TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Technology and Engineering Education provides students learning experiences that
develop an understanding of the influences and effects of technology on the environment.
This program engages students in active, problem-based learning, while simultaneously
integrating and extending knowledge across all disciplines. Each course allows students
the opportunity to apply science, technology, engineering, math, research, and writing skills
to real-world applications through applied research, design, production, operation, and
analysis of technological systems. The Technology and Engineering Education program
provides all students the opportunity to acquire and develop problem-solving skills
applicable to today’s rapidly changing technological society.

A college-level pre-engineering sequence of courses, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), are offered at
NCHS – Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and
Engineering Design and Development. Through these courses, students explore technology-related
engineering careers and prepare themselves for advanced, university-level study of engineering and
related fields.

A visiting team from the University of New Haven has certified NCHS’ PLTW program as a “School of
Excellence,” which enables NCHS students the opportunity to earn college credit for these courses if
they earn at least an 80 class average and score a 70 or above on the college credit portion of the final
exam. Students who meet these requirements may apply (for a fee) for up to three college credits in
each of these courses.

To learn more about PLTW and the possibility of earning college credit through these courses, see the CTE
Department Chair, your school counselor, or visit the PLTW website (https://www.pltw.org/).

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED)

(Pre-Engineering Program)

Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0

IED is an introductory course that develops student problem solving skills, with emphasis placed on the
development of three-dimensional solid models, students will work from sketching simple geometric shapes to
applying a solid modeling computer software package. They will learn an engineering problem solving design
process and how it is used in industry to manufacture any product. A Computer Aided Design System (CAD)
will also be used to analyze and evaluate the product design. The techniques learned, and equipment used,
are state-of-the-art and currently being used by engineers throughout the United States.
Students will complete a series of drawings which will include but not be limited to: isometric, orthographic,
oblique, section, and perspective drawings. Other components of the course will include sketches, prototypes,
3-D modeling, research, and class presentations.

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (DE)

(Pre-Engineering Program)

Grade: 10 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in or have completed Geometry
Credit: 1.0

Digital Electronics is a course of study in applied digital logic. Students will be introduced to digital circuits
found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. Students will
study the application of digital logic and how digital devices are used to control automated equipment. The use
of digital circuitry is present in virtually all aspects of our lives and its use is increasing rapidly. This course is similar to a first Semester college course and is an important course of study for a student exploring a career
in engineering or engineering technology.

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE)

(Pre-Engineering Program)

Grade: 10 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in or have Completed Geometry
Credit: 1.0

A broad-based survey course designed to help students understand the field of engineering and engineering
technology and its career possibilities. Students will develop engineering problem solving skills that are
involved in postsecondary education programs and engineering careers. They will explore various engineering
systems and manufacturing processes. They will also learn how engineers address concerns about social and
political consequences of technological change. The specific areas to be covered include energy and power,
materials and structures, control systems, statistics and kinematics.

ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (EDD)

(Pre-Engineering Program)

Grade: 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: IED and 2 other PLTW courses
Credit: 1.0

In Engineering Design and Development students will work in teams ranging from two to four based on an
area of interest. Each team will design and construct a solution to an engineering problem; (original/personal:
“I hate it when...” taken from a database of problems, or a national challenge) applying the engineering
principles developed in the preceding courses. Students will maintain a journal as part of a portfolio of their
work. Each team will be responsible for delivering progress reports and making final presentations of their
project to an outside review panel. The completed engineering portfolio will be yet another advantage for
students as they apply to college.

WOODWORKING I

Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5 per Semester

Woodworking is an introductory course designed to help first time woodworkers learn the basics. Safety of
course is the first lab "basic" that all students will learn. Students will become familiar with woodworking hand
tools and power equipment as they learn how to use them correctly. Their first project will be made using only
hand tools, no equipment. On their second project, student start learning some of the power tools available in
the lab. The third project has students using all the tools and equipment in the lab to create a joiner project.
After successful completion of their third project students will have demonstrated their knowledge and
understanding of "woodworking" and may design and build their final project within the specified constraints
and their skill level.

ADVANCED WOODWORKING II - IV

Grade: 10 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Woodworking I
Credit: 1.0

(Students can take this course for consecutive semesters as advanced-level credit.)

This is a continuation of the Woodworking course and focuses on the advanced uses of hand tools, power
tools, and materials. Students will research wood and lumber types for their various characteristics along with
various assembly and finishing techniques, and be required to design and build several small practice projects
before attempting a more complicated cabinet piece containing drawers and/or doors. A lathe project will also
be required but may be incorporated into one of the other projects. Design, layout, safety, and conservation of
materials continue to be stressed. Students may take this course repeatedly for advanced study.

GRAPHIC DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA

Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5

(Students interested in taking Journalism or Yearbook Design in the future are strongly encouraged to take this
course.)

Every day you see hundreds of graphics around you: while playing video games, texting emojis, downloading
Apps, surfing the web, watching TV or reading magazines. But who makes these how graphics and how do
they do it?

