Technology Education

Teacher – Mr. Angelo Facciponti-Mennella                                  

What is Technology Education?
The Technology curriculum is a dynamic, hands-on program of study that teaches students about the development and applications of technology and the effects technology has on individuals, society, and the environment. Its goal is to develop the technological literacy and capabilities of all students so that they will be better prepared for success in a highly technological society. The course curricula are delivered through an articulated series of design and problem solving activities in which students apply knowledge to solve practical real-world problems. It teaches students how to think, not what to think, and how to learn, not what to learn. 

Successful completion of any of these courses meets the practical arts graduation requirement. 

450 DRAFTING AND DESIGN Gr. 9-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks           

This exciting introductory course to Drafting and Engineering Design introduces students to engineering, drafting, and design skills necessary for effective technical communication found in today’s top industries and businesses. Fundamental drafting techniques are covered, including technical sketching; traditional drafting, including geometric constructions; orthographic projection; pattern making; isometric and perspective drawings; and CAD. This course is for students interested in design, engineering, architecture, mathematics, or science, as well as other related careers.

453 ENGINEERING/CAD I Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks
This is a half-year course where students acquire the basic skills necessary to discover solutions to design problems using hands-on activities. Students will explore engineering design concepts using two-dimensional and three-dimensional CAD software, as well as hands-on modeling, product aesthetics, and the ergonomics of product design. An individual approach will be used to enable students to express their ideas with creativity, clarity, and precision. Students interested in design, engineering, architecture, mathematics, or science should consider taking this course. 

454 ENGINEERING/CAD II Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks

Prerequisite: Engineering/CAD I  

This half-year course is designed to have students use hands-on skills to complete solutions to design problems. Through the use of computers, students will be exposed to technical communication software that includes 3D modeling and animation programs. In addition, this course provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced 3D modeling and printing skills with the study and application of material processing, systems solutions, design refinement, and hands-on material modeling. Students interested in design, engineering, architecture, mathematics, or science should consider taking this course.

457 ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING & DESIGN I

Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks  

Prerequisite: Drafting and Design #450 

The Architectural Drafting and Design I course introduces students to the fundamental skills and concepts used by architects, civil engineers, and builders. Through the use of architectural design software and hands-on design challenges, students will produce architectural house plans, CAD drawings, and presentations of their designs. Emphasis is placed on the planning and design of residential structures with the efficient use of space and room layout. Site development, construction techniques, historical style periods and aesthetic considerations are also explored. Students will develop their own floor plans, cross sections, elevations, and two-point perspective drawings. 

458 ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING & DESIGN II

Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks 

Prerequisite: Architectural Drafting and Design I 457 

Architectural Drafting and Design II is an advanced hands-on course that combines the drafting and CAD skills from the prerequisite courses with additional knowledge and skills related to the Architectural field. Students are taught advanced drawing techniques, the design loop, the construction of scale models, and design considerations.  Students solve long-range problems through the interaction with the American Institute of Architects via design competitions that require the application of critical thinking skills. This course is highly recommended for students planning a career in architecture, engineering, construction trades, or related design fields. 

491 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr. 18 wks

Dive into the rapidly evolving world of technology with Introduction to Artificial Intelligence ADV. This semester-long course offers students a comprehensive look at the systems shaping our future, covering essential topics such as Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision. Moving beyond theory, students will engage in hands-on activities and project-based learning to explore how AI intersects with Robotics and real-world problem-solving. The curriculum also tackles the critical ethical considerations in AI, ensuring students understand the societal impact of these tools. Whether you are preparing for higher education or simply interested in how computers “think,” this course will equip you with essential, future-ready skills.

492 WEB PAGE DESIGN/ANIMATION I 2.5 cr., 18 wks, Gr 9-12

This is an introductory course to the software, techniques, and theory of building a website for school, personal use, or for employment opportunities. Students will learn necessary aspects of internet infrastructure. Students will learn how to code HTML and CSS, as well as tools for HTML/CSS generation. Students will learn how to design a webpage for effective communication. Students also learn several basic methods used to animate graphics for the web.

494 WEB PAGE DESIGN/ANIMATION II 2.5 cr., 18 wks

Prerequisite: Web Page Design/Animation I 

This course is a continuation of Webpage Design/Animation I. Students will learn responsive web design as they dive deeper into CSS and HTML. Students will learn Bootstrap for rapid web development. Students will also learn JavaScript and explore back-end processing of web pages.

495       INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS Gr. 9-12, 2.5 cr., 18 weeks

The purpose of this semester-long course is to introduce students to the field of robotics, focusing on electronics, programming, and mechanical engineering. Students will use programming skills to interpret data from sensors to control their robot’s movement. Students will apply their new skills to design and program solutions to robotics challenges. The skills from this class will enable students to continue with the more challenging Robotics and Automation course.

