Technical Education
Technical Education Vision Statement
The mission of South Allegheny Technology education department is to integrate a broad exposure to the fields of engineering and technology. We will provide learning experiences for students that inspire creativity, foster inventive and critical thinking, and cultivate teamwork and leadership skills. The courses taught will require students to design, create, utilize, evaluate and modify their designs to solve problems. By solving problems students will be given the opportunity to apply numerous academic concepts through practical hands-on applications.
Engineering Design I
| Title: | Engineering Design I | Credit/Term: | .5 |
| Course Number: | 0924 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to various drafting techniques utilized in a wide range of industries. Students will take a hands-on approach to discover the principles of drafting and illustration, as well as reading and interpreting drawings, and how these important skills relate to the world around us. Students will utilize 2D and 3D computer based programs such as AutoCad, Inventor, Fusion360, and TinkerCad to create drawings and explore new concepts. Appropriate lab behavior is required to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all students and instructors in the program.
Engineering Design II
| Title: | Engineering Design II | Credit/Term: | .5 |
| Course Number: | 0934 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | Engineering Design I | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
A continuation of Engineering Design I, students will add new skill sets as they progress within AutoCad, Inventor, Fusion 360, and other CAD programs. Many styles of drawings will be explored in both 2D and 3D formats; Engineering, Architectural, Assembly, Section drawings and more. Students will have opportunities to bring their drawings to life by exploring additive manufacturing (3D printing), and other computer numerical controlled processes such as laser cutting / engraving. This course will challenge the students creativity and technical skills as they identify real world needs, and bring concept solutions all the way through the Engineering Design process! Appropriate lab behavior is required to ensure the health safety and welfare of all students and instructors in the program.
PLTW Computer Science Essentials
| Title: | PLTW Computer Science Essentials | Credit/Term: | 1 |
| Course Number: | 0306 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
With the emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue their middle school computer science experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.
In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. Students will apply the computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.
Aviation and Aerospace
| Title: | Aviation and Aerospace | Credit/Term: | 1 |
| Course Number: | 0350 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
This course will provide the foundation for advanced exploration in flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today's aviation and aerospace industries possible. Students will explore modern innovations and develop innovative ideas to address the aviation industry's real-world challenges. They will be exposed to various career options in aviation and aerospace and take an in-depth look at available opportunities.
Sports Communication and Media
| Title: | Sports Communication and Media | Credit/Term: | .5 |
| Course Number: | 0812 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
This course will introduce students to topics in sports media and communication, including jobs in sports journalism, sports announcing, sports information, sports marketing, sports event planning, sports community relations, graphic and Web design in sports, multimedia storytelling in sports, and sports media entrepreneurship. This class is limited to 15 students.
Broadcasting
| Title: | Broadcasting | Credit/Term: | .5 |
| Course Number: | 0811 | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
Video Production and Broadcasting is a comprehensive offering that will allow students to explore various aspects of video production; from an idea all the way to a successful broadcast! Basic aspects of the pre-production, production and post-production process including story-boarding, script writing, camera techniques, audio production, non-linear editing, and special effects will be covered. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry standard video, audio, editing, and broadcasting equipment inside a professional studio environment as well as in the field. Projects will include the production of videos and broadcast projects such as commercials, interviews, television advertising, public service announcements, and short films.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Broadcasting II
| Title: | Broadcasting II | Credit/Term: | .5 |
| Course Number: | Grades: | 9, 10, 11, 12 | |
| Prerequisite: | Broadcasting I | Difficulty Rating:2 |
Description
Video Production and Broadcasting is a comprehensive offering that will allow students to explore various aspects of video production; from an idea all the way to a successful broadcast! Basic aspects of the pre-production, production and post-production process including story-boarding, script writing, camera techniques, audio production, non-linear editing, and special effects will be covered. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry standard video, audio, editing, and broadcasting equipment inside a professional studio environment as well as in the field. Projects will include the production of videos and broadcast projects such as commercials, interviews, television advertising, public service announcements, and short films.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Introduction to Flight and Aircraft Systems
| Title: | Introduction to Flight and Aircraft Systems | Credit: | 1 |
| Course Number: | Grade: | 10, 11, 12 | |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
In the Introduction to Flight and Aircraft Systems course, students will look closely at the aircraft they may one day operate. Students will begin with an exploration of the types of aircraft in use today before learning how aircraft are made and how they fly. Students will understand how aircraft are categorized, be able to identify their parts, and learn about aircraft construction techniques and materials. Students will take an in-depth look at the systems that make aircraft work. Beginning with aircraft powerplants and fuel systems, students will learn about the options available and how they affect aircraft design and performance. They will explore other key aircraft systems, including electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. Throughout the course, they will learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers aircraft flight manuals and required aircraft documents. Finally, students will learn about the factors that affect aircraft performance and how to determine critical operating data for aircraft.
Manufacturing and Construction Tech I
| Title: | Manufacturing and Construction Tech I | Credit: | .5 |
| Course Number: | Grade: | 9, 10, 11, 12 | |
| Prerequisite: | N/A | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
This introductory course will provide students hands-on experience with various materials and processes commonly utilized in manufacturing and construction. Students will complete simple projects while exploring materials properties, appropriate usages, and processing techniques. Program emphasis on shop, tool and equipment safety and usage procedures and best practices. Saws, drills, impact drivers, grinders, welders, and various hand tools will be utilized to process and join materials such as wood, metals, and plastics. Appropriate lab behavior is required to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all students and instructors in the program.
Manufacturing and Construction Tech II
| Title: | Manufacturing and Construction Tech II | Credit: | .5 |
| Course Number: | Grade: | 9, 10, 11, 12 | |
| Prerequisite: | Manufacturing and Construction Tech I | Difficulty Rating: | 1 |
Description
A continuation of Manufacturing and Construction Technologies I. Students will review and build on shop safety and best practices in order to explore more advanced processing techniques, and industry specific procedures. This course will provide students project based opportunities to explore common weld types, plastics and composites processing techniques, wood construction methods, as well as basic plumbing and electrical. Content will guide students in their understanding of common systems and technologies they experience every day. Post graduation opportunities that incorporate such technologies will also be explored.