CTE: Technology Education

Students explore architectural design foundations and increase understanding of working drawings, construction techniques and codes regulating building design. They learn the design process and apply the elements and principles of design to architectural projects. Through producing models and illustrations of all aspects of a building, students create architectural design solutions using Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD). The course sequence focuses on duties and tasks performed by professionals in architecture, as well as pre-employment and employment skills.

Students explore the engineering design process and use a graphic language for product design, technical illustration, assembly, patent and structural drawings. Students use computers, calculators, and descriptive geometry and adhere to established standards to solve design problems. Throughout the course, students hold seminars, meet engineers and tour technical design firms to learn about the benefits of the course on their future studies and careers.

This course offers students an introduction to flight, space travel and supporting technologies. Students use a hands-on approach to study concepts including the history of aviation, aerodynamics, aircraft components, flight conditions, airport and flight operations, space, rocketry, and the aviation and space industries.

This course provides an advanced exploration of flight, space travel, and supporting technologies through a practical approach centered around problem solving. Students explore concepts in aircraft operations; aircraft design, flight safety, and maintenance; airport infrastructure; and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

This course is co-enrolled with the Dual Enrollment Biotechnology Foundations in Health and Medical Sciences course that is part of the Governor's Health Sciences Academy. This course focuses on various techniques that are used to modify living organisms, or parts of organisms, to improve plants and animals, and the development of microorganisms for specific purposes. Student activities range from bioprocessing and DNA analysis, to medicine, biomechanical systems and the environment. Students gain insight and understanding about biotechnology career fields. Students will have the opportunity to partner with The George Washington University for special projects.

This introductory Engineering course offered through NOVA provides students with at least 2 college credits. It introduces the engineering profession, professional concepts, ethics, and responsibility. Reviews hand calculators, number systems, and unit conversations. Topics include: the personal computer, operating systems and processing, engineering problem solving and graphic techniques. Students will be expected to complete college level engineering assignments.

Designed for students who wish to pursue careers in computer technology, electronic engineering or a related field, this course introduces electronic terms and components. Using algebraic formulas, students solve electronic circuit problems. They compare AC voltages to DC voltages and component reaction in each, use common electronic test equipment, and learn soldering techniques, circuit requirements and problem-solving skills. Students develop skills by constructing sample circuits, as well as by building several projects from the circuit board to completion. This course may be used as an introductory course to computer engineering, computer science or computer technology maintenance and repair.

This course places greater emphasis on semiconductors/solid state components. Students study the effects of amplifiers (transistors), SCRs, digital circuits, voltage dividers, power supplies and many other modern electronic devices. Students are exposed to shop techniques and in-depth use of test equipment. Additionally, students are trained in coax, category 5 and twisted pair block wire termination. Wire termination and testing certification through Lucent Technology is an option upon successful completion of this program. Students take the NOCTI Electronics Technology exam.

This is the second of a possible four-course pathway that allows students to examine systems, the interaction of technology and society, ethics in a technological world and the fundamentals of modeling while applying the engineering design process to areas of the design world. Students participate in hands-on projects in a laboratory setting as they communicate information through team-based presentations, proposals and technical reports.

Students examine technology and engineering fundamentals in relation to solving real-world problems. Students investigate engineering history, including major engineering achievements, and they examine the principle engineering specialty fields and their related careers. Students practice engineering fundamentals using mathematical and scientific concepts, and they apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. Students communicate project-related information through team-based presentations, proposals and technical reports.

This course explores issues that affect global citizens in the areas of economics, culture and the environment. The course introduces students to the historic, economic, political, environmental and cultural issues that impact the global community and its future. Students address issues affecting the health of our environment and explore solutions offered by sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient building design and renewable energy sources.

In this foundation course, students learn the basic language of technical design using AutoCAD, while they design, sketch and make technical drawings, illustrations, models or prototypes of real design problems. Students develop spatial ability as they apply mathematical concepts to visual representations. This course is especially recommended for future engineering and architecture students.