Advanced Design Applications
Credits: 1 Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Foundations of Technology and Algebra I
This course consists of four units that include Manufacturing, Energy and Power, Construction and Transportation. The Manufacturing Unit examines the advances that maintain manufacturing efficiency, how human consumption affects manufacturing, how manufacturing affects the standard of living of various peoples and how processing and changing raw materials can produce more desirable products. The Construction Unit examines a number of the factors influencing the design and construction of permanent and semi-permanent structures, the practices related to construction maintenance, alteration, and renovation, and the functions of the primary systems installed in those structures. The Energy and Power Unit explores the relationship between energy and power technologies and all other technologies, and how modern energy and power systems impact cultures, societies, and the environment. The Transportation Unit examines the complex networks of interconnected subsystems that each transportation system comprises and the roles of these components in the overall functional process of the system. It also analyzes of the improvements and the impacts of transportation technologies on the environment, society, and culture.
Advanced Technological Applications
Credits: 1 Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Foundations of Technology and Algebra I
This course studies the four components of the Designed World: Information and Communication Technologies, Medical Technologies, Agriculture and Bio-technologies, and Entertainment/Recreation Technologies. The Information and Communication Unit examines how technology facilitates the gathering, manipulation, storage, and transmission of data, and how this data can be used to create useful products. It also provides students with opportunities for developing communication systems that can solve technological problems. The Medical Unit provides an analysis of how medical technologies are used to increase the quality and length of human life, and how increased use of technology carries potential consequences, which require public debate. The Agriculture and Bio-technologies Unit explores how agricultural technologies provide increased crop yields and allow adaptation to changing and harsh environments, enabling the growth of plants and animals for various uses. It also offers an analysis of the various uses of biotechnology and the ethical considerations of those uses. The Entertainment and Recreation Unit provides a study of technological entertainment and recreation systems, with an examination of the differences between these technologies, of how their use enhances human leisure-time performance, and of the social, cultural, and environmental implications of their usage.
AP Computer Science Principles
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This Advanced Placement course will introduce students to the essential ideas of computer science and show how computing and technology can influence the world around us. Students will be introduced to the central idea of computer science, instilling the idea of computational thinking in addition to understanding how computing changes the world. Students will have the opportunity to creatively address real-world issues and concerns while using the same processes and tools as artists, writers, computer scientists, and engineers to bring ideas to life. Successful completion of this course earns one credit. Note: AP Computer Science Principles has been designated as a course for all students in Harford County Public Schools as part of the Maryland State Department of Education's Technology Education graduation requirement.
Digital Electronics (Project Lead the Way)
Credits: 1 Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
This foundation course introduces students to applied digital logic, a key element of careers in engineering and engineering technology. This course explores the smart circuits found in all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technological documentation.
Introduction to Engineering Design (Project Lead the Way)
Credits: 1 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This course emphasizes the development of a design. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer's notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This course satisfies the technology education requirement normally met with Foundations of Technology.
Engineering Design and Development (Project Lead the Way)
Credits: 1 Grade: 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering Design, Digital Electronics, Principals of Engineering and at least one specialization course
This capstone course will allow students to work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem, After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. At the end of the course, student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Foundations of Technology
Credits: 1 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: None
This course is designed for students to learn about the nature of technology, the impacts of technology on society, the engineering design and development process, the core technologies, and the technologies of the designed world. Students focus on the integration of technology, science, and mathematics to create solutions to problems associated with major enterprises that produce the goods and services of the designed world. Problem solving experiences will center on the use of tools, machines, and materials to design and construct models, devices, and products that creatively solve complex technological problems. Foundations of Technology has been designated as a course for all students in Harford County Public Schools as part of the Maryland State Department of Education's Technology Education graduation requirement.
Principals of Engineering (Project Lead the Way)
Credits: 1 Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering Design, Trigonometry (Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently with Principles of Engineering.)
This foundation course provides an overview of engineering and engineering technology and exposes students to major concepts they'll encounter in post-secondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions.
Technological Design
Credits: 1 Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Foundations of Technology and Algebra I
This course will investigate the engineering scope, content, and professional practices are presented through practical applications. Students apply technology, science, and mathematic concepts and skills to solve engineering design problems and innovate designs. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors, and ethics. This course contributes to the student's capacity to understand how technology's development, control, and use are based on design constraints and human wants and needs.