This course explores how today’s digital artists design and create fun, interesting graphics that grabs attention
and communicate information. Students learn how to create graphics from scratch using the same computer
programs the professionals use – Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.

After learning the principles of design and typography, students work on a variety of projects such as
notepads, logos, and greeting cards as well as digital caricatures of themselves. Graphics is a hands-on,
project-based course where students develop ideas, sketch designs on paper, and then lay them out on the
computer. Once finished, students assemble projects using cutting, gluing and matting techniques.
Throughout the course students maintain a portfolio, showcasing their work from initial sketches all the way to
their designs. This course may be taken repeatedly for advanced study.

Software: Adobe InDesign & Photoshop

YEARBOOK
I – IV

Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0

(Students can take this course for consecutive years as advanced-level credit.)

Just by taking this course you will earn a Free Yearbook and Senior Ad. You’ll learn InDesign and
Photoshop. You’ll create page layouts, and be part of the creative process to come up with a theme. The
books theme deals with general appearance, colors, fonts, visual elements and written stories. First year
students will work closely with second year student editors, second and third year students will manage this
ten-month long 400 plus page project. In this course students learn about journalistic responsibilities,
copyright, organization of workflow, as well as the financial and marketing components in creating the New
Canaan High School Yearbook, "Perannos." Students will learn about the ethical guidelines of being a
journalist and the power of the press. Each student will learn how to use Adobe InDesign (a layout software),
and be involved in the planning and creation of specific sections of the yearbook. Photojournalism will be
covered and students will be required to take digital photographs of school events and activities.

Each student will learn how to properly interview and write for a wide variety of subjects pertaining to
separate aspects/sections of the yearbook. Students will be responsible to layout specific pages as well as
create advertising. This will all be done under the guidance and directions of the student editors as well as the
teacher and advisor. As a class, students will create the overall design based on a specific unifying theme.

This course includes additional hours after school at certain times of the year in order to meet deadlines.

Software: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

All students who successfully complete this course with a passing grade will receive a FREE YEARBOOK.

Seniors enrolled in this course, and meet the above criteria, will also receive a FREE FULL PAGE AD.

JOURNALISM I: INTRO TO DIGITAL MEDIA

Grade: 9-12
Duration: 1 semester or 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 per semester in English and/or CTE

Blogs, digital graphics, social media - journalism has evolved from reporting and taking photos to a discipline
that involves technology, visual design and social media. In Journalism 1, students use state of the art
equipment - for photography, video, graphic design and web production - to learn the basics of digital
communication. Students will report, write and produce articles, blogs and video stories for the school
newspaper and nchscourant.com, and will also learn responsible social media usage to publicize their stories
and develop their audience.

JOURNALISM II

Grade: 11-12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Journalism I
Credit: 1.0 (.5 English and .5 C.T.E)

Students in this course continue to develop the technological and writing skills addressed in Journalism I while
holding editorial or leadership positions in the editorial, arts or web divisions of nchscourant.com and Courant.
These students will be responsible for managing the story generation, assignment and production process for
Journalism I students, in addition to completing their own reporting and writing assignments, using all of the
tools described in Journalism I. These students will also participate in field trips to professional news
organizations as a way of supporting their leadership training.

JOURNALISM III

Grade: 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Journalism II
Credit: 1.0 (.5. English and .5 C.T.E.)

Students in this class will hold “executive” level positions in nchscourant.com and the Courant. In addition to
fulfilling the managing and leadership responsibilities of Journalism II students, they will be responsible for all
decision-making regarding content and form.

CAR CARE

Grades 10 - 12
Duration: 1 semester
Prerequisite: a driver’s permit or license
Credit: 0.5 Semester

If you drive a car, then this course is for you! Car Care is an introductory course in the basics of automotive
consumerism and maintenance. After taking this course, you’ll be able to change a flat tire or jump start a car
with a dead battery, as well as check or change your oil, know what fluids you’ll need to check or change,
check or change the belts. You’ll also learn tips on what to look for when purchasing a new or used car, what
type of car insurance is needed, how to finance the purchase of a car, If you’re wondering, “How do I check
my shock/struts? What’s a strut? When should I change my antifreeze? How do I change my belt(s)? How do I
know when I need a new battery? Why is my car making that sound? then this is the course for you. All these
questions will be answered through lessons that are teacher-guided, followed by hands-on, practical work on
your car. This way you learn about your car and how to stay safe. You will learn to save time and money by
working on your own car, as you become an educated automotive consumer.

TV BROADCASTING I

Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5

Do you watch TV? Ever wonder how shows are made? Do you make videos with your friends and want to
learn how to make them better? If so, then this is the class for you!

TV Broadcasting is a hands-on, media-driven course based on the two main parts of broadcasting: field and
studio production.

During the first part of the course students will learn the necessary TV equipment– cameras, tripods and
microphones. Shooting techniques such as framing, lighting and sound are also covered. Students edit video
using Apple Final Cut Pro, learning to tell stories with music, titles, transitions and effects.

