Applied Technology
Applied Technology Preparing Students for the Future
Technology plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of modern life from business and science to entertainment and communication. In our Applied Technology Department, students will explore the exciting fields of graphic design, web design, robotics, and computer science, gaining both practical skills and theoretical knowledge to thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Our mission is to provide students with a solid foundation in applied technology, preparing them for success in postsecondary education and future careers. Through hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving, students will develop technical expertise, critical thinking, and creativity, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving digital landscape.
Courses are designed to integrate technology into engaging classroom activities, teaching students to effectively use essential tools and software. Emphasis is placed on broad-based skills that are adaptable across industries, along with fostering a mindset of innovation and lifelong learning. By analyzing and solving complex problems, students will build the confidence and skills necessary to excel in a society increasingly reliant on data and technology.
Let the Applied Technology Department be your gateway to mastering the tools and techniques shaping your future.
There are multiple paths in the Applied Technology Department. Students may choose courses from all three paths or follow one for a concentrated field or career choice.
-
Mr Christensen -
Ms Endich -
Mr Hansen -
Ms Sylvia
Computer Science
Grade 8 (Quarter) (626)
Required for all students in 8th grade.
Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for all 8th grade students. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.
Topics Include:
- Systems used to represent information in a computer
- Using data to solve problems
- Computer automation
- Use of Adafruit Circuit Playground, to explore the relationship between hardware and software
- Designing and developing prototypes
Grade 8 (Quarter) (597)
Computer Programming Exploration is designed to introduce students who have completed the 8th grade Discoveries course to explore programming concepts at a deeper level. Students will dive deeper into AI, more complex levels of coding using Virtual robots and further explore Circuitry.
The goal of the Computer Programming Exploration course is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design,the impact of computers on societal and ethical issues.
-
Grade 8 (Quarter) (626)
Required for all students in 8th grade.
Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for all 8th grade students. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.
Topics Include:
- Systems used to represent information in a computer
- Using data to solve problems
- Computer automation
- Use of Adafruit Circuit Playground, to explore the relationship between hardware and software
- Designing and developing prototypes
-
Grade 8 (Quarter) (597)
Computer Programming Exploration is designed to introduce students who have completed the 8th grade Discoveries course to explore programming concepts at a deeper level. Students will dive deeper into AI, more complex levels of coding using Virtual robots and further explore Circuitry.
The goal of the Computer Programming Exploration course is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design,the impact of computers on societal and ethical issues.
Grades (9-12) Level 2 (509) (Semester) .5 credits
Introduction to Computer Programming is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems.
The goal of Introduction to Computer Programming is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers as well as societal and ethical issues.
Instructional units will include Human Computer Interaction, Problem Solving, Web Design, App design, Computing and Data Analysis, Robotics, Interface Design, Societal and Ethical Issues.
Grades 9-12 Honors (Semester) .75 credits (529)
Prerequisite: None but it is suggested that students take Introduction to Programming
Honors Computer Science is offered to students who are motivated and interested in learning how to program. The course is designed to develop and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on programming projects. Students will be taught the fundamentals of programming, or the basic building blocks found in all languages. Students will be exposed to and learn several programming languages, ranging from web-based, interpreted languages to full, compiled application development. Additionally, the students will learn how to use several industry standard software development packages.
Students planning a career in computer science, engineering, information systems, mathematics, science and business will greatly benefit from taking this course.
Topics include:
- Web languages and design structures
- Scripting languages
- Object-based and Object-Oriented languages
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems
- Writing well-structured code, with good style and documentation.
- Programming building blocks: variables, functions, decision structures, arrays, arithmetic / relational / logical operators, iterative loops, data structures, and error handling.
- The responsible and ethical use of computer systems.
This course is suggested for Advanced Placement Computer Science and Competition Robotics.
Grades 11-12 Advanced Placement (Year) 1.50 credits (539)
Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students have taken a previous computer science course.
The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first- semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world.
TBD
Grades 11-12 Advanced Placement (Year) 1.50 credits
Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students have taken a previous computer science course.
AP Cybersecurity is a yearlong high school course that offers a broad introduction to the field and aligns closely with a college-level, introductory cybersecurity course. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how they combine to create risk. Students study how individuals and organizations manage risk and how risk can be mitigated through a defense-in-depth strategy. Students explore specific vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigations, and detection measures across a variety of domains including physical spaces, computer networks, devices, and data and applications. Throughout the course, students consider the impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations, societies, and governments. Content and skills taught in the course align with the professional skills outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework.
-
Grades (9-12) Level 2 (509) (Semester) .5 credits
Introduction to Computer Programming is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems.
The goal of Introduction to Computer Programming is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers as well as societal and ethical issues.
Instructional units will include Human Computer Interaction, Problem Solving, Web Design, App design, Computing and Data Analysis, Robotics, Interface Design, Societal and Ethical Issues.
-
Grades 9-12 Honors (Semester) .75 credits (529)
Prerequisite: None but it is suggested that students take Introduction to Programming
Honors Computer Science is offered to students who are motivated and interested in learning how to program. The course is designed to develop and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on programming projects. Students will be taught the fundamentals of programming, or the basic building blocks found in all languages. Students will be exposed to and learn several programming languages, ranging from web-based, interpreted languages to full, compiled application development. Additionally, the students will learn how to use several industry standard software development packages.
