Design and Modeling (DM) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students will learn perspective, isometric, and multi-view sketching as methods for communicating design ideas effectively without the use of technology, learn conversions between two measurement systems and apply measurement skills while dimensioning sketches, and conduct a mechanical dissection to better understand how objects and parts interact. Students work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Students will use 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions. Students will use 3D Printer to model solutions of real world problems.

Below are the activities or lessons that will completed during the semester:

App Creators (AC) 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 to 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!

Automation & Robotics (AR) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students will learn about engineering and the STEM courses (science, technology, engineering, and math). The students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as windmills, traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic cars.

Students will investigate and understand various mechanisms to determine their purpose and applications. The students will be able to apply their knowledge of mechanisms to solve a unique problem. Students will design, build, wire, and program both open and closed loop systems. Use motors and sensors appropriately to solve robotic problems. Troubleshoot a malfunctioning system using a methodical approach. Experience the responsibility of a mechanical, electrical and computer engineer through completion of robotic problems.

Students will be expected to create and maintain digital notes in a digital portfolio.

Below are the activities or lessons that will completed during the semester:

Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries (CS) introduces students to computer science as a vehicle for problem solving, communication, and personal expression. As a whole, this semester focuses on the visible aspects of computing and computer science, and encourages students to see where computer science exists around them and how they can engage with it as a tool for exploration and expression.

Through a series of puzzles, challenges, and real world scenarios, students are introduced to a problem solving process. They will understand the role of the web, and how it can be used as a medium for creative expression before creating their own personal web pages. Students are also introduced to problem solving as it relates to programming, as they learn valuable skills such as debugging, using resources, and teamwork. Students build on their coding experience as they create programmatic images, animations, interactive art, and games. Students develop a personalized, interactive game.

Computer Science for Innovators and Makers (IM) teaches students that programming goes beyond the virtual world into the physical world.

The Data and Society unit is about the importance of data in solving problems and highlights how computers can help in this process. Students explores different systems used to represent information in a computer and the challenges and trade offs posed by using them. They will learn how collections of data are used to solve problems, and how computers help to automate the steps of this process. Students will gather their own data and use it to develop an automated solution to a problem.

Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop systems that interact with their environment. While designing algorithms and using computational thinking practices, students code and upload programs to microcontrollers that perform a variety of authentic tasks. The unit broadens students’ understanding of computer science concepts through meaningful applications. Teams select and solve a personally relevant problem related to wearable technology, interactive art, or mechanical devices.

Exploring Computer Technology (ECT) teaches student about computers and how they can be used in an academic setting. Key elements of this course include developing the correct way to type; using multiple search engines to do Internet research; using Google Tools to create docs, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys & images. The last section of the class, students will have a choose at least two of the following topics to learn:

• Photo Editing

• 3d Design

• Coding

• Robotics Lite