Technology and engineering are pervasive in all aspects of our lives. Every human activity is dependent upon the products, systems, and processes we have created to help us grow food, provide shelter, communicate, work, and recreate. As the world becomes more complex, it is increasingly important for everyone to become technologically and engineering literate. We need to understand technology’s impact on our lives, society, and the environment, as well as how to use and develop technological products, systems, and processes to extend human capabilities.
Students interested in specific technical training and careers should reference the Career & Technology Center (CTC) section of the EPG.
Architectural Design
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED055, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore the built environment that surrounds them. Students will be exposed to fundamental components of architecture and construction as they apply a design process to creatively solve real-world problems related to the structures in which they live. This course is centered around activities and projects related to the designing and planning of typical residential buildings, as well as the use of architectural computer modeling software.
Design-Build 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED020, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
This course is a study in how modern-day products are designed and manufactured. Students will experience project-based activities that will allow them to safely produce projects in a variety of materials such as woods, metals, and plastics. Implementing the technological design process, students will learn how to work from concept through prototype to final design as they design and build individual and group projects.
Design-Build 2
Grades 10/11/12, #TED021, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Design-Build 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
This course is a continued application of the technological design process utilizing project-based activities. Applying the fundamental knowledge and skills acquired in Design-Build 1, students will explore product manufacturing. As a part of a product development team, they will learn all the steps of developing a product for a consumer from start to finish. Students will also work on individual projects to expand their exposure to machines and processes involving woods, metals, and plastics with an emphasis on CNC technology and 3D printing.
Engineering Technology 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED031, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
(Replaces former course: CADD 1)
This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore technologies that help us design products, systems, and processes to satisfy human needs and wants. Primarily, this course is centered around using computer-aided design (CAD) technology and a design process to creatively solve problems and professionally communicate technical information. Additionally, students will develop an ability to understand, use, create, and assess technology that exists all around them in our complex world.
Engineering Technology 2
Grades 10/11/12, #TED032, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
(Replaces former course: CADD 2)
This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to learn advanced "engineering thinking" through deeper exploration of computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Building on concepts and skills learned in Engineering Technology 1, students will frequently apply a design process to creatively solve real-world problems and professionally communicate technical information at an advanced level. One of the main goals of this course is to further develop an ability to engineer by using scientific principles and mathematical reasoning to improve technologies.
Graphics 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED041, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
This course is an introduction into the foundations and basic applications of graphic design and its role within the printing industries. Student projects will develop creativity and design thinking skills through the manipulation and development of digital images. Students will utilize state of the art software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator® and Adobe Photoshop® to engage in various projects and design challenges.
Graphics 2
Grades 10/11/12, #TED042, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Graphics 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
This course enables students to advance their graphic design skills while focusing on digital applications of visual communications. Design thinking skills will aid in guiding students through the continued development of their design, desktop publishing and visual presentation skills. Students will continue to grow their previous Adobe software experiences while engaging in new programs and other related digital media.
Independent Technology Project
Grades 11/12, #TED61, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisites: Completion of all offered courses in the selected area of technology education for the project, and prior arrangements made with the teacher that will facilitate instruction for the planned independent technology project.
This course is for students who want to pursue an advanced, independent project in technology education. Students will be expected to keep a journal of activities and will be assessed against a variety of rubrics depending on their particular project. A final report and/or presentation of the student’s project will be required at the end of the term. Enrollment in this course can be repeated, as necessary, to continue or pursue a new technology education project.
Transportation Technology 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED012, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
(Replaces former course: Energy, Power & Transportation)
This course allows students to design and create transportation models that teach concepts of structure, energy efficiency, mechanical advantage, and system controls. The hands-on application of problem solving is foundational to the course. The question, “How does that work?” will be a driving force in the learning of the important relationships between math, science, technology, and engineering in transportation. Skills of material processing, machine and tool use, and creative collaboration will be natural byproducts of this course’s activities.
Video Production 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED045, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
This project-based course introduces the video production process. Students are introduced to basic pre- and post-production skills of storyboarding, scriptwriting, camera techniques, visual composition, sound gathering, and lighting techniques. The class will be instructed in Adobe Premiere editing software to create a variety of group and individual video projects.
Video Production 2
Grades 10/11/12, #TED046, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Video Production 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
This project-based course builds on concepts introduced in VP 1 and encourages students to increase their proficiency in videography and explore advanced editing techniques. More emphasis will be placed on advanced camera functions, lighting and sound options, and story development. Students will work in teams and independently to produce a variety of projects for the morning TV broadcast (feature human interest, news and sports stories, commercials, public service announcements, and commentaries) as well as an original short feature. Students will also assist in the planning, production, and broadcast of the Blue Streak News.
Video Production 3
Grades 11/12, #TED047, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Video Production 2 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
The VP3 students will assume leadership roles in class and are responsible for the planning, producing and broadcasting of Blue Streak News. Rotating through each position, students will train in all job responsibilities, including lighting, camera, and teleprompter operation, graphics, sound, and video mixing, and directing and news scriptwriting. Specific production assignments are included in each rotation. Students are evaluated on their contribution to and their performance during the broadcast. Students will also work in teams and independently to create videos for the Blue Streak News.
Video Production 4
Grades 11/12, #TED048, ½ credit, 5 periods (S)
Prerequisite: Video Production 3 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
The VP 4 students will have the opportunity to advance their leadership and production skills in areas that they have practiced during earlier levels of video production including, but not limited to, creating news, human interest features and sports stories, original short videos, and documentaries or animated shorts for the school broadcast. Students may be called on to assist with the morning Blue Streak News broadcast, if needed, or they may choose to concentrate their efforts in that area. Students in VP 4 should plan to enter a minimum of one project in local or national contests throughout the semester. They may select their own format and contest as available.
project lead the way (PLTW)
From designing everyday products to constructing skyscrapers and launching space explorations, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
The four PLTW courses that MTHS offers carry a GPA weight of x1.05 and are affiliated with collegiate and university engineering programs that offer the potential for college credit and/or acceleration in specific college engineering programs.
Intro to Engineering Design (IED)
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED071, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
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 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.
Note: For NCAA purposes only, this course meets the Science requirement.
Principles of Engineering (POE)
Grades 9/10/11/12, #TED072, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
Note: For NCAA purposes only, this course meets the Science requirement.
Aerospace Engineering (AE)
Grades 10/11/12, #TED074, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
This course propels students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. They also explore robot systems through projects such as remotely operated vehicles.
Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)
Grades 10/11/12, #TED076, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (recommended minimum grade of 75%)
Students learn 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 3-D architectural design software.
This course is offered in 2022-23 school year. Course will proceed to run in alternating sequence of years, being offered next in 2024-25.