AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory programming course in the PLTW Computer Science Pathway and engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The creation of computer applications is integral to this process.

Course Number: 845AP

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $20

AP Computer Science A serves as the last step on the PLTW Computer Science pathway, emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem-solving and design using Java language at an advanced level. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. This advanced computer science course introduces students to college-level computer science with fundamental topics that include problem-solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing.

Course Number: 846AP

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $20

Additional: Credit in Algebra I requirements and strong math skills required.

Cybersecurity is an introductory course on the PLTW Computer Science pathway and introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities.

This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely.

Course Number: 827

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $20

Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals is a computer science foundational course designed for students to acquire the necessary IT skills for their chosen careers. This course will expose students to all areas of IT that are needed in the world of work. The curriculum will introduce students to a variety of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.

Course Number: 832

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $15

This practical, hands-on course in integrated problem-solving covers common hardware and software solutions for mobile technologies, Macintosh and Windows based PCs. The course focuses on the following:

– Apple iOS and Android platforms

– MAC and Windows PC platforms

– Mobile device repair

Students investigate the most frequent difficulties found in specific applications. An emphasis is placed on the best solution to the most common work interruptions caused by software and hardware conflicts. Issues including printing, viruses, lost files, surge protection, extensions/drivers, and hardware and software installation are also covered. Students should have a desire to learn how to solve integrated computer problems and the ability to attend to detail.

Course Number: 838

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $30

Students help the school and community through service to the Media Center and the district’s one-to-one technology program. This course has an application that is available on the Secondary Curriculum Website.

Course Number: 830

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: None

Additional: This course is available at Central only.

The first in a four-course sequence in the national Project Lead the Way curriculum. Introduction to Engineering Design teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Students use design and modeling software to solve engineering problems and create innovative product applications. 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 3D modeling software and use an engineering notebook to document their work.

Course Number: 839H

Duration: Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $35

Additional: PLTW and CTE end-of-course exams required.

This course will introduce students to fundamental engineering concepts and scientific principles associated with engineering design applications. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics.

Additionally, students will learn material properties and electrical, control and fluid power systems. Students will learn to apply problem solving, research and design skills to create solutions to engineering challenges. This is a foundational course for the Engineering and Design Career Pathway.

This course is an upper-level course in the Engineering and Design Career Pathway, a Career Technical Education (CTE) program, and is available to those who have completed the appropriate foundational level courses.

Course Number: 840H

Duration: Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $35

Additional: PLTW and CTE end-of-course exams required.

Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation.

This course is an upper-level course in the Engineering and Design Career Pathway, a Career Technical Education (CTE) program, and is available to those who have completed the appropriate foundational level courses.

Course Number: 846H

Duration: Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 11

Fees: $35

Additional: PLTW and CTE end-of-course exams required.

From smartphones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.

This course is an upper-level course in Engineering and Design Career Pathway, a Career Technical Education (CTE) program, and is available to those who have completed the appropriate foundational level courses.

Course Number: 841H

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $25

Additional: PLTW and CTE end-of-course exams required. Course offered at Central annually only; offered at North as availability allows. 

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) is a high school level specialization course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In CEA students are introduced to important aspects of building and site design and development. They apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architectural design software. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will progress from completing structured activities to solving open ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.

Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students will solve problems as they practice common design and development protocols such as project management and peer review. Students will develop skills in engineering calculations, technical representation, and documentation of design solutions according to accepted technical standards and use of current 3D architectural design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions.

Course Number: 861H

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $35

Additional: PLTW and CTE end-of-course exams required. Available at North Only.

The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing EDD ready to take on any post­secondary program or career. This is the capstone course for students in the PLWT Pre-Engineering program.

Course Number: 843

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 11-12

Fees: $35

Additional: Credit in Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics or CIM (preferred); course is weighted through an articulation agreement.

Applied Technologies will expose students to many different areas of technology. Topics include power and energy, physics, simple machines, fluid power systems, robotics and mechanical devices, manufacturing, and construction. Materials in this course vary, including the use of wood, metal, and plastics. Concepts are applied in the lab through critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the design and construction of their projects.

Through the integration of math, science, and technology activities, students will be able to develop an understanding of sophisticated engineering concepts and the practical applications of work in STEM-related fields.

Course Number: 828

Duration: Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $35

Construction, Drafting, and CAD is an introductory course that will give students a “hands on” experience with building materials, construction techniques, tools and equipment utilized in industry to build a structure on a site.

Students will simulate activities performed by contractors, subcontractors, and laborers as they prepare a site, build a foundation, frame a structure, and finish the exterior and interior details of the structure. The course will also address issues dealing with home maintenance, plumbing, and electricity.

Students will learn drafting techniques by both hand-drawing and AutoCad. They will study print reading and will construct scaled models of projects such as renovations, homes, or other projects that require these comprehensive skill sets. Students will also study contractual and engineering specifications for the structures.

Course Number: 805

Duration: Year

Credits: 1

Grade: 9-12

Fees: $50

Multimedia is a hands-on program using the latest technology to give students the academic and technical skills needed to create Web sites, take great pictures, construct animations, produce excellent videos and design eye-catching graphics. Students will learn to express their creativity as they collaborate, think critically, and communicate with other students to create digital experiences. In our increasingly digital age, these skills are becoming essential for anyone in business. Multimedia is designed to give students a head-start.

Offered through a partnership with Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools, this is a 2-year program that meets for 2 periods each day, and thus counts for 2 high school credits each year, along with several college credits. For more information about this program, including answers to frequently asked questions, a portfolio of student work, highlights of successful student projects, and updates on what graduates are doing now visit Eastland-Fairfield Career Center’s website. A link is available on the Secondary Curriculum website.

Course Numbers: 834 and 836

Duration: Full Year

Credits: 2

Grade: 11-12

Fees: None

Additional: See counselor for application; course is offered at PHSN campus. PHSC students are encouraged to apply.

Course Number: 813

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 9-11

Fees: $20

The student will develop an understanding of the motion picture industry by creating short films and special effects using the latest technologies including mobile devices. Students will also experience the television and cable industries through the production of a half hour program to be aired weekly on all three local cable companies. Students will be expected to work in many different areas of broadcast production. Students are expected to complete work outside of class and may be required to travel around the school district during class time or after school.

This is an advanced level course that builds on the experience and background information from the Introduction to Video course. These students will be involved with the actual production of the video announcements. Students will work in all areas of broadcasting production, including camera operation, audio, post-production editing, studio setup and design, script writing, and stage lighting.

Using the latest technology, students will be exposed to real world scenarios related to produce every aspect of broadcast production, from transmitting, recording, editing and distribution, to how a studio works.

Course Number: 823

Duration: Semester

Credits: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Fees: $20

Additional: Credit in Introduction to Video and Television Broadcasting required.