PLTW Computer Science and Applied Technology
Coronado High School is proud to offer courses that are a pathway to engineering and technology careers titled Project Lead The Way (PLTW). PLTW is a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum project. PLTW has a four year sequence of year long courses which, when combined with traditional college bound high school mathematics and science courses, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and technology prior to entering college. Students are introduced to the world of engineering and technology through hands-on activity-based, project-based, and problem-based learning activities.
Pre-Engineering Course Descriptions
Foundation Courses
- Introduction to Engineering Design - 1st year -(freshmen year)- This course teaches problem-solving skills using an engineering design development process. Solutions to problems are created, analyzed and communicated using the 3-D solid modeling computer design software, Autodesk Inventor.
- Principles of Engineering - 2nd year -This course is a hands-on course where students explore a variety of technology systems and engineering processes. Students create solutions to problems by utilizing their math, science and technology skills while incorporating engineering problem solving processes.
Specialization Courses (Can be taken after the core courses are completed)
Computer Integrated Manufacturing - A course that applies principles of robotics and automation. The course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design, and Design and Drawing for Production. Students use CNC equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing, and design analysis are included.
Aerospace Engineering - Students in this course will employ engineering and scientific concepts to the solution of aerospace problems. The entire curriculum sequence will include experiences from the diverse fields of Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, and related areas of study.
Our Applied Technology’s curriculum prepares students with the foundations of technology and engineering technology at the appropriate levels of rigor and relevance consistent with the current standards and accountability for the following courses as described.
Manufacturing Course Descriptions
- Manufacturing Fabrication 1 - This course introduces students to the career pathway of a manufacturing technician. Through hands-on project based learning, students will learn the proper safe work habits used in industry, precision measurement, 3D modeling, laser cutting, welding and sheet metal fabrication. Emphasis is placed on teaching students the skills needed to seek employment in the manufacturing facilities throughout our community.
- Manufacturing Fabrication 2 - This course continues students’ education along the career pathway of a manufacturing technician. Through hands on project based learning students will learn the proper safe work habits used in industry, advanced 3D modeling, manual machining, CNC machining and manufacturing strategies. Emphasis is placed on teaching student the skills needed to seek employment in the manufacturing facilities throughout our community.
- Welding Tech - This year-long course provides advanced training in welding.
HBA/HBI Construction Course Descriptions
- HBA/HBI Construction Tech 1 - During this introductory course, students will develop knowledge of building trades safety, construction math, tools and construction materials, employability. They will be introduced to the ICC-700 National Green Building Standards, as well as the Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum and the Skill Achievement Records (SARs) process for certification. Students will study theory and practices of building for a range of industry trades and gain knowledge of a variety of industry careers.
- HBA/HBI Construction Tech 2 - During this second course in the program, students will continue to develop knowledge of building trades safety, construction math, tools and construction materials, employability. They will be begin developing core knowledge in the specific trades of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Additionally they will be introduced to the finishing standards for brick masonry, landscaping, painting and finishing, facilities maintenance and weatherization.
- HBA/HBI Construction Tech 3 - During this third course in the program, students will work toward Pre Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) certification and mastery of specific trade elements. They will specialize in the understanding of electrical systems in residential construction. Students will work toward acquiring on or more of the trade specific PACT certifications. Classroom emphasis will be on teamwork and collaborative project-based instruction. Students will learn how to install electrical wiring and components in residential building in a Home Builders Institute (HBI) pre-apprentice program. Install electrical systems needed to power all the equipment and appliance that we plug into every day. Safely install according to code, test, and repair switches, receptacles and lighting fixtures. Students will work toward finalization of the NGBS certificate.
- HBA/HBI Construction Tech 4 - Students will specialize in the understanding of plumbing systems in residential construction. Students will work toward acquiring on or more of the trade specific PACT certifications. Classroom emphasis will be on teamwork and collaborative project-based instruction. Students will learn how to install and maintain a structure’s plumbing system for drinking, heating, washing, and waste removal in a Home Builders Institute (HBI) pre-apprentice plumbing program. Work with pipes, drain fittings, valves, and assemblies, and devices and fixtures that distribute water. Install garbage disposals, dishwashers, and more while working safely with electricity. Students will work toward finalization of the NGBS certificate.
Unmanned Arial Systems
- UAS 1: Drone Flight and Licensing - Develop knowledge and understanding of FAA regulations, airspace, map orienteering, physics of flight, flight safety and basics, basic flight maneuvers both GPS assisted and non-GPS assisted, advanced UAS flight maneuvers, basic UAS construction, wiring, and programming. Earn certification in DJI Phantom series and Inspire series and complete preparation for commercial licensing through the FAA Part 107 UAS commercial licensing regulations. Students should sign up for both 1 and 2 in the same year.
- UAS2: Engineering, Design and Repair - Explore the engineering and design functions of the various unmanned aerial vehicles, from quad blades to fixed winged forms. Learn 3D design and modeling software and apply your knowledge in the development of your own drone. Use advanced 3D printing to manufacture and assemble your own drone and prepare for test flight. Use 3D software and 3D printing to learn how to repair and maintain a fleet of drones for private or commercial applications.
Our Computer Science curriculum is in addition to some opportunities for learning computer applications, web design and game programming in the Business Department.
Computer Science Course Descriptions
- Introduction to Computer Science (may not be offered every year) - Introduction to Computer Science is designed to be a computer science course for students who have either no prior programming knowledge or only fundamental programming skills. Students explore the impact of computing in society and the application of computing across career paths as well as building skills. Programming will be done primarily in Python.
- AP Computer Science Principles - This course introduces students to the fundamental ideas of Computer Science. Students learn about many of the big ideas of computing including programming, web design, web development, and databases. Students are encouraged to creatively apply problem-solving skills to real-world issues. Students are highly encouraged to sit for the AP exam.
- AP Computer Science A - This course introduces students to computer science with a heavy emphasis on object-oriented programming using the Java language. Students learn problem-solving skills and development methodologies while studying data structures, algorithms, and the ethical and social implications of computing. This course is an Advanced Placement (AP) course designed by College Board and students are encouraged to sit for the AP exam. Additionally, students will have the option to take an exam at the end of the year to acquire an industry-recognized certification (Information Technology Specialist - Introduction to Programming Using Java).
- Cyber Security 1,2 and Cyber Security 3,4 - We are piloting the new College Board Cyber Security program. See the College Board website for more details.