PLTW: Design & Draw for Production – Full year

Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Math

DDP/IED provides an opportunity to be creative and to apply decision-making and problem-solving skills to design problems. Students will use powerful computer hardware and software Fusion 360 to develop 3-D models. Students will learn the product design process through creating, analyzing, rendering and producing a model. This course follows the New York State syllabus for Design and Drawing for Production.

PLTW: Computer Integ. Mfg. – Full year

Prerequisite: DDP/IED

Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Math

CIM is a course that applies principles of prototyping, robotics, and automation. It builds on the solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design. Students will use computer-controlled equipment to solve problems by constructing models of their three-dimensional designs. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of robotics and to how this equipment is used in an automated environment. Design will be evaluated using various techniques and modifications before the prototype is produced.

PLTW: Engineering Design/Development

Requirement: 12th Grader

Prerequisite: DDP/IED, POE, CIM

Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Senior level Math

In this course, students work on a team with one or two others to design and construct the solution to an engineering problem. The problems will involve a wide range of engineering applications (e.g., a school robo-mascot, automated solar water heater and remote control hovercraft). Students apply the principles developed in previous courses. A journal will become part of a portfolio. Each team will be responsible for delivering reports and making final presentations to an outside review panel.

PLTW: Principles of Engineering – Full year

Requirement: 11th and 12th graders

Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Math

POE is designed to help students understand the field and career possibilities of engineering and engineering technology. Students work on the problem-solving skills that are used at the college level and in the workplace, and engineering systems and manufacturing processes are explored. Students will also learn how engineers address concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.

Architectural Design – Half year

A project-based course that introduces students to the basic fundamentals and principles involved with drawing and designing different forms of buildings. Students will learn how to create and render their own designs on both paper and the computer. This course will also include interior design elements such as room layout and furniture.

Architectural Modeling – Half year

Prerequisite: Architectural Design

A hands-on project-based course that will introduce students to the basics of construction and scale modeling. Students will work to create 3D structures based on plans they receive. Residential planning, building codes and specifications will also be discussed. The overall goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of building based on design blueprints.

Graphic Design & Editing – Half year

A fun and creative course that uses a variety of website- and software-based tools such as PIXLR, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Throughout the course, students will work to develop their computer-based skills to create graphics that solve specific problems. Some of the course projects will include: a digital portfolio, desktop/phone background, Photoshop competitions, typography, and a website. The overall goal of this course is to give students the tools they need to create professional-looking graphic designs through engaging and meaningful practice

Graphic Design for Production – Half year

Introduce students to software and hardware that is used to publish and produce physical forms of graphics. Throughout the course, students will be designing graphics for tangible objects. Some of the course projects will include: packaging designs, cards, stickers, coloring books, and a t-shirt. The overall goal of this course is to develop an understanding of how graphics are designed and used in the physical world.

Media Production 1 – Half year

In Media Production I students will participate as members of a production team that will be responsible for the creation of digital video and audio productions. A student will express ideas in a technical format capable of utilizing graphic and electronic media equipment. This will be accomplished with the aid of a state of the art production facility consisting of studio lighting, Macintosh computers, digital camcorders, and Apple iMovie software.

Assignments to be covered include: a biographical sketch, video storyboarding, filming of your favorite neighborhood, a television and radio commercial, a video collage and a final project of choice.

This is a course for students interested in learning how to create audio and video presentations from start to finish.

Media Production 2 – Half year

Prerequisite: Media Production 1

In Media Production II students build upon what they have learned from the Media Production 1 course. Each project will encompass the concepts learned from the Media Production I course, with students gaining a deeper knowledge of studio production, field shooting, audio/visual editing techniques, and compositional aspects.

Topics to be covered include: working with Final Cut Express, the industry standard in video editing software, controlling multiple audio & video tracks, chroma key techniques, recording with two or more cameras, layering techniques, and background imaging.

Assignments to be covered include: a television report, a short story, a television commercial, a multiple angle shoot, and two projects of choice. The content of each project will be designed by the student and approved by the instructor.

Students will explore college and career opportunities coupled with field trips to local industries such as WSYR Channel 9.

Advanced Media Production – Half year

Prequisite: Media Production 1 & 2

Advanced Media Production is a course for a student who feels comfortable with the accomplishment of their two prior courses in this area and want to continue his/her study in the field of digital video and audio production.

Students are encouraged to work independently and experiment with specific topics of interest. An emphasis will be placed on the quality of the project including: originality of idea, storyboarding, compositional aspects, location of footage and the depth of editing.

Students enrolled in this course will work primarily with video digital equipment consisting of camcorders, the Macintosh computer and the editing software Final Cut Express

Creative Woodworking 1 or 2 – Half year

This course develops a personal satisfaction that comes from the design and development of attractive and useful individual wood projects. Students will work with power and hand tools that are similar to those used in industry. This is a course that emphasizes the concept of individual woodworking.

Advanced Woodworking – Half year

Prerequisite: Creative Woodworking 1 and Creative Woodworking 2

Advanced Woodworking is a hands-on laboratory course that encourages the student to achieve a high level of competency in the area of woodworking and design. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery level skills developed in the prerequisite courses Creative Wood 1 & 2.  Each student is expected to design and construct a project to specifications. Students will also develop advanced blueprint reading skills and follow professionally drafted plans to construct a complex wood project of choice. An in depth study into the characteristics and properties of wood will be explored. Furthermore, students will explore career opportunities, and secondary schools offering programs of interest.

Yearbook Production – Full year

Requirement: Students must apply to be considered for the class. Advisors will determine class members based on applications.

The members of this class produce the annual Hilltop Echoes yearbook publication. The class incorporates all aspects of book publication including planning and implementation of page layout and design, photography, writing captions and articles, and proofing and editing. In addition, students will plan and implement the advertising, selling and distribution of books and recognition space. Students in this class will learn the basics of establishing an organizational plan, how to manage a business, journalism, and graphic design. Students must be responsible; self motivated, and have the ability to work both independently and cooperatively with fellow Hilltop Echo staff members.