Course Descriptions

Grade 9 - Computer Aided Design (CAD):

This course is a required technology course for all first year students at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Being technologically literate is a primary focus for career ready students. Students must develop skills while interacting with various information systems to gain an understanding of how they relate for future vocational and professional careers. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the features, abilities, and limitations of design and drafting software by working through design situations and communicating by means of written and visual representations. We will use CAD software as a means to create one’s designs by blending the creators thoughts with the reality of project creation. Various software programs and integrated STEM disciplines will be used as driving factors for our problem and project based learning situations including hands-on activities and projects. The integration of various disciplines allows for students to be well rounded and understand the importance of asking questions as they grow to become technologically literate. This environment encourages students to wonder and then act on how they can manipulate the tools or materials around them to better serve the lives of themselves and others. Practices include presentations, technical drafting/ drawing, research, developmental work, and computational thinking. Activities for the course are developed to carry out the concepts of design, systems, and problem solving thinking. This is a hands-on course. Most assignments are in the form of projects. Some assignments are just for practice and others are used for assessment. Some projects encompass several performance proficiencies. Proficiencies may be assessed separately and then averaged for a project grade.

Grade 10 - Computer Applications and Manufacturing Processes (CAMP):

This course exposes students to computer applications for programming such as Arduino, Python, and possibly ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Makerbot software and a deeper Fusion360 experience, and material processing related to product design. In this 10th-grade course, students will explore the intersection of computer applications and material processing within a shop environment. The course will introduce fundamental concepts of computer programming, software applications, and their practical applications in product design. The course also introduces students to  basic wood shop tools needed for prototyping and product design.

Employers are seeking to employ people who can solve problems, communicate and think critically and analytically.  Employees and business owners must synthesize massive amounts of information available to determine what is needed for a variety of tasks.  In order to keep up with technological advances in the new millennium, people must have a variety of skills and be capable of doing a variety of tasks at once.

Tool Safety Certification and Testing
Before using any power tools in the lab, all students must complete safety tests demonstrating their knowledge of safe operation procedures for each machine. This includes, but is not limited to, the drill press, band saw, scroll saw, miter saw, and table saw. Each test will cover proper tool setup, usage techniques, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency shut-off procedures. Students must achieve a passing score on each safety test and demonstrate proper handling under supervision before being granted independent access to the equipment. Mastery of tool safety is a prerequisite for all design and fabrication projects in the lab.

CAMP attempts to:

• Meet the challenges of the future by exposing students to computer applications and material processing tools.

• Provide the student with the necessary skills to survive and function in a technological society, be a productive individual, and be able to work cooperatively toward improving an ever-changing technological society.

• Broaden critical thinking and problem solving skills through the application of knowledge and skills.

• Develop an awareness of the impacts of technology on individuals, societies and the environment.

• Supply technological knowledge through exposure, research and constructivism.

• Instill a wide range of communication skills.

• Encourage curiosity and expand the desire to discover and invent.

• Provide career exposure and workplace readiness skills.

CAMP prepares students to:

• Live in a technological world as a citizen, consumer and worker.

• Utilize technological systems to solve problems.

• Create and improve technological systems.

• Evaluate the impact of technology on the individual, society, and the environment.

• Communicate and process information effectively.

• Work independently and cooperatively.

• Think creatively, critically and analytically.

• Research and evaluate the past and apply decision-making skills for shaping values.

• Identify, explore and evaluate career opportunities associated with technology.

Grade 11 - Systems Engineering I:

This junior year ELECTIVE course provides students with the opportunity to apply skills from the freshman and sophomore level coursework to solve problems in engineering design.  Students take Systems Engineering 1 if they anticipate their Senior Capstone Project will primarily focus on engineering and design. Students use prior knowledge of the design process and drawing techniques such as hand sketching and computer aided drafting to solve problems related to systems and subsystems.  Emphasis is placed on research, documentation and evaluation of solutions to design problems.  The organizational structure of this course is based on a “central project” philosophy to provide a realistic and meaningful experience and to allow for guidance and support through the community and industry.

The course will allow students to develop and practice the basic concepts for design and problem solving, elaborate on concepts as a preliminary design, and develop the preliminary design into a set of “contract” drawings and specifications.  Design work continues into the construction phase to process materials, assemble components, systems and subassemblies into an integrated whole.  Virtually all the related design and engineering tasks will be done using a variety of computer applications.  All solutions are tested, evaluated and redesigned as needed.

Grade 12 - Senior Capstone Project:

This 10-credit, project-based course provides students with the opportunity to integrate K-12 subject matter to design and develop a solution to solve a design problem. The students use prior knowledge of a design process, hand sketching and computer aided drafting to design and solve problems to reach a solution. Emphasis is placed on research, documentation and evaluation of the solution to the design problem. The organizational structure of this course is based on a “Student Driven Project” and a “Central Project” philosophy to provide a realistic and meaningful experience and to allow for guidance and support through the community and industry. 

The course will allow students to apply the basic concepts for design, problem solving, technical writing, computer application, and material processing skills. Students will design, develop and construct an entire single solution to a problem or an integral part of a system that must be integrated with other student work to produce a solution to a larger design problem. All solutions are tested, evaluated and redesigned as needed as time permits. All work is presented at designated times along their design process to report on progress and solicit assistance when needed. Students also reflect on their presentations and presentation skills as a means of introspect and improving their presentation skills.