499 ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION  Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks   

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Robotics

This course builds on Introduction to Robotics by emphasizing both automatic and remote control of computerized systems. Students will continue to learn about sensors and other electronic components. Students will use electronic communication systems like bluetooth & wireless technology to develop an IOT (internet of things) device. Students will design mechanical solutions that are controlled by their robots using CAD tools. Each student will design, build, and test a robot or automated system. Additionally, they will explore the principles and issues related to the use of automation in contemporary society. 

069 POWER TECHNOLOGY I (N)  Gr. 9-12 2.5 cr., 18 wks

In this Technology Education course, students become familiar with multiple power systems, as well as their components and features. This familiarization is the basis for all engineering and operating activities in power systems. Students will become familiar with various instruments and tools to enhance a piece of equipment.  Students are introduced to the fundamentals of today’s technologies in generating transmission and power system management.  They will assemble and test internal combustion engines and learn about other power technologies, such as rocket and solar-powered vehicles.  Each student in this course will inspect, repair, and maintain an engine. An understanding of the basic principles in operating engines and the proper use of tools will be emphasized in this course.

070 POWER TECHNOLOGY  II (N) Gr. 9-12  2.5 cr., 18 wks 

Prerequisite: Power Technology I

This course will build upon the basic principles that students learned in Power Technology I.  Prior to taking this course, students should have a strong understanding of various instruments and tools used to enhance pieces of equipment.  Students will take an advanced look into the ignition systems and the transmission of energy. Internal combustion engines, other time/labor-saving engines, and motors will be explored. These devices include diesel engines, rocket and jet engines, electric motors, hydraulics, hybrid vehicles, and the use of CAD.  Students will also utilize rapid prototyping techniques, which include CNC milling, 3D printers, and laser cutting for projects. 

471 Mechanical Engineering Tech I Gr. 10-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks. 

Prerequisite(s): Engineering/CAD I&II, or Teacher Recommendation

In this dynamic, hands-on course, students explore the field of mechanical engineering technology. Students will design and build structures and simple machines by applying the physics of forces and  motion. Students will study energy sources and their applications, such as in vehicle designs. Additionally, this course will study the strength of materials and the impact of material choice on cost and performance. In completing their projects, students will apply the design loop and use 3D modeling and statistical analysis while focusing on research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. 

472 Mechanical Engineering Tech II Gr. 10-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks. 

Prerequisite(s): MET  I 

In this continuation of MET I, students will solve problems involving the use of hydraulics and pneumatics, study heat transfer (thermo-dynamics) and applications, and additional advanced mechanical engineering topics. As in MET I, students will apply the design loop, and use 3D modeling and statistical analysis while focusing on research and analysis,  teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. 

473 Electrical Engineering Tech I Gr. 10-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks. 

Prerequisite(s): Engineering/CAD I&II, or Intro to Robotics or Teacher Recommendation

Electrical Engineering Technology is designed for students to explore theories of electronics using practical, hands-on methods. Students will be grounded in the safe use of tools and measurement devices, as well as basic electrical theory, components, and circuits. Students are expected to apply knowledge they have gained toward building, troubleshooting, analyzing, and explaining the operation of various electronic circuits and devices. By the end of the course, students will be able to read schematics, use basic tools, measure devices, construct circuits, design and program microcontroller-based electronic systems, and apply their knowledge toward designing solutions for increasingly difficult problems.  While implementing these designs, students will continually hone their professional skills, creative abilities, and understanding of the circuit design process. 

474 Electrical Engineering Tech II Gr. 10-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks.

Prerequisite(s): EET I 

This course builds upon the fundamentals taught in EET I.  The course will include an investigation of the basic concepts of inductance, capacitance, reactance, impedance, and resonance. The operation of semiconductor devices will be included. The basic concepts and components common to electronics will be used to explore the function and operation of the three basic electronic circuits: the power supply, amplifier, and oscillator. Included will be the function and operation of electronic test equipment, such as an oscilloscope, digital meters, signal generator, frequency counter, and various other test equipment as available.  Students will progress into computer electronics, where they will explore binary math, logic gates, truth tables, and computer “architecture” (organizational design). 

475 Capstone in Technology 1  (H/Wt.) Gr. 11-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks.  Prerequisite(s):  Teacher Recommendation

The Capstone is a student-driven course structured around a technology challenge the student is interested in exploring in greater depth.  It is an opportunity for students to engage in a semester-long full design process, culminating in the creation of a physical or technical product or system that solves a unique problem, demonstrating the student’s ability to apply knowledge and skills honed throughout his or her academic career. Under the guidance of the teacher, students will select a problem or opportunity in Engineering, Architecture or Technology that relates to a topic of interest and develop a research question or project. Students will also identify resources, such as an industry mentor, from the local and/or global communities as they work toward a viable solution.  

Students interested in this should start the process by reaching out to one of the Technology Teachers.

476 Capstone in Technology 2  (H/Wt.) Gr. 11-12, 2.5 cr., 18 wks.  Pre-requisites: Teacher Recommendation

The Capstone in Technology 2 course could be a continuation of a large project started in CIT 1, or it could be a second semester-long Capstone project. See the description above for Capstone in Technology I.