presenting and defending their original solution to an outside panel of professionals.
760 PLTW - Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
In this course, students will study how robotics, automated manufacturing, and design analysis are utilized in factory systems. That understanding will be applied as students actually use computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to produce real models of three-dimensional designs. In addition to technical concepts, the course incorporates finance, ethics, and engineering design which reflects an integrated approach that leading manufacturers have adopted to improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Finally, students will utilize all knowledge gained throughout the course in a final open-ended problem to build a factory system.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY COURSES
In addition to PLTW courses, the Technology/Engineering Department will continue to offer single-semester courses in Auto Technology.
7741/2 Introduction to Automotive Technology
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
1 semester; 1 credit
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to perform preventative auto maintenance and basic automotive repair. Specific course topics include tune-up, oil change, and lubrication skills; tire replacement, alignment, and balancing; and basic knowledge of brake, cooling, electrical, emission, fuel, ignition, steering, suspension, and transmission systems.
7761/2 Advanced Automotive Technology
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Introduction to Automotive Technology
1 semester; 1 credit
This course provides students with an introduction to diagnostic skills and techniques employed by professional automotive technicians. Students will learn how to diagnose and repair common issues with engine performance, electrical systems, computer systems, lubrication, exhaust and emission control, steering and suspension, fuel systems, cooling systems, braking, and powertrain.
7751/2 Automotive Capstone
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Advanced Automotive Technology
1 semester; 1 credit
The Automotive Capstone course provides students with an in-depth opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in their Introductory and Advanced Automotive courses. In addition to a review of topics covered in the Advanced Automotive courses, the following will be addressed in the Capstone: alternative fuel systems, advanced computer engine diagnostics, automotive HVAC diagnostic and repair, powertrain performance, and transmission diagnostic and repair. This course may be repeated.
WOODWORKING COURSES
In addition to PLTW courses, the Technology/Engineering Department will continue to offer single-semester courses in Woodworking and Home Remodeling.
7881/2 Introduction to Woodworking
Open to all students
1 semester; 1 credit
Students will complete various projects to learn and apply home remodeling skills such as case and cabinet construction. Proper and safe use of hand tools and power woodworking machinery is emphasized. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) are also utilized. Students may earn 4.0 Hours of Dual Credit for Triton College’s Fabrication Processes (ENT 116) course.
7891/2 Advanced Woodworking
Open to all students
Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking
1 semester; 1 credit
Students in this course will develop the skills necessary to design and build fine furniture and cabinetry. Units of study include elements of design, advanced woodworking skills with power and hand tools, production planning, production strategies, and financial fundamentals of running a small business. Students would also be exposed to manufacturing processes used in millwork industry.
7901/2 Woodworking Capstone
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Advanced Woodworking
1 semester; 1 credit
The Woodworking Capstone course provides students with an in-depth opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in their Introductory and Advanced Woodworking courses. Specific learning experiences in this course include erection, installation, and maintenance of commercial and residential cabinetry, and the repair and maintenance of stationary woodworking machinery. This course may be repeated.