Technology & Engineering

Principles of Photography

0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course offers students hands-on opportunities to learn the fundamentals of both black and white and digital photography, while exploring opportunities in the field of photography. Students become familiar with photographic equipment and conventions while learning how to compose a good photograph.

Computer Science Essentials H (CSE)

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year-Long; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None

Computer Science Essentials is a year-long course that will introduce students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence. In this course 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. Students 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. CSE will be a prerequisite for AP.

Computer Science A

This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.

Computer Graphics 

0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is designed around the use and manipulation of digital images and computer animation. Through a variety of activities, students apply the design techniques learned in class to practical applications. Computer programming experience is not needed for this course.

Creative Workshop

0.5 Credit; Weighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

This course offers high school students a hands-on exploration of various industrial and technological processes. In this foundational course, students will ignite creativity by developing a comprehensive project throughout the term that will involve each of the areas in Photography, Woodworking, Graphics, Electronics, Coding, Robotics, AI, 3D Modeling, basic design principles, and product development. Students will also engage in a variety of smaller projects that emphasize safety, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. Through practical assignments, they will learn how to use tools and machinery effectively, understand materials and their properties, and apply design thinking to real-world challenges.

STEM Guitar 

0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

In this hands-on course, students will embark on an exciting journey to design and build their own electric guitar while exploring the fundamental concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Throughout the course, participants will engage in various activities that cover: Acoustics and Sound Production, Materials Science, Engineering Principles, and Technical Skills.

Advanced Placement Computer Science A

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Computer Science or with a Teacher Recommendation

Students electing this course engage in a study of computer science and will design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs. Use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures; develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve problems; develop code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java; recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use; read and understand a large program consisting of several classes and interacting object; and read and understand a description of design and developmental process leading to such a program. This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.

Project Lead the Way

Project Lead the Way is a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering prior to entering college. For additional information, please visit www.rtsd.org/Domain/166. Students who wish to experience Project Lead the Way courses throughout high school are recommended to follow the sequence: Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Note: Students who do not necessarily meet the prerequisites here may petition a Technology Education teacher for permission to take the classes here.

Introduction to Engineering & Design H (IED)

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Algebra 1 (completed or currently enrolled)

In this course, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.

Principles of Engineering H (POE)

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Geometry, Intro to Engineering Design H (1250)

This survey course of engineering exposes students to some of the major concepts they’ll encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of course concepts. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.

Civil Engineering & Architecture H (CEA)

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design H (1250)

The major focus of this course is completing long-term projects that involve the development of property sites. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of a property. The course provides teachers and students freedom to develop the property as a simulation or for students to model the experiences that civil engineers and architects face. Students work in teams, exploring hands-on activities and projects to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students use 3D design software to help them design solutions to solve major course projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture. This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.

Aerospace Engineering H (AE)

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design H (1250)

The major focus of this course is to expose students to the world of aeronautics, flight and engineering through the fields of aeronautics, aerospace engineering and related areas of study. Lessons engage students in engineering design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Students work in teams utilizing hands-on activities, projects and problems and are exposed to various situations faced by aerospace engineers. In addition, students use 3D design software to help design solutions to proposed problems. Students design intelligent vehicles to learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. This is a PLTW + AP Pathway course. For more information, please see our PLTW+AP section of the program.