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Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 21006A001
Being creative and making a difference in the world is what engineers do. Learn why engineering is a great career for young men and women. The focus of this course is to expose students to design processes, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Using 3D computer modeling software, students learn the design process and solve design problems for which they develop, analyze, and create product models. This is the first course in a four-year sequence of courses that are part of the nationally recognized Pre-Engineering program called Project Lead The Way.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12 (Mt. Vernon Township H.S. Freshman and sophomores are permitted to take course)
Prerequisite: A grade of B or above in Geometry or concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher level math
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
Application: Yes
Class size: 25
Principles of Engineering (POE)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 21004A001
This course of engineering exposes students to some of the major concepts they’ll encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of course concepts. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12 (Mt. Vernon Township H.S. Sophomores are permitted to take course)
AVC Out-of-District – 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Engineering Design (IED); A grade of B or above in Algebra II or
Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
Application: Yes
Class size: 25
Digital Electronics (DE)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 21008A001
This course is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, and high-definition televisions. The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices. This course is part of a nationally recognized program called Project Lead the Way.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)/Principles of Engineering (POE);
A grade of B or above in Algebra II or Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
PACT (Math/Science) Score: 20+
Application: Yes
Class size: 20
Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 21012A001
The major focus of this course is completing long-term projects that involve the development of property sites. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of a property. The course provides teachers and students freedom to develop the property as a simulation or to students to model the experiences that civil engineers and architects face. Students work in teams, exploring hands-on activities and projects to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students use 3D design software to help them design solutions to solve major course projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)/Principles of Engineering (POE);
A grade of B or above in Algebra II or Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math
*This course can be taken concurrently with Digital Electronics (DE)
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
PACT (Math/Science) Score: 20+
Application: Yes
Class size: 10
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 21010A001
Computer Integrated Manufacturing is a specialized course within the Engineering Academy. This course teaches the fundamentals of computerized manufacturing technology. It builds on the solid-modeling skills developed in the Introduction to Engineering Design Course. Students use 3-D computer software to solve design problems. They assess their solutions through the relationship of design, function and materials, modify their designs, and use prototyping equipment to produce 3-D models.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)/Principles of Engineering (POE);
A grade of B or above in Algebra II or Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math
*This course can be taken concurrently with Digital Electronics
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
PACT (Math/Science) Score: 20+
Application: Yes
Class size: 10
Biomedical
Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 14299A001
PLTW Principles of the Biomedical Sciences provides an introduction to this field through “hands-on” projects and problems. Student work involves the study of human medicine, research processes and an introduction to bioinformatics. Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, infectious diseases, and medical interventions. A theme through the course is to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. After determining the factors responsible for the death, the students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life.
Key biological concepts included in the curriculum are: homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease. Engineering principles such as the design process, feedback loops, fluid dynamics, and the relationship of structure to function will be included where appropriate. The course is designed to provide an overview of all courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12 (Mt. Vernon Township H.S. Freshman and sophomores are permitted to take course)
Prerequisite: A grade of B or above in Geometry or concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher level math
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
Application: Yes
Class size: 25
Human Body System (HBS)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Course ID: 14251A001
Students engage in the study of the processes, structures, and interactions of the human body systems. Important concepts in the course include: communication, transport of substances, locomotion, metabolic processes, defense, and protection. The central theme is how the body systems work together to maintain homeostasis and good health. The systems are studied as “parts of a whole,” working together to keep the amazing human machine functioning at an optimal level. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of body systems, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary actions, and respiratory operation. Students work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.
Length of course: 1|2 Semester(s)
Credits per semester 1|.5
Grade level: 11, 12 (Mt. Vernon Township H.S. Sophomores are permitted to take course)
AVC Out-of-District – 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Principles of Biomedical (PBS) with a grade of “C” or better; A grade of B or above in Algebra II
or Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math
EXPLORE (Math/Science) Score: 17+
PLAN (Math/Science) Score: 19+
Application: Yes
Class size: 25
