Technical Drawing
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
Technical drawing is geared towards the technical career oriented student - students with interests in engineering (mechanical, civil, aerospace, marine, etc.), mechanics (auto, aerospace, marine, etc.), machining and assembly for the building trades. It is a standard pencil and paper drafting class. Students learn how to produce drawings (Blueprints) using standard tools, such as T-squares, drawing board, triangle, compass, etc. The drawings are produced in multiple views, such as 3-view, oblique, scale and the like. Technical Drawing is more of a drafting class than a design class.
Technical drawing should be paired with Computer Aided Design (CAD). Students will learn the same drafting skills by using computer software to produce the drawings. The combination of Technical Drawing and CAD are in high demand in technical fields.
From personal experience and recent conversations with technical industry representatives (architecture, building, manufacturing, etc.), Technical Drawing and CAD are a very valuable combination for students looking to pursue engineering and technical careers, whether or not they plan on attending college.
Auto CAD
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
Computer Aided Design (CAD) should be paired with Technical Drawing. Students will learn the same drafting skills by using standard pencil and paper drafting tools to produce the drawing. The combination of Technical Drawing and CAD are in high demand in technical fields.
From personal experience and recent conversations with technical industry representatives (architecture, building, manufacturing, etc.), Technical Drawing and CAD are a very valuable combination for students looking to pursue engineering and technical careers, whether or not they plan on attending college.
Architectural Drawing
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Technical Drawing, Design and Drawing for Production, or permission of instructor.
Architectural Drawing is a study of home design and architectural blueprint reading. The course is organized around the basic construction drawings required for a residential structure. In addition, construction techniques, design principles and material specifications are taught. The course is broad in scope and at the same time provides an in-depth study. It is intended to help develop the necessary technical skills to communicate architectural ideas in an understandable, efficient and accurate manner. The student creates many sophisticated drawings, not only of a home, but also of the many interior and exterior parts related to it. Examples of these drawings include rooms, cabinets, walls, staircases and fireplaces. This course is only for the highly motivated student. It consists of drawing and requires much time and effort. It is very rewarding, however, and may be used to meet a 1 unit of the Art/Music requirement for graduation if it is part of this technology sequence.
Green Solutions
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
This course is designed for the student interested in “Green Solutions” to meet the needs of emerging sustainable building trends. Students will explore the technical, tools, materials and strategies of “green solutions” to modern residential construction concerns. Cutting edge careers will be examined as careers of the future. This course will cover terminology, working drawing (blueprints), selecting and purchasing materials, cost and payback, and more. Strong emphasis will be given to local building codes and zoning laws. Students will gain hands-on experience by planning and constructing a shed that incorporates various aspects of green design.
Wood Technology
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Technical Drawing, Design and Drawing for Production, or permission of instructor.
This is a beginner course in general woodworking. It involves an extensive use of hand tools, portable electric tools and an introduction to some woodworking machines. Emphasis is placed on planning and safety. Related areas dealing with design, types of wood, wood products and opportunities in woodworking careers are also covered. Particular stress is placed on strong student participation in the shop. Students have an opportunity to design, draw and construct a variety of projects. This course may not be used in the Technology sequence but that should not deter the serious woodworker from enrolling. The hands-on time provided and skills taught are extremely valuable in the age of the vanishing craftsman.
Advanced Wood Technology
Grades 10-12
(200 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: General Wood Technology or permission of instructor.
This course is a continuation of General Wood Technology. It is designed for and recommended only for the highly motivated woodworking student. The use of power woodworking machines is emphasized and used in project construction. Many different types of projects are made in this course, including a series of wood toys. There are required projects designed, drawn and constructed by the students. Craftsmanship and good design are heavily stressed. Safety is emphasized, as well as good housekeeping. Most of the students in this course will find it necessary to come in during free periods and work in order to complete required tasks. This course is not part of the Technology sequence but is an excellent choice if looking for a valuable elective that will continue to pay back dividends for the rest of your life.
Drawing and Design for Production
Grades 9-12
(200 level)
1 credit
Design and Drawing for Production is geared towards the design student. It is more for students that might pursue careers in product design or similar fields. The technical drawing aspect is slightly less emphasized in order to favor the design side. Students still learn the skills in Technical Drawing, but not quite as deeply, as color and other aesthetic values are incorporated. Students are asked to design things using their drafting skills. Some of the design projects may include a video game cover, video game organizer, a package (box) for a product, a street corner in 2-point perspective, a child’s toy, a 3-D model of an amusement park and similar projects. It is a paper class. There is no woodwork. Any 3-D models are made with paper and cardboard. Drawing and Design for Production differs from Technical Drawing. In Technical Drawing, students draw/redraw existing drawings in order to become proficient in drafting skills and practices. In Drawing and Design for Production, students do less drawing/redrawing of existing drawings in order to become proficient in drafting skills and practices. In addition, Drawing and Design for Production students work on projects that utilize their drafting skills in producing drawings of their own design. Most of Technical Drawing is incorporated into Drawing and Design for Production.
Principles of Engineering (POE)
Grade 12
(200 or 300 level)
1 credit
Principles of Engineering is a multidisciplinary course, which is based on the Physical Sciences. It combines Project Based Learning (PBL) within a task-oriented cooperative teams structure. Team projects will be entered into competitions. POE is intended for 12th grade students interested in pursuing an engineering or technology career. Other students may be admitted with permission. Students should have successfully completed the Integrated Algebra Regents and a laboratory-based science Regents.
World of Robotics (WOR)
Grades 10-11
(200 or 300 level)
1 credit
World of Robotics is a multidisciplinary course based on the Physical Sciences. It will introduce students to robotic planning, design, development, fabrication and test. Students will learn how to program robotic designs to perform various functions for different challenges. Designs will be entered into various competitions. WOR is intended for 10th and 11th grade students that plan to pursue engineering, science or technology careers.