Technology Courses

The Introduction to Energy and Robotics course includes a balanced focus between energy systems and robotics. In energy systems, students study the six forms of energy: mechanical, nuclear, electrical, heat, light and chemical. Projects include low/high-voltage wiring, wire splicing and various electronic projects. In robotics, students use the VEX robotics building system to build two robots. The first robot each student will build and program is a simple follow-the-instruction-type machine. The second robot will be built in teams of 3-4 students and will be designed to compete against other robots in the class and play a specific game. Students will design, construct and program this robot to play the game.

Engineering Essentials is a full-year course and is appropriate for students in grades 10-12. In this course, students explore the work of engineers and their role in the design and development of solutions to real-world problems. The course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable across multiple engineering disciplines and empowers them to build technical skills through the exploration of a variety of engineering disciplines, such as manufacturing, digital electronics, and mechanical engineering.

Design and Drawing Production introduces students to the process of engineering design as it is used in industry.  Topics range from product development, orthographic design, professional portfolio development, and marketing and presentation skills.  Students practice their creative decision-making and problem solving skills as they use powerful computer hardware and software to develop 3D models via the design process.  This course also fulfills a student’s minimum art requirement for New York State.

This course provides an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state-of-the-art software to solve real-world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. The course covers the role of civil engineers and architects, project planning, site planning, building design and project documentation.

In this engineering research course, students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. Students must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. 

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, develop websites and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. Students will apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them. Students will experience the major topics, big ideas and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles.

Computer Science Principles is a PLTW/AP course where students will work to implement the College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles framework. Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single programming language but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in all fields who have computational skills. AP exam fee applies; fee waiver or reduction may be available.

The Game Design and Development course introduces high school students to game design fundamentals using Unity, a widely used game engine. This course equips students with workplace and higher education skills, covering the design planning process, industry careers, and Unity navigation for creating two- and three-dimensional gaming projects. Content includes a combination of web-based and offline activities. The technology department must install the Unity engine for student use. Students demonstrate game design skills by creating 2D and 3D games in Unity. They configure scripts and share projects with their teacher and classmates, gaining practical experience in game development.

This advanced course provides an introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science through the theme of multimedia. Using the Python programming language, students express themselves creatively and solve problems involving programming with images, sounds, and animations. Students are also introduced to important computer science topics including data representation, truth tables and circuits, computer organization, operating systems, artificial intelligence and the history and societal impact of computing. Students may earn Siena College credit. Tuition credit fees apply; fee waiver or reduction may be available.