Technology / Innovation

Innovation in Action (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

.5 credit

Prerequisite: None Course Description: This semester elective course aims to introduce students to the innovation principles and design processes. Course content is taught through a project based learning approach which is interactive, flexible, and student-driven. This course is designed to encourage critical thinking through the application of the design process. Students will participate in the LAUNCH Challenge and a micro-level pitch contest at the culmination of the course. Students will be presented with workshops aimed to develop and expand 21st century soft skills; driving questions, observations, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students will utilize the resources in the Innovation Lab to address projects and challenges. Additionally, students will be introduced to computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing applications, as well as engage with other production software programs and machinery in the fabrication lab. (Semester1)

Fundamentals of Computer Science (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) .5 credit

Prerequisite: None Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fields of computer science and computational thinking. Students will engage a variety of topics within computer science ranging from the internet, intro to programing, digital information, big data and privacy to limits and impacts of computer science on societal and ethical issues. The primary focus of the course is to develop in students the computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving, and procedural programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Through the application of the problem solving process students will design an app to address a realworld problem. This course will prepare students to take AP Computer Science Principles. Course topics also include the problem solving and design processes, data management, computer aided design (CAD), and careers within the field of computer science. (Semester 2)

Computer Science Principles (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) 1 credit

Prerequisite: None Course Description: Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing, so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Computing is so fundamental to understanding and participating in society that it is valuable for every student to learn as part of a modern education. The coursework provides students with a critical lens for interpreting the world around them while preparing them to be active and informed contributors to our increasingly technological society whether they pursue careers in technology or not. Course topics will also include cybersecurity, programming, computer aided design (CAD). By the end of the course, students will feel confident in designing and iterating programs and implementing programmed solutions to problems using a procedural programming paradigm. (Semesters1 & 2)

Robotics (grades 10, 11, 12)

1 credit

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computer Scienceor Teacher Approval Course Description: This course provides an interdisciplinary experience for learning robotics in a practical environment. Students will be challenged across a spectrum of scientific and mathematic disciplines in a cooperative and collaborative setting. Additionally, the student becomes part of a team that defines, designs, and builds a robot. Students learn the basic concepts and interrelationship of design, mechanics, engineering, computer programming and software. The students also practice and improve effective communication, teamwork and problem solving skills – all key competencies for success in any field. This course is applicable for all students in today’s world of integrated technology and global communication. (Semesters 1 & 2)

iPad / Tech Help Desk (grades 10, 11, 12) 1 credit

Prerequisites: Innovation in Action Course Description: This course is designed to equip students with customer service oriented technical support skills. These skills will prepare students to aid their peers and faculty members with identifying, troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving technology-related issues. Additionally, students will assist and support innovation lab and computer lab faculty and students with basic I.T. troubleshooting including 3D-printers, computers, laptops, iPads and other technological tools. This class is graded Pass / Fail. (Semesters 1 & 2)

Principles of Innovation (grades 10, 11, 12) 1 credit

Prerequisite: Innovation in Action recommended but not required Course Description: This is a multi-faceted course designed to deepen innovative understandings and skills through an integrated learning approach. The learning approach is interactive, flexible, and project based. In this course, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of innovation and innovative principles to include the characteristics, drivers, and strategies that define and impact innovative thinking and processes. Students will be presented with workshops aimed to develop and expand 21st century soft skills; communication, critical evaluation and research, collaboration, data analysis, presentational, entrepreneurial, creativity, and mindset. Students will utilize the resources in the Innovation Lab to address projects and challenges. Additionally, students will learn computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing application, as well as engage with other production software programs and machinery in the fabrication lab. As part of the course framework, students will participate in various competitions and participate in the culminating Shark Tank final project/experience. (Semesters 1 & 2)

Intro to Engineering Design (grades 10, 11, 12) 1 credit Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with a grade of A or Algebra I Honors with a grade of B or higher Course Description: This course exposes students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. In addition, they will learn to use 3D solid modeling design software to design solutions to problems. Students will develop problem solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions, document the process, and communicate the results. (Semesters 1 & 2)

AP Computer Science Principles (grades 10, 11, 12) 1 credit

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computer Science or Teacher Approval AP Exam Fee of approximately $100.00 collected spring semester Course Description: In this course, students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world. (Semesters 1 & 2)

DC Information Technology Applications (IT 202) (grades 11, 12) .5 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of BCF Dual Credit Process Course Description: A course designed to give students a wide range of skills in the proper utilization of microcomputer applications. Microsoft office is used to create word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and desktop publishing projects. (Semester 1)

“Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9