STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Students focus on investigation and application of science, technology, engineering and math. Electives provide real-world, hands-on opportunities to explore elements of engineering, environmental and research sciences.
Possible Careers: Actuary, Analytical Chemist, Assembler, Automotive Technician, Biomedical Engineer, Boilermaker, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer/Technician, Design Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Research Scientist, Foundry Worker, Freight, Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Inspector, Lab Technician, Logistician, Manufacturing Technician, Naturalist, Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst, Pattern and Model Maker, Physicist, Production Manager, Quality Control Technician, Researcher, Safety Engineer, SPC Coordinator, Stock and Material Mover, Tool and Die Maker, Wildlife Biologist, Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Welder, Machinist, Project Manager
STEM Offerings
Course Offerings
- Computer Technology
- Engineering & Architecture
- Manufacturing
- Transportation Technology
- Environmental & Research Sciences
Computer Technology
AP Computer Science Principles
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. The course covers the College Board’s CS Principles framework. The course does not aim to teach a single programming language but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in all fields who have computational skills. Each unit focuses on one or more computationally intensive career paths.
Students practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, and communication skills. Problems aim for ground-level entry with no ceiling, so that all students can successfully engage the problems but students with greater motivation, ability, or background knowledge will be challenged to work further.
Web Page Design
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
In this course, students will work on their communication skills through the use of the Internet. Students will learn how to produce and manage web pages and sites. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of web authoring tools, programming languages and software as they produce pages.
Programming
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Web Page Design
Length: 1 Semester
In this course students will develop an understanding of computer programming through the use of Java. Students will explore the structures involved in computer programming as they develop Java based games, applications and web tools. This also gives students an understanding of coding, debugging and compiling.
AP Computer Science A
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
CSA focuses on integrating technologies across multiple platforms and networks, including the Internet. Students collaborate to produce programs that integrate mobile devices and leverage those devices for distributed collection and data processing. Students analyze, adapt, and improve each other's programs while working primarily in Java and other industry-standard tools.
Product Design & Development
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Computer Technology OR Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 1 Semester
Product Design and Development is the course that allows you to design a solution to a technical problem of your choosing, in which you will work independently or on a team to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. You and your team will present your solution to a panel at the end of the course.
Computer Repair (SW Metro offering)
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1-2 Semesters
Computer Repair is a CompTIA A+/TestOut PC Pro certification course. Certification is achieved by passing industry standard certification exams. The material presented during class is representative of what is on the exams. This course includes an A+ practice exam and one official TestOut PC Pro exam. Both are given at the end of the course. To pass either exam (to be certified in computer repair) requires significant independent work and study outside of class time. This course requires a strong desire to understand computers, to work inside computers and to repair them. This is not a computer gaming class.
Computer Networking 1, 2
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Computer Repair
Length: 1-2 Semesters
Computer Networking is a TestOut Network Pro certification course. This course presents you with material relevant to many standard computer networking courses, for example: CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. Specifically, this course prepares you for the TestOut Network Pro certification exam. To be in this course, you need to be working toward certification. The exam is offered near the end of the program.
Engineering & Architecture
Architectural Drafting 1
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
This course gives students the opportunity to design, engineer and draw plans for an entire home. Studies will include residential architecture, planning individual rooms, footing and foundation, structure framing, electrical features, plumbing and cost analysis. Drawings will include: floor plans, elevations, sections, details, plot plan and perspective. This course will explore and provide experience for a variety of career possibilities. Students will learn basic CAD techniques using Autodesk Revit.
Introduction to Robotics
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Robotics will be a course that covers the concepts and processes of developing Automated Systems. Concepts covered in the course are Mechanical Power Transmission, Drivetrain Design, Lifting Systems, Systems Integration, and Testing/Iteration of the systems. Students will be given introductions to VEX EDR robots; they will need to build a robot to play a sport-like game. After this, students will walk through the design of their robot while presenting them with relevant STEM and Robotics principles. At the end of the course, students compete head-to-head with their robots.
PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
This class is recommended as the first “Project Lead the Way” course in the pre-engineering sequence. It is designed for students interested in an engineering-related field. The major focus of this course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, various communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards while documenting their work in design. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Architectural Drafting 2
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Architectural Drafting 1
Length: 1 Semester
This course gives students the opportunity to design , engineer, and draw advanced plans and techniques for projects pertaining to architecture. Course will include Architectural Styles and Features, Elements and Principles of Design, Model Construction, Commercial and Residential Design projects. There is an emphasis on Interior Design Concepts using Revit and Photoshop. This course will also explore career possibilities within the Architectural Design field.
PLTW Aerospace Engineering (AE)
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students will learn the fundamentals of aerospace technology including principles of flight, aerodynamics, motorized aircraft, rocketry, safety, history, etc. Students will use current software to aid in understanding flight, aircraft design and space exploration. Students will design and/or construct various projects related to aerospace. Field trips and speakers will be major contributors to the class. Activities include use of Microsoft Flight Simulator X, building a lunar rover robot, rockets and planes.
