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Course Descriptions

 
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High School Course Offerings

Visual Communication Courses:

Computer Graphics 1 - S554 

Suggested Grade Level 09-12
 
This course is a hands-on, project oriented class, with several take home and personalized projects with (No Homework).  It offers a fantastic way to be introduced to a variety of computer graphic and engineering software packages and concepts. These software packages will be used to develop 2D and 3D model animations, image designs, 3D prototypes, 3D prints, laser etch/cut designs, and for coding and video game development. The goal is to enhance and develop skills for all State High graduates, as you enter an increasingly technological world. These experiences will  prepare you for postsecondary majors in engineering fields, computer science, video game design, film production, industrial design, and a host of other STEM related majors. 
 
Software packages introduced in this course include:  Autodesk’s 3D Studio and AutoCAD, Solidworks,  Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, 3D printing applications, and Unity.  This course is a prerequisite for Computer Engineering Graphics 2 and Advanced Coding and Game Development.
 
For more information, visit: https://www.scasd.org/teched/troyalesi 
 

Computer Engineering Graphics 2 - S555 

Suggested Grade Level 09-12
Prerequisites: Computer Graphics 1
 
This is a follow-up course to Computer Graphics 1, which will make deeper connections to software and problem solving skills, you were introduced to  in Computer Graphics 1. You will now build depth in ability, content, and knowledge, as we use these skills in several new and exciting units. In one project, we will be working with the engineering department at Penn State, on a 3D STEM design challenge. In another unit, you will design an architectural 3D floor plan in Autodesk Revit, including: walls, windows, doors, floor, ceiling, and roof. You will fully furnish and accessorize your design to model your ideal living space. You will make this a live and interactive walkthrough animation, and post it to the web. In another project, you will bring several programs together, as you will model the star character of a video game in 3D Studio. Textures will be created in Adobe Photoshop, and the video game will be created in Unity 3D, and built and published to the web. These projects and others, will be posted to an online portfolio set up in Wix.com. There you will have a live, interactive showcase of your work.
 
Throughout your experience, we will continue to make connections to various fields of study, including, but not limited to: engineering fields, computer science, video game design, film and video production, web design, and a host of other STEM design majors. All work to be completed in class (No Homework).
 

Adv Computer Engineering Graphics - Y551

Suggested Grade Level 10-12
Prerequisites: Computer Graphics 1 and Computer Engineering Graphics 2

This 3rd course in the sequence, is a weighted academic course. The units and projects in this course are meant to take your skills to the next level, as you work on research and design problems, motion graphics and visual effects, and employ the engineering problem solving process on individual and team projects. In an opening project, your skills will be put to the test as you will be challenged to design an amphibious vehicle which will be raced on pavement, and in the water of our local pool. In another project, you will personally CAD design a laser cut and etch a “holiday-themed” house model, to have a personalized take home project.

Building on our connection with the Penn State Engineering department, we will look to team design, larger, 3D printed and laser cut solutions to STEM design challenges. These research and design projects will be open ended, and allow for: 3D modeling, animation, CAD design, 3D printing, and laser cutting, all in one unit. We will continue to build 3D modeled and textured scenes for Architectural and Mechanical applications, while using coding and game dev software to publish work in interactive web playable apps.

Throughout the course,  you may have the need to use various table top tools and machines, along with computer modeling and animation software, to arrive at solutions to these STEM design challenges. Throughout the year, we will explore college majors, and schools, while final projects will be presented using an online web based portfolio. Many students use these portfolios for college application, or for scholarship consideration in design fields. All work to be completed in class.

Coding & Game Development -  Section Y831

Suggested Grade Level 10-12
Prerequisites or Concurrent: Computer Graphics 1

In this exciting course, you will model, texture, animate, light, and code to create interactive video games. Scenes will be developed in 3D Studio Max. Photoshop will be used to develop textures, Adobe Audition will be used to edit and create sound effects. These assets will be imported into our game engine software, Unity, and coded using Microsoft Visual Studio, in the C# language. Learn to design and build interactive games including: health systems, game HUDs, and game controllers while we go from skill builder projects, to team designed, full featured games. You will publish work to multiple platforms, including in a web format for game sharing and posting. We will also explore PC, Android, and virtual reality formats. This is a weighted course, with an emphasis on documenting game and coding development using a web portfolio platform. Other than portfolio documentation, All work to be completed in class.

