Technology Courses

This course is divided into two equal-length areas. In energy systems, students study the six forms of energy: mechanical, nuclear, electrical, heat, light and chemical. Projects include low/high-voltage wiring, wire splicing and various electronic projects. In robotics, using the VEX robotics building system, students will build two VEX robots. The first robot each student will build and program is a simple follow-the-instruction-type machine. The second robot will be built in teams of 3-4 students and will be designed to compete against other robots in the class and play a specific game. Students will have to design, construct and program this robot to play the game.

Engineering Essentials is a full-year course and is appropriate for students in grades 10-12. In this course, students explore the work of engineers and their role in the design and development of solutions to real-world problems. The course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable across multiple engineering disciplines and empowers them to build technical skills through the exploration of a variety of engineering disciplines, such as manufacturing, digital electronics, and mechanical engineering.

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, develop websites and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. Students will 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. Students will experience the major topics, big ideas and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles.

Computer Science Principles is a PLTW/AP course where students will work to implement the College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles framework. Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single programming language but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in all fields who have computational skills. AP exam fee applies; fee waiver or reduction may be available.

Design and Drawing Production provides students with opportunities to be creative and apply their decision-making and problem-solving skills to various design problems. Students will use powerful computer hardware and software (Inventor) to develop 3-D models of objects. Using this computer-aided design system, students will learn the design process by creating, analyzing, drawing and producing a model. Tuition credit fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

This course applies principles of robotics and automation. The course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in Design and Drawing for Production. Students use CNC equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing and design analysis are included. Tuition credit fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students. 

This course provides an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state-of-the-art software to solve real-world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. The course covers the role of civil engineers and architects, project planning, site planning, building design and project documentation. Tuition credit fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students. 

In this engineering research course, students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. Students must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. 

The Game Design in Unity course teaches the fundamentals of designing a game using the most widely accessed and preferred editing engine in the world. The intent of this course is to prepare high school students with the industry related skills needed for the workplace and higher learning environments. By the end of this course, they will understand the design planning process, be knowledgeable of industry related careers, and be able to navigate the Unity environment in order to create 3D games.

Course content is a combination of web-based and offline activities. Students will access lessons through the CodeHS platform and perform activities directly within the Unity game engine. Technology department will need to download and install the game engine Unity.

Students illustrate comprehension of game design skills using the CodeHS platform and apply their knowledge using the Unity game engine. Students will create their games and configure scripts in the Unity game engine. They’ll share their projects with their teacher and classmates.

This advanced course provides an introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science through the theme of multimedia. Using the Python programming language, students express themselves creatively and solve problems involving programming with images, sounds, and animations. Students are also introduced to important computer science topics including data representation, truth tables and circuits, computer organization, operating systems, artificial intelligence and the history and societal impact of computing. Students may earn Siena College credit. Tuition credit fees apply; fee waiver or reduction may be available.