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Engineering Academy

The purpose of the Engineering Pathways program is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of the applications of engineering and its effect upon our lives and the choosing of an occupation. The content and activities will also include the study of entrepreneurship, safety, and leadership skills. This program focuses on transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the technological tools, machines, instruments, materials, processes and systems in business and industry.

The Engineering Academy prepares students for a profession in the engineering field. Engineering students explore many aspects of the engineering field and become competent in creating a design statement, prototyping, testing and reiteration. CAD and CAM software is learned using AutoDesk Fusion 360 and other software. We use the Project Lead the Way experience to engage, inspire and empower our students. Our Engineering Academy has a Robotics’ team that competes locally and nationally. Our students learn to use a 3-D printer for creating model parts and components. Business partners offer job shadowing and internships to the academy students. Throughout the year students participate in field trips and benefit from Engineering Profession guest speakers.

student working on a robot

CIM Automation Projects

student built projects ready to test
students building robots

Club BattleBot

Robot built by students for competition
testing an engine

Robotics Competition

students preparing for a robotics competion

ENGINEERING ACADEMY COURSES:

Introduction to Engineering Design

Introduction to Engineering Design is a high school level course that is appropriate for 9th and 10th grade students who are interested in design and engineering or another technical career. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to a design process, professional communication and collaboration methods, design ethics, and technical documentation. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills in research and analysis, teamwork, technical writing, engineering graphics, and problem solving through activity, project, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation especially through 3D computer modeling using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application.

Principles of Engineering

Principles of Engineering is a foundation course of the high school engineering pathway. This survey course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics. Students have the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity, project, and problem-based (APB) learning. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.  AutoDesk Fusion 360 CAD software will be employed for this and in design processes.

Digital Electronics

Digital Electronics is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. In contrast to analog electronics, where information is represented by a continuously varying voltage, digital signals are represented by two discrete voltages or logic levels. This allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world of electronics. Units covered in this course are DE Foundations, Combinational Logic, Sequential Logic, and controlling real-world systems. Students will be introduced to a second CAD system with the ability of second industry certification.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a high school level course that is appropriate for 11th or 12th grade students who are interested in design and engineering or another technical career. The major focus of the CIM course is for students to learn about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation.  Students will develop their knowledge and skills of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to produce products using a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) milling.  This course provides an opportunity for students to recognize many of the exciting career opportunities in the manufacturing industry.

All Engineering Academy courses are designated as honors level courses.

Students can earn up to 6 college credits toward an Engineering Degree through the DCS-VCS Pathways Articulation Agreement.

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk Revit

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Harry Prather

hdprathe@volusia.k12.fl.us

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