Innovation Pathways Manufacturing Coursework
Careers in advanced manufacturing are abundant and expected to grow in both the near and short term. According to the Northeast Labor Market Blueprint, advanced manufacturing is identified as one of the top three industries in the Northeast region of Massachusetts.
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Greater Lowell long term industry projections, there are expected to be 17,970 people employed in advanced manufacturing — second only to the healthcare industry in terms of number of jobs. The Manufacturing Pathway at Chelmsford High School offers a cohesive and hands-on approach through engaging Project Lead the Way courses prior to the Senior Internship or Capstone.
Advanced Manufacturing Technical Coursework
Robotics-CP (5 Credits, Grades 9-12)
Robotics is a one semester course that focuses on creative problem solving and machine behaviors. The robots are built with VEX V5 Clawbots and can be programmed in blocks, Python or C++. Each class will be presented with the similar components and programming exercises, but the challenges that students will solve will vary from term to term. This Robotics course ties in with the after school Robotics Club and all course students can participate in the competitions if they wish. The general types of exercises will include: following a wall or a line, knocking things over, picking up and moving objects. The challenges will be inspired by real world problems that robots face—search and rescue, moving of hazardous waste, warehouse management, etc. This course may be used for Practical Arts credit.
Prerequisite: None
PLTW: Introduction to Engineering Design-CP (Pending MCC approval, 10 Credits, Grades 9-12)
This full year Science course is ideal for students who want to dig deeper into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. Students work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work. The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses engage students in hands-on activities, projects and problems, empower them to develop in-demand knowledge and skills, and inspire them to reimagine and see themselves as successful in STEM fields.
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Coursework
*Students must complete technical courses prior to free dual enrollment advanced courses (pending grant funding).
(Choose two courses)
PLTW: Computer Integrated Manufacturing (10 Credits, Grades 11, 12)
Computer Integrated Manufacturing is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of efficiently creating the products all around us. Students build upon their Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience through the use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. CAM transforms a digital design into a program that a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mill uses to transform a block of raw material into a product designed by a student. Students learn and apply concepts related to integrating robotic systems such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and robotic arms into manufacturing systems.
Prerequisites: PLTW Principles of Engineering
PLTW: Principles of Engineering-H (pending MCC approval, 10 Credits, Grades 9-12)
In this full year Science course students are engaged in challenging problems, exploring a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms and automation, then apply what they know to take on challenges like designing a self-powered car. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design skills while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses engage students in hands-on activities, projects and problems, empower them to develop in-demand knowledge and skills, and inspire them to reimagine and see themselves as successful in STEM fields.
Prerequisites: None
