Technology & Innovation
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Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 1 only)
Prerequisite: Department chair approval.
Description: This course offers an intensive exploration of the SWIFT programming language, a key technology driving
innovation in mobile app development on Apple platforms. Geared toward students with a passion for computer science, this course delves into advanced topics and challenges in SWIFT programming, including mastery of SWIFT's syntax, language features, and best practices. Students will also explore data structures and algorithms. Students should have prior experience with programming concepts, data types, variables, and control structures. Familiarity with object-oriented programming principles is highly recommended.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 2 only)
Prerequisite: Honors Advanced Programming and department chair approval.
Description: Students in this course embark on an immersive journey into application development, advancing their
mastery of the SWIFT programming language as they delve into more complex syntax, data structures, and algorithms. Focused on creating cutting-edge, interactive, and feature-rich apps, this second-semester course is designed to empower students with advanced iOS development skills, using Xcode. Students will harness the power of Apple's System Development Kits (SDKs), as they work on a comprehensive semester-long app development project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and creativity to design and build a fully functional and innovative application.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 1 only)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Computer in the Middle School at Episcopal, or department chair approval.
Description: This course begins with an overview of the history of gaming, as students explore the most dominant game
consoles and best-selling games. They will become familiar with the industry standard documentation known as the Game Design Document (GDD) and will learn about storytelling techniques in gaming and game design software. The class wraps up with a case-based study of the business side of the gaming industry.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 2 only)
Prerequisite: Video Game Design 1: Industry.
Description: After exploring the video game industry in Semester 1, students take a hands-on approach to gaming,
selecting a game development engine, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot. Armed with the resource and code libraries of these engines, students manifest the theory discussed in Semester 1, via creative explorations. They will create sprites (graphical elements of games), as well as explore the game mechanics of prototyped game templates.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 1 or Semester 2)
Co-requisite: Algebra II.
Description: This course teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process and will present the learned
principles and concepts that engineers and design professionals use to shape the human-designed aspects of our modern world. Students will develop communication and collaborative skills, along with the technical literacy necessary to apply the design process to various real-world applications. Students will learn to communicate design solutions to an engineering problem through guided research and hands-on application of engineering design methodology, Computer Aided Drafting, Isometric, and orthographic drawing, and reverse engineering. The study of basic electrical theory up to and including semiconductor circuitry will challenge students’ knowledge of design theory and spark their curiosity and creativity. Through applied programming, students will learn how engineers employ problem-solving in existing technologies such as aerospace and emerging technologies such as robotics.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 2 only)
Co-requisite: Introduction to Engineering 1.
Description: This class extends beyond the foundational principles introduced in Introduction to Engineering Design 1.
Students will engage in sophisticated engineering design methodologies, challenging them to think critically, creatively, and innovatively. The application of engineering knowledge will be stressed along with the integration, or systemization, of different processes. Through applied programming, students will learn how engineers employ problem-solving in existing technologies, such as Arduino micro-computing, and emerging technologies, such as robotics. Design tools such as 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) skills will be stressed as students learn to communicate design concepts and solutions through a variety of presentations, from engineering portfolios to websites.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles, and department chair approval.
Description: This course follows the guidelines set by the College Board, in which students learn the object-oriented Java
programming language as well as the data structures associated with it. Students design and implement computer-based solutions to problems, learn well-known algorithms and data structures, and are able to develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to code solutions to problems.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: This course introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, instilling the ideas and practices of
computational thinking and inviting students to understand how computing changes the world. The rigorous curriculum promotes a deep understanding of computational content, develops computational thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. Students develop their Digital Portfolio as part of the AP submission requirements, which includes the coding of an individual performance task and exploratory research on computing innovations.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 1 only) / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Department chair approval.
Description: Honors Advanced Robotics is an exciting and challenging program that immerses students in the world of
robotics. Students will delve into advanced robotic engineering principles, including mechanical design,
electronics, and programming in Java. They will work together to design, build, and program robots and
participate in FIRST Robotics competitions. Beyond hands-on robot construction, this comprehensive
STEAM-focused class builds upon the foundations laid in Middle School robotics and technology courses,
preparing students for a future filled with innovation and technology.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 2 only)
Description: This course delves into the practical applications of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. It integrates Space, Manufacturing, Aviation, Robotics, and Technology while offering a multidisciplinary perspective. Students gain hands-on experience in safe, small Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations within the National Airspace System. Topics encompass basic small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operation, Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Remote Pilot-in-Command Knowledge Test preparation, and the opportunity to obtain Industry Certification. This course equips students for responsible UAS operation and future studies in emerging technology fields.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 1)
Description: In this class, students will take a deep look at innovations for a sustainable world. This course teaches students to become eco-innovators, harnessing cutting-edge technology to address pressing environmental challenges. Students will explore various topics, including renewable energy technologies; sustainable agriculture and aquascaping; maintaining healthy ecosystems; and how technology supports biodiversity conservation efforts, including monitoring and habitat restoration. Hands-on projects will challenge students to apply their technological expertise and creativity to solve real-world environmental challenges.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Semester 2)
Description: This course provides an introduction to critical concepts and cutting-edge tools that are shaping the modern
business landscape. Students will learn about blockchain technology, its business applications, and its
potential to drive innovation as it transforms industries and revolutionizes business operations. The course
will examine blockchain systems integrating Artificial Intelligence, explore the synergy between IoT
devices and blockchain, and how to enable secure data transmission and storage. Students will develop a
broader understanding of technologies that are pivotal in shaping the future of today’s modern businesses.