Digital Design

In this module, students explore elements of design. They create a newsletter, learn how to manipulate text and graphics while creating letterhead, and use a software program to create a design for a T-Shirt.

BioTechnology

Through hands-on activities, computer simulations, and laboratory experiments, students explore the structure of DNA and learn how it can be changed through genetic engineering. They also explore the implications of applying biotechnology to medicine, agriculture, and other fields.

Computer Graphics & Animation

Students learn how the use of computers can enhance the products created by professional artists and animators. With the use of a computer and related software, the students produce their own cartoon and animated sequences. Students use a digital movie camera to video capture a picture and create an animated project. Exploring video graphic design is also part of this module.

Digital Manufacturing

Activities representative of a digital manufacturing process are highlighted in this module. Students see a brief history of manufacturing evolving into Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), Computer-Aided Machining (CAM), and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). An understanding of primary and secondary processing and the Cartesian coordinate system leads to the production of a product using a digital manufacturing process.

Dynamic Earth

This module focuses on the theory of plate tectonics as the primary mechanism behind the physical earth processes of mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, and climatic change. Students create a 3-D scale model, of the earth’s layers, calculate the epicenter of an earthquake, and determine the presumed age of a rock sample. Technology designed to reduce loss of life and property from geological natural disasters will also be explored.

Electronics

This module involves learning the common components of basic circuits in electronic devices. Using a soldering iron, students construct circuits on an educational instrument and identify the components used after completing a computer software program.

Energy, Power & Mechanics

Exploring the uses of energy sources, principles of power, and hydraulics are all parts of this module. Students use a solar hot dog cooker and experience the concept of wind power generated energy by performing a hands-on activity with equipment.

Engineering Towers

Students learn math, physics, and problem-solving skills in this module. Their challenge is to design and build a tower that is structurally efficient.  Using engineering skills and video segments, students learn the skills necessary to facilitate construction and evaluation of a tower.

Rocketry & Science

In this module students learn about the history of space exploration and the development of rocketry.  Students assemble a rocket and explore Newton’s Third Law of Motion during the rocket launch.  Blast Off!

Flight Technology

By constructing an airfoil and testing it in a  wing tester, students learn the principles of flight. They use video segments, computer software, and other research media to learn about flight and other aerodynamic principles. Students use a flight simulator and fly a plane on a computer to see and experience actual flight techniques.

Heat & Energy

In this module, students learn about heat as an energy source. They investigate physical and chemical properties of materials as their temperatures change and determine the effect of heat on different phases of matter. They assemble hydrocarbon molecules, study the combustion reaction, and burn several fuels to determine their energy content. They demonstrate heat transfer and heat expansion.

Light & Lasers

Using the computer and hands-on activities, students explore the properties of light. Students divide and reflect laser light and manipulate non-laser light with lenses, prisms, filters, and intensity meters.

Reactions

Learning about chemical reactions and balancing equations are all part of this module. Students complete an electrolysis activity and explain the separation of  water into its elemental parts. They will also perform tests involving various chemical reactions and classify the specific type. Reactions, products, and catalysts involved in various types of chemical reactions will also be explored.

Research & Design

By designing, manufacturing, and racing a model CO2-powered dragster car, students learn the relevance of design.  Concepts of aerodynamics and friction are incorporated and they learn how to use a band saw and drill press while making their dragsters.

Robots

Industries have been revolutionized by the advent of the robot. Students utilize and program a robot to understand and explore the many uses of a robot in industry. Using a robot, students learn many aspects of manipulation and the advantages of robotics in automation.

Digital Video

Students explore the power of digital editing during this module.  They learn about the importance of editing principles, special effects, and sound.  Students also learn about the production process from pre-production to post-production as it relates to digital video.