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students will learn essential Engineering Machining Skills. After creating 3D models using Autodesk Inventor, projects will be made using CNC Programming. Students will use a variety of CNC machines, including Mill, Lathe, Plasma Cutter and Router. Students will also learn about automation and robotics by programming a robotic arm.
PLTW Engineering Design & Development (Blended)
Advanced
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students will apply all the skills and knowledge learned in the previous engineering, technology and all other classes that you have taken during your high school career. In this engineering research course, students will work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Inventor 3-D design software will help you design solutions to the problem you and your team have chosen. This course will also test your time management and teamwork skills. You and your team will present and defend your solution to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. Project examples include but are not limited to: Supermileage Car, Battlebots, Community Service project, home remodel, green technology improvement, wood working, metal projects, specialized electronics, advanced CAD modeling presentation in architecture design, reverse engineering, etc.
Product Design & Development (Blended)
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Computer Technology OR Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 1 Semester
Product Design and Development is the course that allows you to design a solution to a technical problem of your choosing, in which you will work independently or on a team to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. You and your team will present your solution to a panel at the end of the course.
Manufacturing
Materials & Engineering Processes
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
An introduction to the materials and processes used in manufacturing. Safety will be emphasized as students learn how to operate machines and tools necessary to process wood and metal into finished products. Students will make a hardwood cutting board. Students will learn various metal working skills such as welding, torch and plasma cutting, machining, and more.
Design & Fabrication of Woods 1
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Materials & Engineering Processes, also Introduction to Engineering Design recommended
Length: 1 Semester
Students increase knowledge and skills developed in Materials & Engineering Processes. Students will study design processes for custom wood working projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. Students will choose to complete one of three project choices. Other projects will be considered by the instructor based on student ability.
Design & Fabrication of Woods 2
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Design & Fabrication of Woods 1
Length: 1 Semester
Students use knowledge and skills developed in Design & Fabrication 1 to design and fabricate a custom wood working project or projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. Project must challenge students’ ability and be approved by instructor. This class has the potential for college credit through articulation with local technical colleges.
Design & Fabrication of Metals 1
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Materials & Engineering Processes, also Introduction to Engineering Design recommended
Length: 1 Semester
Students increase knowledge and skills developed in Materials & Engineering Processes. Students will study design processes for custom metal working projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. Student will complete a series of projects to enhance their machining and welding skills.
Design & Fabrication of Metals 2
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Design & Fabrication of Metals 1
Length: 1 Semester
Students use knowledge and skills developed in Design & Fabrication 1 to design and fabricate custom metal working project or projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. The project must challenge the student’s ability and be approved by instructor. This class has the potential for college credit through articulation with local technical colleges.
PLTW Engineering Design & Development
Advanced
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students will apply all the skills and knowledge learned in the previous engineering, technology and all other classes that you have taken during your high school career. In this engineering research course, students will work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Inventor 3-D design software will help you design solutions to the problem you and your team have chosen. This course will also test your time management and teamwork skills. You and your team will present and defend your solution to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. Project examples include but are not limited to: Supermileage Car, Battlebots, Community Service project, home remodel, green technology improvement, wood working, metal projects, specialized electronics, advanced CAD modeling presentation in architecture design, reverse engineering, etc.
Product Design & Development
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Computer Technology OR Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 1 Semester
Product Design and Development is the course that allows you to design a solution to a technical problem of your choosing, in which you will work independently or on a team to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. You and your team will present your solution to a panel at the end of the course.
Design & Fabrication of Woods 3
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Design & Fabrication of Woods 2
Length: 1 Semester
Students use knowledge and skills developed in Design & Fabrication Woods 2 to design and fabricate a custom woodworking project or projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. Project must challenge students’ ability and be approved by instructor.
Design & Fabrication of Metals 3
Advanced
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Design & Fabrication of Metals 2
Length: 1 Semester
Students use knowledge and skills developed in Design & Fabrication 2 to design and fabricate custom metal working project or projects. Students will sketch, create a 3D computer model and create engineering drawings and a bill of material before beginning fabrication. The project must challenge the student’s ability and be approved by instructor.
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters (can be taken across multiple years)
Students will learn essential Engineering Machining Skills. After creating 3D models using Autodesk Inventor, projects will be made using CNC Programming. Students will use a variety of CNC machines, including Mill, Lathe, Plasma Cutter and Router. Students will also learn about automation and robotics by programming a robotic arm.
Transportation Technology
Power & Energy
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Topics covered: theory and operation of small gas engines, mechanical power transmission to include hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electricity and electronics as related to power systems and study of alternative energy application.
