Information Technology

Students in the Information Technology pathway will be taking two technical course and two advance courses.  This pathway would focus more on programming and engineering. Technical courses that we offer include Robotics and Introduction to Engineering PLTW.  For the advanced courses, we offer Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Programming DE, and AP Computer Science A.

Information Technology Technical Coursework

Robotics I

Robotics is a one semester hands-on, project based 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 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
• 5 Credits (#69824, #69924)
• Grades 9-12

Introduction to Engineering Design CP

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
• 10 Credits (#25323)
• Open to Grades 9-12

Information Technology Advanced Coursework

*Students must complete technical courses prior to free dual enrollment advanced courses pending grant funding.

(Choose two courses)

Introduction to Programming (Dual Enrollment)

Programming 1 is a Dual Enrollment 4 credit lab course with Middlesex Community College. This course is a project based course designed to provide students with an introduction to the processing of information by the computer, computer logic, memory, input/output processing, and programming in the C/C++ language. This course emphasizes the programming problem-solving process, problem organization, algorithms, coding, debugging and the elements of good programming style. Programming problems will include a wide variety of numeric and non-numeric applications. No prior programming experience necessary. This course is considered a practical art.

• 10 Credits (#17723), Grades 10, 11, and 12
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1

AP PLTW Computer Science Principles

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 as well as 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 computer apps based on their interests.
Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and
collaboratively to solve problems as well as discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have
on their community, society, and the world.

• 10 Credits (#17613) Open to Grades 10, 11 and 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1
• Note: Visit College Board Advanced Placement online to see a complete list of topic

AP Computer Science A

This course prepares students for the AP Computer Science A exam by emphasizing object-oriented
programming methodology through problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the
equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures and
abstraction. The course will cover Object-Oriented Program Design, Program Implementation, Program
Analysis, Standard Data Structures, Standard Algorithms, and Computing in Context. This course is
considered a practical art.

• 10 Credits (#17513), Grades 11-12
• Prerequisite: Completion of Programming 1, teacher recommendation and summer work
• Note: Visit College Board Advanced Placement online to see a complete list of topic

PLTW Principles of Engineering

In this full year science course, students are engaged in challenging problems, exploring a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms and automation, series/parallel circuits; solar cars; bridge design; microcontrollers and drones 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 32 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.

• 10 Credits (#25413), Grades 9-12
• Prerequisite: None

PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. Advanced Robotics is the core of the modern manufacturing process. This course illuminates the opportunities related to professional careers in all fields of engineering. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, advanced robotics, and automation.

• 10 Credits (#25513), Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: None