This course presents a survey of foundational skills, expectations, tools, and techniques used in future engineering and computer science courses. During the semester, students will develop an understanding of the engineering design process and a familiarity with the software and hardware related to programming, fabrication, and rapid prototyping. Students will learn how to design simple web content, write programs in Python, model objects in 2D and 3D, create prototypes via additive and subtractive fabrication, and how best to document and present their work to the outside world. 

This course presents an introduction to computer programming and algorithm development using Python. It is designed to give students a solid foundation in common programming practices and conventions, as well as basic programming techniques. Topics include data types, control structures, lists, dictionaries, functions, basic graphics, and others—all with a strong focus on problem-solving, program design, and documentation. It is presented both as a prerequisite for Advanced Computer Science I and as a general introduction to programming that can be applied to other disciplines. 

This course presents a continuation of Computer Programming I and is taught using Python. It serves as an alternative to Advanced Computer Science I for students who wish to continue studying programming without the demands of a college-level curriculum. The course begins with a review of the topics covered in Computer Programming I and moves on to introduce classes, recursion, and file I/O. Using existing skills along with the techniques presented with the new topics, students will work toward the completion of one large project over the last six weeks of the course. 

This course is a comprehensive study in C++ programming, equivalent to a first-semester college-level computer science course. It emphasizes problem-solving with an object-oriented approach, as well as algorithm and data structure development and analysis. The course involves several large projects which encourage good program design and documentation. Topics in the course include: variables, control structures, arrays, functions, enums, recursion, classes w/inheritance, searches & sorts, exception handling, and basic file. The course does not specifically prepare students for the AP Computer Science A exam, due to the different languages used in these courses. 

This course is a continuation of C++ programming that was started in Advanced Computer Science I. The class introduces pointers and examines various data structures including single and double-linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees. Enumerated types and inheritance are also studied. These tools are put into practice in several large projects that are designed to help students understand use cases for the data structures studied, and to further develop their problem-solving and project-planning skills. Students learn to produce code that is efficient, reusable, and scalable. 

Students in this course will build a complete working 16-bit computer (via simulator) using the NAND to Tetris model (nand2tetris.org). Beginning with a single NAND gate, students will build upon continuing layers of hardware abstraction until they have a working CPU and memory that will be connected to form a simple digital computer.  Students will then build a full stack software hierarchy for the computer, including an assembler, VM translator, compiler, and operating system. Students also will explore various modern computer languages and their differences.

This course, held in the designLab, offers an opportunity for students to develop skills in various types of making with materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and others. Students plan and execute a variety of physical building projects that combine hand and digital tooling. Topics in this course include technical sketching, rapid prototyping, introductory woodworking, instrument design, and digital fabrication. Students will learn to professionally document their process and finish the course with a working design/engineering portfolio that demonstrates their critical thinking abilities. 

This course, held in the designLab, challenges students to create screen-based products from the perspective of a user experience designer. Students will learn to conduct primary research for product development and will create digital prototypes for apps and product interfaces. This course will place an emphasis on designing and organizing screen layouts (menus, buttons, etc.) for a specific user. Students will learn to professionally document their process and finish the course with a working design/engineering portfolio that demonstrates their critical thinking abilities. 

This course, held in the designLab, presents an introduction to the design and engineering process with an emphasis on digital fabrication, electronics, and physical computing. Throughout the semester, students will practice skills in technical sketching, 3D modeling, circuitry, and basic physical computing systems. This course will equip students with strategies for project planning, management, and execution. Students will learn to professionally document their process and finish the course with a working design/engineering portfolio that demonstrates their critical thinking abilities. 

This course gives students the opportunity to apply concepts from previous engineering classes to plan and execute large-scale projects with real-world applications. In the first semester, students will develop professional skills by working in various roles on a design/engineering team. In the second semester, students will work with community members and outside professionals to put their creative strengths into practice. Students will build on visual documentation skills and will finish the course with a working design/engineering portfolio that reflects their own professional aspirations.