Students also write an original script and create a storyboard for a commercial, which they will shoot, direct
and edit for the school’s TV channel, NCTV 78.

The second part of the course is focused on studio work. Students work in productions teams to write, edit
and produce their own TV show. Studio equipment and concepts will be covered, including on-air talent,
Teleprompters, studio cameras, live switching, audio mixing and graphics.

Students also watch and analyze popular TV shows to become familiar with professional production
techniques.

Software: Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Newtek Tricaster, Compix Gen CG

HONORS ADVANCED TV BROADCASTING II*

Grade: 10 - 12
Duration: 1 or 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Television Broadcasting I
Credit: 1.0

* Students may earn 3 college-level credits from Norwalk Community College

Designed as a continuation of the first year of TV Broadcasting, students learn to produce original
programming for NCTV 78, the town’s educational cable channel. This is done with a continued focused on
the two main aspects of TV: field and studio production. Students develop their technological and writing skills
while producing The Morning Announcements, NCTV’s weekly news show, which airs live every Friday
morning.

In the field, students utilize advanced production skills to shoot, edit and broadcast school and town events
such as concerts, sports, school assemblies and drama productions.
Students also use professional production equipment and develop more advanced editing skills in Final Cut
Pro.

Software: Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Newtek Tricaster, Compix Gen CG

ADVANCED TV BROADCASTING III

Grade: 11 - 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Television Broadcasting II
Credit: 1.0

Students in this course continue to develop the field and studio production skills covered in TV Broadcasting II
while holding leadership positions in the news, events and entertainment divisions of NCTV. As producers,
these students are responsible for managing the 3 production processes for TV Broadcasting II students, in
addition to completing their own video projects. These students also participate in field trips to professional
news and television organizations as a way of supporting their leadership training.
Software: Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Newtek Tricaster, Compix Gen CG

ADVANCED TV BROADCASTING IV

Grade: 12
Duration: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Television Broadcasting III
Credit: 1.0

Students in this class will hold “executive” level positions at NCTV 78. In addition to fulfilling the managing and
leadership responsibilities of TV Broadcasting II students, they’re responsible for all decision-making
regarding content and programming.

Software: Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Newtek Tricaster, Compix Gen CG

ROBOTICS

Grade: 9 -12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 0.5

In this course you will explore robotics through a system called VEX. We can’t predict what the hot new
technology will be in five years, but we can confidently predict that it will include computer programming,
electronic embedded systems, engineering design, and mathematics. If you believe these things, then you
need to know that robotics has the ability to teach these concepts. At the same time, robotics teaches 21st
century skill sets like time management, resource allocation, teamwork, problem solving, and communications.

This curriculum is designed to use robotics as the organizer to teach engineering design process and
programming. Robotics consists of an eclectic mix of mechanics, electronics, programming, engineering, and
mathematics.

You’ll spend the first ten weeks learning basic robotic commands through programing as described above.
The second ten weeks will be spent learning about droning. Drones have been the number one gift the past
three years running and, with all those drones out there, we should know how to operate them safely and
responsibly. Connections will be made between VEX robotic programing code and functions that our drones
perform. From programing how our controller operates to the autonomous sensors most drones use to
perform specific functions - like hovering in place using GPS, using ultrasonic sound waves or ultraviolet
sensores to calculate safe landing zones or look for hazards around the drone..

GAME DESIGN

Grade: 9 -12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 0.5

This course is for anyone who loves gaming and wants to design and build original games from scratch.
Students learn how to develop games both physical and virtual. After learning about game genres, students
learn about all aspects of the game-design process. From there, it's on to a series of increasingly challenging
hands-on projects that teach all the elements of successful game development. Use of popular
game-development software to create engaging, interactive games in a variety of styles. This course provides
a basic foundation in the essentials of game design.

3-D ANIMATION

Grade: 9 -12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 0.5

This Graphic Animation course will provide students with the processes and techniques of traditional and
computer graphics animation. While studying the elements and principles of animation and design, students
will learn the art of storytelling through the processes of storyboarding and narrative writing. Students will
using a variety of hand tools as well as computer softwares. Beginning animators will produce flipbooks,
stop-motion, and simple computer animations to learn how to bring objects and characters to life. Done well,
these characters will not only come to life but will have personalities within the animation.

WEB DESIGN

Grade: 9 -12
Duration: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 0.5

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the skills necessary to design and develop an effective
website. Students will learn how to write HTML, CSS, and be introduced to JavaScript programming. Problem
solving techniques will be used to debug their code. They will use an Internet to view their work. The topics
covered will include, but are not limited to, text formatting, page layout and design, manipulation of graphics,
the use of tables, scripting, site planning, graphics creation, as well as web site setup and maintenance. A
variety of graphic design programs will be used to teach digital picture enhancements and web page creation
techniques. There will be a strong emphasis on what makes effective web design/site. Students will be
required to design and create a minimum of one complete website incorporating all of the learned techniques.