[ Computer Applications ] [ Introduction to Engineering ]
[ Biosystem Project ] [ Research/Data Analysis ]
Even as early as freshman year, High Technology High School has technology integrated in the schedule. In the 2001-2002 school year, High Tech adopted the Project Lead The Way curriculum, the high school curriculum focused on the engineering and technology courses that are central to the High Technology High School School mission statement. Every afternoon, the freshmen attend a rotation of the “Sci-Tech” program. It features a traditional science class (Biology) as well as two technology classes (Computer Applications and Introduction to Engineering Design). The Introduction to Engineering Design is the PLTW course for freshman year. The skills and knowledge gained in all three classes culminate in a year long project known as the biosystem.

In Computer Applications, taught by Mrs. Stacy Hallman, students learn vital skills necessary to be computer proficient. Students learn the basics of Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Along with learning the technical aspects to making a PowerPoint presentation, freshmen also learn essential presentation techniques. Later on in the course of the year, freshman students are introduced to Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, programs used by professionals to design and construct digital images.

As the class gains a full understanding of the almost unlimited capabilities of software, they move on to HTML and networking. Students learn to create their own web pages using HTML, and they also gain an appreciation for what a network can do to help people worldwide. Last year, the freshmen worked on updating and redesigning the faculty web pages on the High Technology High School website.



Two students enjoy their time in class. [ return to top ]

While students grasp a basic knowledge of computer technology in Computer Applications, the freshman class scratches the surface of the engineering world in the Introduction to Engineering Design class taught by Mr. Bob Dennis. In this course, students are first introduced to the principles of design, sketching, and slowly develop their own personal portfolio. As the skills of the students develop, they are then brought into the world of modeling (computer, prototypes, etc.) They are also given a chance to utilize the skills learned in a project to design and build a hydroponics system. Also covered in this course are the production and marketing of the products designed.
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Deeply embedded in the freshman curriculum is the biosystem project. Small groups of five or six students work fervently on it throughout the year. The goal of this final project is to keep alive some Gambusia affinis (a type of small fish) within a closed system for a period of thirty days. This cross-discipline project integrates the three courses. For the biology aspect, students must conduct extensive research on what species of organisms and the quantity of those organisms to place in the system. In the engineering class, the students design, model, and construct a closed system out of Plexiglass, glue, and caulk all while documenting the whole process. Bringing in the Computer Applications class, the groups must make periodic PowerPoint presentation presenting their progress. They also put together websites showcasing their designs, sources, research, rationale, etc.



Students construct a model in order to test out their calculations for the dimensions.




One of the closed systems built by the students.
Photographs courtesy of Mrs. Stacy Hallman.
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In addition to the technology curriculum, each freshman takes two 1 credit classes that are designed to prepare them for performing a research project Sophomore year. These classes are Data Analysis and Research. In Data Analysis, the students learn the basics of statistical analysis and gain experience using statistical tests such as a t-test or a chi-squared test. In Research, the students review the scientific method and the process for designing, executing, and properly documenting a research project. Together, these two classes significantly prepare all students to perform independent research in their sophomore year.
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