Career and Technical Education

PLTW Computer Science for Innovators and Makers  
Grade 7 or 8 
Length: semester 

  

 

This course will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects. Throughout the course, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.   

Physical computing projects will promote student awareness of interactive systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and broaden their understanding of abstract computer science concepts through meaningful and authentic applications.  

PLTW Computer Science 1  
Grades: 7 or 8 
Length: semester 

 

Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, ICS is an optional starting point for the Project Lead the Way Computer Science Program. Using standards aligned curriculum via CodeCombat and Ozaria, students will receive direct instruction combined with self-paced work. Students type real Python and JavaScript while playing games that encourage trial-and-error, critical thinking, and creativity. Students then apply the coding skills they’ve learned by developing their own games and websites in project-based courses. Artificial intelligence concepts and applications will be explored during the 2nd half of the course. 

PLTW Medical Detectives 
Grade 8
Length: semester 

 

 

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep's brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.  

The course is embedded with multiple presentations from local professionals in the biomedical, healthcare, health department, and emergency medicine to enrich and bring to life career opportunities in these fields.

PLTW App Creators

 

Grade 7 or 8 
Length: semester 

App Creators introduces students to the field of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking through the creation of mobile apps. Students are challenged to be creative and innovative, as they collaboratively design and develop mobile solutions to engaging, authentic problems. Students experience the positive impact of the application of computer science to society as well as other disciplines, particularly biomedical science.  

The unit provides students opportunities for self-expression. Teams identify a personal or community problem of interest to them that can be solved with a mobile app solution. The problem can address issues such as health and wellness, the environment, school culture, emergency preparedness, education, community service—the options are endless! 

Gate to Tech Design & Modeling 
Grade: 6 
Length: quarter 

 

 

 

This interactive project-based course will introduce students to the design process using solid modeling. Students will gain an understanding of how technology has influenced society & our lives. Using design briefs, students will create models using computer aided drafting software & 3D printing. Students will learn technical writing & the importance of & documentation of processes.