High School Technology Courses:
Computer Graphics I
Prerequisite: None
Using Adobe Photoshop you will explore the world of computer graphics. You will
become the graphic designer. This very popular course is a project oriented course in which
activities are based on real life projects that you create using the computer lab. Activities may
include: Magazines, morphing of images, Web page design, 3D photo realistic drawings,
contests, redesigning products and animation projects.
Computer Graphics II
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics I or Permission of Instructor
This course covers advanced topics in Computer Graphics. Students will build on the
skills they learned in Computer Graphics I to create more complex, in-depth designs and original
art. Topics will include 3D scene specifications, rendering techniques, advanced animation,
computer imaging. Real world assignments and guest lecturers will increase the students’
knowledge of the Graphic Arts industry.
Introduction to Tech Photography
Prerequisite: None
This is an introduction course for both traditional photography as well as digital
photography. Students will study the traditional darkroom procedures using a 35mm camera as
well as using a digital camera. The students will also learn how to manipulate and alter their
images through programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This course will help
students who are interested in Photography to experiment with old and new techniques.
Advanced Photography
Prerequisite: Introduction to Tech Photography
Students will study in depth their technical abilities in the darkroom as well their digital
skills. Students will experiment with different methods of coloring photographs, double
exposures and other darkroom tricks. Students will also learn about current photographers in the
industry as well as studio lighting, fashion photography and career opportunities. This course is
designed to help students reach a higher skill level in photography, both traditionally and
digitally. It is highly recommended that students have access to a 35mm camera and a digital
camera.
Design and Drawing for Production
Prerequisite: None
Ever tried to design something new or draw up an idea you wanted to share with your
friends and wondered how you could communicate your idea? Have you wondered how
someone designed that new gadget or sleek new smartphone? Then this course is for you. This
introductory problem-solving course covers six concept areas in technical drawing required to
produce quality mechanical drawings and actual production of their design. The assignments
begin with basic drafting techniques, progress to some design problems, and illustrations that
culminate with a model. This “hands on” method of instruction presents an effective design
solution for student understanding. Students will use the tools of the draftsperson and the
required woodworking equipment to complete these projects. The student receives instruction to
help them gain competence in two and three view, section and isometric drawings. In addition,
you will use SketchUp, a 3D design software package from Google, to help you design solutions
to different projects.
The above course may be taken for Regents credit to satisfy the High School Art/Music
requirement.
The World of Technology
Prerequisite: None
This course is an overall survey course of modern technology. Topics covered, but not
limited to are: plastics, metals, wood, hydroponics, flight and transportation systems, robotics,
foundation of technology, and engineering projects. This is a project based hands-on course
where the student works in groups and individually to complete projects of their own design.
This course may be used as a third credit in Math or Science.
Architecture
Prerequisite: None
This course will allow you to explore different terminologies of design as well as the
overall evolution of architecture. Each student will research, sketch, draw, and model residential
homes including foundations. The course will be divided into interior and exterior space and
cover drawing areas such as floor plans, elevations, sectioning and details. Students will learn the
different symbols used on a plan and they will investigate standard building supplies used in the
field.
Computer Aided Design/Communication Systems
Prerequisite: None
This first part of this course the students will use three dimensional software to create
professional drawings. Using the computer lab, students will have the opportunity to design and
create computer generated drawings such as home design floor plans, vehicle design, and
geometric designs. (Note: The techniques learned in this course emulate those that are utilized
by the industries that incorporate CAD.)
The second part of this course is project based and introduces the students to the use of
visual, audio and electronic communication devices. Projects may include but are not limited to
crystal radios, radio controlled devices, doorbells and telephones, to name a few. Emphasis is on
analyzing, designing, testing and evaluating communication systems.
Modern Electricity/Electronics
Prerequisite: None
The first half of this course covers theoretical and practical electrical circuits. Students
study the different sources of electrical energy, home wiring systems and appliances. The student
learns consumer education on a variety of electrical products. Activities include: home audio
systems, automotive sound systems, low voltage and high voltage residential wiring.
The second half of this course explores electronics as one of the fastest growing “HighTech
fields, as well as an educational and entertaining hobby. The course will take you from
static electricity to solid state electronics. Activities include: circuit construction, an introduction
to integrated circuit devices, and circuit measurement. This course is designed as a lab course
with different electronic system experiments.
Website Design
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn the fundamentals of how to design, develop and maintain a website
using HTML and CSS by creating their own website. They will learn how to use graphics, lists,
tables, links and text in developing a website. Elements of design and basic design principles, as
well as layout principles will be discussed. Students will learn the professional responsibilities
of the job of the developer and how to interact with clients to meet the needs of a client. This
course may be used as an elective to satisfy the graduation requirements.
Engineering Projects in Community Service
Prerequisites: 11th or 12th grade status, or permission from the instructor.
Purdue University is the founding site and headquarters of the EPICS program. EPICS
High will integrate engineering design concepts with service-learning and enable students to
develop valuable partnerships that meet the students educational needs and the technical needs of
their community members.
The course is designed to engage and motivate high school students in the fields of
engineering and computer sciences by teaching them the skills they need to succeed in today’s
workforce. This will be accomplished by broadening the student’s professional skills through an
extended design experience in which they define, design, build, test, employ and support real
systems.
Introduction to Programming
This introductory course in programming introduces students to the software development
process and computer science concepts. The course includes introductory programming in
Scratch then moves onto Java with a focus on developing algorithmic and computational
thinking to be used across all languages. This course provides a firm foundation for Intermediate
Programming and Advanced Programming. Class content will include a systematic approach to
program design through, flowcharts and pseudo code. Students will be writing programs based
on previously learned mathematical concepts, using control statements, loops, arrays, and
reading and writing data to text files.
Intermediate Programming in Java
Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming (Grade 80 or better)
This intermediate class in programming will expand on concepts learned in Introduction to
Programming and also include objects, classes, inheritance, references, sorting and searching,
and classic programming algorithms. This course emphasizes programming methodology and
procedural abstraction. HTML programming with CSS is also introduced. This class has been
designed to facilitate individualized learning at a pace which meets a student’s individual needs.
AP Advanced Programming in Java
Prerequisite: Intermediate Programming in Java (Grade 85 or better)
This advanced class in programming covers the material required by the AP Computer
Science A exam. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of programming techniques
and algorithm development. This course is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college
level course in Computer Science.
Students who take the AP exam will earn the Advanced Placement designation on
their transcript. Students who do not take the exam will have the course title only without
Advanced Placement designation on their transcript. The cost of the AP exam will be
announced annually by the College Board.