Know Your Car (formerly Terrestrial Transportation Technology)
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
CARS, TRUCKS, 4-WHEELERS, SNOWMOBILES and WATERCRAFT: Students interested in transportation technology and systems that are limited to ground and water. Students will study the effects of mass transportation, the use of hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels on the environment and economy both locally and globally. Students will look at career choices and the post-secondary education needed to pursue these careers.
Product Design & Development
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two courses (including at least one intermediate) within one of these programs of study: Computer Technology OR Manufacturing OR Transportation Technology OR Engineering & Architecture
Length: 1 Semester
Product Design and Development is the course that allows you to design a solution to a technical problem of your choosing, in which you will work independently or on a team to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. You and your team will present your solution to a panel at the end of the course.
Automotive Technology 1, 2 (first year)
Automotive Technology 3, 4 (second year) (SW Metro offering)
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1-4 Semesters
The automotive technology program teaches students the necessary skills and knowledge to work on today's vehicles. This course is designed to prepare students for an automotive future either as an automotive technician or as an automotive consumer. Students will spend 60 percent of their time working with industry standard equipment in the lab. Our curriculum meets NATEF standards and also helps reinforce core subjects through hands-on projects. This two year program is divided into four independent semesters to allow students to take individual semesters if they are unable to attend the entire program. A driver’s license is not required. Students can enroll any semester. In addition to the course work, students will apply their new skills toward the production of a Mini-Stock class race car. The completed car will compete at a local racetrack.
Environmental & Research Sciences
Introduction to Environmental Science
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
In this course, students draw from many areas of science to explore the interrelationships of the natural world.
- How do groups of living things, including humans, interact with each other and their surroundings?
- How do humans use the earth’s natural resources (water, air, land, minerals, energy) and what problems are associated with this use?
Advanced Math Applications
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: FTS OR AAT
Length: 2 Semesters
Have you ever asked, “When will I use this math?” This course deepens your understanding of math by connecting what you learn with real-world situations. Skills developed include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity as you engage in authentic experiences through project/problem based learning.
AP Environmental Science
Advanced
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
This course is an interdisciplinary science, meaning it incorporates the fields of biology, geology, physics, and chemistry into one field. Environmental science focuses on how humans affect the earth and how the earth affects humans. You will apply the scientific process to analyze and learn about the most important problems of our time by interpreting scientific data and drawing logical conclusions. The class will be unique in that the concepts learned can be widely applied to real life and potentially inspire personal action. The topics of the class include: earth systems and resources, the living world, populations, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, air pollution, water pollution, and global change.
AP Calculus AB
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Precalculus
Length: 2 Semesters
This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam. Four major concepts studied: limits, derivatives, definite integrals and indefinite integrals. Skills are presented numerically, graphically, algebraically and verbally. All concepts are reinforced through application. This course will maintain a rigorous pace. (TI-83+ or similar is required).
AP Calculus BC
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
Length: 2 Semesters
This continuation of AP Calculus AB covers the remaining topics of a one year college course. Applications in physics, the calculus of power series, parametric functions and other topics specified by the College Board are included. The AP Calculus BC Exam covers the content of both AP Calculus AB and BC. (TI-83+ or similar is required). Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
AP Chemistry
Advanced
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry OR Chemistry X
Length: 2 Semesters
The main goals of AP Chemistry are (1) to truly challenge every student, (2) to teach the equivalent of two semesters of college chemistry and (3) to prepare students for the AP Chemistry Exam. The class is intended for highly motivated students who excelled in Chemistry. The class goes deeper into topics from Chemistry, then moves on to new topics such as thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, kinetics and electrochemistry.
AP Physics 1
Advanced
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 AND either Physics OR Physics X
Length: 2 Semesters
AP Physics 1 is a fast paced, challenging class equivalent to one semester of algebra-based college physics. The focus of this course is the application of the laws of physics to the solution of sophisticated physics problems. Mathematical problem solving is a key element of the curriculum. AP Physics 1 emphasizes developing and using physics knowledge by applying it to the practice of scientific inquiry and reasoning. Topics covered will include kinematics, Newton’s laws, circular and rotational motion, energy, and momentum. This is a college-level course so the workload and expectations are higher than those of non-AP courses.
AP Statistics
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: AAT or FTS
Length: 2 Semesters
This course is designed to prepare students to pass the AP Statistics exam as well as provide an opportunity to apply the skills to collect, analyze and draw conclusions from data. Students will investigate many issues related to business, the social sciences and the environment. (TI-83+ or similar is required).
Multivariable Calculus
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: AP Calculus BC
Length: 2 Semesters
Multivariable Calculus provides the opportunity to those students who have completed the AP Calculus BC curriculum to continue in a college level math course. The students can expect the same rigor as in the AP classes as they explore the following topics: vectors in two and three dimensions, surfaces, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration and vector calculus.