To see Games created by our students CLICK HERE

Video Media Technology - Section S565

Suggested Grade Level 09-12
 
This elective explores the process of writing, shooting and editing video productions using the latest technology in video and film effects.  This is a hands-on course to produce a variety of video and media productions. Play the role of screenwriter, director, and cinematographer as you create projects to entertain and inform using Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Illustrator,  and Audition. Classroom resources available to you include; non-linear editing software, cameras available for checkout, sound production equipment, and the latest video production technology including Gimbals, an aerial videography drone, and 360-degree cameras. Create stunning student-made videos from beginning to end.  Learn how to implement green screen technology, motion graphics, title sequences, video effects and professional camera techniques into your productions. Produce teacher-assigned and student-selected projects as you share finished video productions with family, friends, and classmates through a Web-based portfolio.  For example projects check out this link: www.scasd.org/teched/vmt
 

Materials Processing Courses:

Materials Processing 1 - S 570 

Suggested Grade Level 09-12
 
Materials Processing 1 is a hands-on course open to all interested students; no prior experience is necessary.  Focusing on the “T” and “E” of STEM, students in this course can develop lifelong skills in the safe use of tools and machines, sketching and project planning, and woodworking while making guided and student-selected projects.  Concepts from Math and Science are also utilized in measuring and the design process. In a state-of-the-art facility, students will have the opportunity to utilize professional-grade tools and machines and new technologies such as CNC machines and a laser cutter/ engraver.
By enrolling in this exciting hands-on, project-oriented class, students can develop practical skills, learn how to solve problems, and create valuable projects to be taken home to enjoy.  www.scasd.org/Page/32618
 

Materials Processing 2 - Y572

Suggested Grade Level 10-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Materials Processing 1 with a “C” average or better.
 
Materials Processing 2 is a hands-on course to further develop skills presented in Materials Processing 1.  Focusing on the “T” and “E” of STEM, students can continue developing lifelong skills in the safe use of tools and machines, sketching and project planning, and woodworking while making student-selected projects.  Additional techniques will be presented in machining, joinery, and finishing. Projects will incorporate the use of more advanced equipment such as a full-size CNC router and lathe, hand-held CNC router, and laser cutter and engraver.  A problem-solving challenge will also be assigned during the length of the course where students design and construct a project that meets specific goals and helps others. There will be opportunities to use your skills for community service hours as well.
By enrolling in this exciting hands-on, project-oriented class, students can continue developing practical skills, learn how to solve problems and make repairs, and create valuable projects to be taken home to enjoy.  www.scasd.org/Page/32618
 

Materials Processing 3 - Y573

Suggested Grade Level 11-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Materials Processing 2 with a grade of “C” or better
 
Materials Processing 3 is designed for students skilled in the use of tools, machines, and techniques, as presented in Materials Processing 2.  Using those skills, along with automated manufacturing processes, students will work together to form an enterprise to create and sell finished products.  Beginning with a survey and research on community needs, prototypes will be developed and tested to create the best possible solution. Once a design has been selected and produced, those items could be sold to pay for material and production costs, including the cost of the projects taken home by students.  Opportunities for individual, student-select projects will also be available during this year-long course.  Student-selected projects should illustrate the principles of good design, methods of joinery and skills learned from the previous materials processing course.
By enrolling in this exciting hands-on, project-oriented class, students can continue developing practical skills, learn how to work in a team, earn community service hours, and create valuable projects to be taken home to enjoy.  www.scasd.org/Page/32618
 

Adv. Tech Research and Design - Y832

Suggested Grade Level 11-12
Prerequisites: Two years in a technology education sequence and/or two years in a CTC sequence.

This course provides an opportunity for students to apply research, engineering, and making skills in a STEM Lab to develop solutions to complex problems.  Using the Engineering Design Process, students will conduct research on a specific problem in their area of interest, gather ideas, and brainstorm possible solutions to birth innovation.  A lab space with state-of-the art technology in laser cutting and engraving, CNC machining, 3D printing, and subtractive manufacturing processes will be available to construct a working product.  
Students are encouraged to utilize this course to fulfil parallel goals, such as TSA projects, completing SLC or college portfolios, a graduation project, or community service.  The final presentation in this course will aid in documenting students’ time, efforts, and creative pursuits, which may be valuable to colleges and employers who seek individuals with real-world problem-solving skills.  /Page/34892

 

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