Technology & Engineering

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements (d))
Ninth Grade
2 Semesters

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.

Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and beyond. 

Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
1 Semester

This course is for any student interested in possible college majors or careers in STEM. This is a heavily project-based course that emphasizes hands-on activities and teamwork while building technical and communication skills needed for future success in high School STEM courses. Students will use the engineering design process while being introduced to 3D design and printing, microcontrollers, hardware design, and software programming while utilizing mathematics and science. 

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Chemistry or an A in Chemistry. A or B in Algebra 2. Students must have completed Biology or Honors Biology as well. Department Recommendation is required.

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
1 Semester

This course focuses on programming concepts using Java as a programming language and also serves as preparation for AP Computer Science A. Students will learn how to write console programs and manipulate existing graphical user interface (GUI) programs. The class will consist of seven units, each unit focusing on primitive data types, classes, objects, inheritance, control, algorithm design, program design, and analysis. The purpose of the class is to expose students to computer science at a higher level than drag-and-drop programming and to prepare them for further study.

Prerequisite: Mark of C or better in Exploring Computer Science PLTW Computer Science Essentials. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements - (g))
1 Semester

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the world of web design, exploring the historically changing trends in the fields of design for the web. Through design projects for the web, students will develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and detail-oriented skills. Students will be introduced to computer programming, website creation, and website design. Students will learn and use programming techniques in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a website. This course is offered so that students may be more aware of and competent in the skills needed for a career in the growing fields of STEM and web programming/design, in addition to providing and extending technology opportunities to enhance learning at all levels.

Prerequisite: Mark of C or better in Exploring Computer Science PLTW Computer Science Essentials. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

Cybersecurity 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 cyberinfrastructure that moves and processes information safely.  

Prerequisite: Mark of C or better in Exploring Computer Science PLTW Computer Science Essentials. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Math Requirements - (c))
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is for students who seek to abstract mathematical thinking to computers. Students should be familiar with functional notation, such as f(x) = x +2 and f(x) = g(h(x)). The course emphasizes programming methodology, procedural abstraction, and in-depth study of algorithms, primitive types, collections, classes and objects, inheritance and polymorphism, and good programming design practices. Instruction is project and test-based learning and includes preparation for the AP Computer Science A Exam. Students will be able to apply programming tools gained from the course to real-life examples and leave with an understanding of Java and the ability to adapt to any new programming language.

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 with an A OR Honors Algebra 2 with a B or higher OR Java Programming and Web Design with an A with department member recommendation. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements - (d))
Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This Robotics course is based on the VEX EDR curriculum provided by VEX Robotics, Inc., and is composed of thirteen main units and one optional unit.  Students learn about engineering and engineering problem solving as they apply math and science concepts in the design and programming of robots. They will be given introductions to the VEX Robotics Design System and Autodesk Fusion 360 3D CAD software while learning key STEM principles through a process that captures the excitement and engagement of robotics competition. The curriculum is heavily focused on mechatronic principles augmented, where appropriate, with programming. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course explores the concepts and methods of structural engineering, with an intensive hands-on laboratory and workshop component. Topics include foundations, wall and floor-framing structures, load paths, trusses, bridges, towers, and earthquake engineering. Students will be expected to conceptualize, design, build, debug and correct a variety of projects, working independently or in collaboration with other students. Throughout the entire course, students will research both successes and failures in structural engineering throughout history. They will investigate why these structures were successful or why they failed and present their findings to the class. They will keep all these investigations in a journal so that they can reference them as they work on their own designs.

Prerequisite: Geometry is required. Physics, Algebra 2, and World of Architecture 1 are recommended for prerequisites or concurrent enrollment.