Students planning a career in computer science, engineering, information systems, mathematics, science and business will greatly benefit from taking this course.
Topics include:
- Web languages and design structures
- Scripting languages
- Object-based and Object-Oriented languages
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems
- Writing well-structured code, with good style and documentation.
- Programming building blocks: variables, functions, decision structures, arrays, arithmetic / relational / logical operators, iterative loops, data structures, and error handling.
- The responsible and ethical use of computer systems.
This course is suggested for Advanced Placement Computer Science and Competition Robotics.
-
Grades 11-12 Advanced Placement (Year) 1.50 credits (539)
Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students have taken a previous computer science course.
The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first- semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world.
-
TBD
Grades 11-12 Advanced Placement (Year) 1.50 credits
Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students have taken a previous computer science course.
AP Cybersecurity is a yearlong high school course that offers a broad introduction to the field and aligns closely with a college-level, introductory cybersecurity course. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how they combine to create risk. Students study how individuals and organizations manage risk and how risk can be mitigated through a defense-in-depth strategy. Students explore specific vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigations, and detection measures across a variety of domains including physical spaces, computer networks, devices, and data and applications. Throughout the course, students consider the impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations, societies, and governments. Content and skills taught in the course align with the professional skills outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework.
Graphic Design
(9-12): Level 2 (Semester) .5 credits
Graphic Design is the study and creation of visual communication. This course will study visual perception through the use of color, design and typography. Through the use of the industry standard Adobe Creative Suite students will learn several skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will explore the theories of graphic design while designing and producing several real world projects. Projects include image manipulation and collaging, visual messaging through text and logo design. All students will be required to maintain a digital portfolio where they can store and showcase their work.
Please note that this is an art course that will require time and commitment from everyone in the classroom and at home. Creating sketches and designing is the core of this course, that being said - words and shapes thrown onto a computer screen/sketchbook is not a thought out design and you will not receive credit for those assignments.
Sketchbooks are encouraged for this course. In your sketchbook you will keep class notes, brainstorm ideas, collect examples and lay out projects. Sketches should be well thought out drawings that take place before you turn to the computer. Please try to date each page as best you can. Doodling in your sketchbook is acceptable and encouraged! You can use a physical sketchbook, or make your notes digitally.
GRAPHIC DESIGN II (504)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .5 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic
Design I
Graphic Design is the study and creation of visual communication. This course will continue to study visual perception through the use of color, design and typography. Through the use of the industry standard Adobe Creative Suite students will expand their working knowledge in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as being introduced to the publishing and layout software InDesign. Students will explore the theories of graphic design while designing and producing several real world projects. Projects include advanced image manipulation, digital illustration and cartooning, and design layout. All students will be required to maintain a digital portfolio where they can store and showcase their work.
Please note that this is an art course that will require time and commitment from everyone in the classroom and at home. Creating sketches and designing is the core of this course, that being said - words and shapes thrown onto a computer screen/sketchbook is not a thought out design and you will not receive credit for those assignments.
Sketchbooks are encouraged for this course. In your sketchbook you will keep class notes, brainstorm ideas, collect examples and lay out projects. Sketches should be well thought out drawings that take place before you turn to the computer. Please try to date each page as best you can. Doodling in your sketchbook is acceptable and encouraged! You can use a physical sketchbook, or make your notes digitally.
-
(9-12): Level 2 (Semester) .5 credits
Graphic Design is the study and creation of visual communication. This course will study visual perception through the use of color, design and typography. Through the use of the industry standard Adobe Creative Suite students will learn several skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will explore the theories of graphic design while designing and producing several real world projects. Projects include image manipulation and collaging, visual messaging through text and logo design. All students will be required to maintain a digital portfolio where they can store and showcase their work.
Please note that this is an art course that will require time and commitment from everyone in the classroom and at home. Creating sketches and designing is the core of this course, that being said - words and shapes thrown onto a computer screen/sketchbook is not a thought out design and you will not receive credit for those assignments.
Sketchbooks are encouraged for this course. In your sketchbook you will keep class notes, brainstorm ideas, collect examples and lay out projects. Sketches should be well thought out drawings that take place before you turn to the computer. Please try to date each page as best you can. Doodling in your sketchbook is acceptable and encouraged! You can use a physical sketchbook, or make your notes digitally.
-
GRAPHIC DESIGN II (504)
Grades 9-12: Level 2
(Semester) .5 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic
Design IGraphic Design is the study and creation of visual communication. This course will continue to study visual perception through the use of color, design and typography. Through the use of the industry standard Adobe Creative Suite students will expand their working knowledge in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as being introduced to the publishing and layout software InDesign. Students will explore the theories of graphic design while designing and producing several real world projects. Projects include advanced image manipulation, digital illustration and cartooning, and design layout. All students will be required to maintain a digital portfolio where they can store and showcase their work.
Please note that this is an art course that will require time and commitment from everyone in the classroom and at home. Creating sketches and designing is the core of this course, that being said - words and shapes thrown onto a computer screen/sketchbook is not a thought out design and you will not receive credit for those assignments.
Sketchbooks are encouraged for this course. In your sketchbook you will keep class notes, brainstorm ideas, collect examples and lay out projects. Sketches should be well thought out drawings that take place before you turn to the computer. Please try to date each page as best you can. Doodling in your sketchbook is acceptable and encouraged! You can use a physical sketchbook, or make your notes digitally.