Science, Engineering, & Technology
Ms. Almonte Delgado
Department Chair of Science, Engineering, and Technology
At Technology High School, the Department of Science, Engineering, and Technology focuses on a strong academic program integrated with an introduction to applied science careers. The current course offerings for Science are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry. The Engineering course offerings are Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Engineering Design and Development. For more information about our Project Lead the Way program click here. The applied science programs currently offered are Biomedical Science, CISCO, Computer Science, Graphic Design, and Video Production.
Sciences
“Science literacy is the artery through which the solutions of tomorrow's problems flow.”
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
Biology
Biology is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the relationships between the structure and function of living things. The curriculum includes topics such as: skills and tools of the biological scientist, basic chemistry and biochemistry, cellular organization and processes, molecular processes, genetics and genetic technology, evolution, ecology, classification and the study of select human body systems. The curriculum will address the needs of all learners through an interesting, problem-based approach to learning about living things and is designed to prepare students for the NJ End-of-Course Biology Assessment.
AP - Biology
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course, usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course is designed to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The curriculum includes topics such as general chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, origin of life, evolution, cellular biology, cell transport, microscopy, cell energetics and cellular respiration, photosynthesis, animal development and embryology, animal diversity, cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, population genetics, ecology, microbiology, genetic engineering, botany and animal behavior. A minimum grade of “B” or higher in Biology Honors is a good predictor for success in this course. Though a student could be successful in AP Biology while concurrently taking Chemistry, it is highly recommended that students have a first-year Chemistry course prior to registering for AP Biology. It is expected that all students take the AP Biology exam in May.
Physics
Physics is a second-year course at Technology High School where students learn to explore the physical world around them. Throughout the year, students engage in various laboratory experiences to learn and apply through exploration of specific situations.
Environmental Science
This course is designed to use inquiry-based science and various laboratory techniques to discover the environmental issues facing our current world. The delicate balance between the environment and living organisms is the central focus of the course. Emphasis on human interactions and behavioral consequences within the environment are addressed and proper corrective actions are evaluated. Further emphasis is placed upon inquiry based activities where students learn general environmental science concepts which apply to environmental systems and ultimately to all living things. Essential units include study of the Planetary history of the earth, Earth’s environmental systems, ecology, humans and the environment, renewable and non-renewable resources, and moving toward a sustainable future.
Department Members:
- Mr. Andre Delva
- Ms. Melissa DiMare
- Ms. Lolita Flagg-Fleming
- Mr. William Graff
- Mr. Gavin Harter
Biomedical Science
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Biomedical Sciences engages pre-health students in medical problems related to forensics, medicine, pharmacology, microbiology, and surgery among other health fields. The first course in the program revolves around solving a medical mystery of a fictitious person whose autopsy reports reveal various health information. Students interact with the story through hands-on labs to discover her manner of death. The second course in the program introduces various body systems to students where they apply information learned to mini-medical mysteries. The third and final course in the program pushes the students’ rigor through the recollection and application of all biomedical information learned thus far to solve a bigger medical mystery about a family having various forms of cancer.
Computer Science
Computer Science is project- and problem-based program, with students working in teams to develop computational thinking and solve open-ended, practical problems that occur in the real world. The course aligns with the College Board’s new CS Principles framework. In addition to being programming language course discipline, it aims to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity.
Computer Science I:
Computer Science I is an introduction to computer science course designed for 9th and 10th graders using the TEALS curriculum. The course advocates a "hands-on" learning approach in which students' primary means of learning is through discovery, experimentation, and application. In this course students will learn how to code in SNAP! as well as Python. While taking this course students will create games similar but not limited to ping pong, Mario platform game, guess the word and Oregon Trail.
AP Computer Science Principles:
Using the Code.org curriculum AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.
CISCO
The Information Technology Cluster offered at Technology High School is a 3 year, 25 credit program. During the first year our students learn about PC Hardware and Software with an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems as well as suggested best practices in maintenance, and safety issues. Through hands-on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, an introduction to networking is included. IT Essentials prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. The IT Essentials course will help prime students for career opportunities such as a hardware installation coordinator, and PC system support. This course will help prepare college bound students for a computer science or a management information systems degree program. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an official Networking Academy Certificate of Completion. For more information please click on the IT Essential link below.
During the second and third years of the program the students will follow the CCNA Discovery curriuculum with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and the practical application of skills. The students use highly interactive e-doing activities that stimulate learning and improve knowledge retention, hands-on labs, simulation-based learning activities, and innovative online assessments to for entry-level career opportunities, continuing education, and globally-recognized Cisco certifications. Our program will provide learning pathways from secondary to postsecondary institutions.
Engineering
PLTW's Pathway To Engineering (PTE) curriculum is designed as a four-year high school sequence. Foundation courses (Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics) are supplemented by a number of electives to create eight rigorous, relevant, reality-based courses:
Foundation Courses
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Designed for 9th grade students, the major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. Students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems and learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSP’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSP assessment.
Principles of Engineering (POE)
This survey course of engineering exposes students to major concepts they'll encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study. 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, documenting their work and communicating solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
Students apply what they learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture to the design and development of a property. Working in teams, students explore 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. This course is designed for 11th or 12th grade students.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in Engineering Design and Development as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing Engineering Design and Development ready to take on any post-secondary program or career.
Graphic Design
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The Graphic Arts program encompasses the reproduction of visual images through desktop publishing, photography and screen printing. Learners are taught computerized methods of printing using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.