Engineering Technologies and Computer Science
Overview
The Engineering Technologies and Computer Science Department offers students a variety of experiences that will help them choose and prepare for 21st-Century technology careers. Students that take these classes gain skills in innovation and design that are critical for careers such as Engineering, Architecture, Robotics, and Alternative Energy, as well as high-tech careers that have not yet been invented.
Program Headlines and Highlights
• Cherokee Trail HS leads the nation in SOLIDWORKS certifications among high school students
• NASA HUNCH
• Dual Enrolment Classes through MSU Denver
• AP Computer Science
• IB Design Technology
• Part of the International Fab Foundation
• Technology Student Association
Department Coordinator
Benjamin Nuebel
Professional Certifications Offered
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Solidworks
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Revit
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Python
Courses
CTE - Careers in Technical Education | LB - | W -
- AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A CTE STEM W
- AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES CTE STEM W
- ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CTE STEM
- ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN II CTE STEM
- COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN CTE DE STEM
- COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I CTE STEM
- ENGINEERING DESIGN CTE DE STEM
- ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY I CTE STEM
- ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY II CTE STEM
- ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY COOP CTE
- IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY HL I CTE STEM W
- IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY HL II CTE STEM W
- PRODUCT DESIGN I STEM
- ROBOTICS & AUTOMATED SYSTEMS CTE STEM
- SENIOR DESIGN CAPSTONE: (SEMESTER AND YEARLONG) CTE STEM
- STEM PROJECTS CTE STEM
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A CTE STEM W
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1 or AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A is an introductory, college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections among the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service, social, and competitive events.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES CTE STEM W
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course. Students cultivate their understanding of computer science through working with data, collaborating to solve problems, and developing computer programs as they explore concepts like creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and the global impact of computing. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections among the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service, social and competitive events.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CTE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $25
This course is designed for advanced drafters to develop skills in the field of architectural engineering. This class will offer students experience in the development and design of structures using architectural design software. Students will develop drafting skills by reading architectural blueprints and generating floor plans for real-world applications. This course is designed to allow students to use their knowledge of CAD to create a set of house plans that meet city code requirements. Students will use CAD software and draw a floor plan, plot plan, electrical plan, foundation plan, and elevation for their house as well as construct a model frame house. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections among the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service, social, and competitive events. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to obtain an Autodesk Certified User Revit industry certification.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN II CTE STEM
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $25
This is an advanced course for students who have completed Architectural Design and are ready to expand their expertise in architectural and interior design. This course emphasizes the creation of intricate designs of structures using advanced design software resources, with a focus on real-world applications, compliance with local building codes, gain an understanding of LEED certification principles, and the integration of interior design concepts. Students will work on comprehensive projects that include designing residential and commercial spaces, creating construction documents, constructing physical models, and exploring designs through Virtual Reality (VR) technology. The course also covers advanced topics such as 3D rendering, BIM (Building Information Modeling), sustainable design, and interior layout and aesthetics. Students will create a diverse portfolio showcasing both architectural and interior design projects and will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certification as an Autodesk Certified User in Revit. The integration of VR will give students a cutting-edge experience, preparing them for further education and careers in architecture. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN CTE DE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Dual Enrollment Fees (Optional): $150
Computer Aided Design is an entry-level design class developed to teach students how to use various drawing instruments to read and create technical drawings and 3D parts. This course is designed for students interested in exploring careers related to engineering, product design, and drafting. Student projects will demonstrate skills and software valued in related industries. The course will culminate with students taking the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam, an industry-level certification exam used to demonstrate a student’s level of expertise using SolidWorks which focuses on basic computer-aided drafting skills using the SolidWorks software. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to obtain multiple SOLIDWORKS industry certifications. Students in this class can earn 3.0 hours of Dual Enrolment through Metropolitan State University. This class aligns with IND 1450 - Technical Drawing and CAD.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I CTE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
This course is intended to teach students the basics of computer programming. The course places emphasis on practicing standard programming techniques and learning the logic tools and methods typically used by programmers to create simple computer applications. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to solve problems by planning multi step procedures; writing, analyzing, reviewing, and revising programs, converting detailed information from workflow charts and diagrams into coded instructions in a computer language; and will be able to troubleshoot/debug programs and software applications to correct malfunctions and ensure their proper execution. This course is also a part of the school's E-Sports program. Students will have a chance to explore the growth and impact of E-Sports on our community and society. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
ENGINEERING DESIGN CTE DE STEM
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Computer Aided Design
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
Fee: $25
Dual Enrollment Fees (Optional): $150
Engineering Design is the second in a series of classes offered in mechanical design/engineering. This course allows students to further their skills in design and problem solving. The emphasis of Engineering Design will be on applying and utilizing the design process to develop products, systems, or processes. Students will be responsible for researching, designing, and constructing a prototype using both CADD and/or fabrication. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to obtain multiple SOLIDWORKS industry certifications. Students in this class can earn 3.0 hours of Dual Enrolment through Metropolitan State University. This class aligns with Engineering Design-IND 3660 Computer Aided Modeling. Please note there is a $150 fee if students choose to apply for the optional Dual Enrolment credit.
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY I CTE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Fee: $25
Designed to introduce students to the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY II CTE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 1
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
Fee: $25
The course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students can describe various engineering disciplines, as well as admissions requirements for postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs in Colorado. Students will participate in various engineering design challenges, including large-scale catapults, designing their own drones to fly through a course and designing their own scale RC car to race in the parking lot. Technology Student Association resources and events are integrated in this upper-level class. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY COOP CTE
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits Prerequisite: Manufacturing Production Design or IB Design Technologies
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
This course can be repeated for credit. Students will have the opportunity to work in the Engineering Technologies Fab Lab to produce items for the Student Enterprise. Students will learn the business side of a custom product shop. Skills taught will include order processing, supply chain management, fabrication, and fulfillment. In addition, students will gain experience in customer service, quality assurance and human relations skills. Students build on prior knowledge and skills in the program of study to further develop and apply employability and technical skills that prepare them for success in future career and postsecondary education. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY HL I CTE STEM W
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the IB Diploma Program
Fee: $30
Diploma Program design technology is based on a model of learning that incorporates knowledge, skills, and design principles in problem-solving contexts, while at the same time maximizing the use of local and readily available resources. It assumes no previous experience in either technology or design. The intent is not solely the acquisition of knowledge about design and technology, which may change or become outdated, but it is about learning how to adapt to new experiences and to approach problems with the appropriate skills and the relevant techniques to identify the important elements and, crucially, to develop the optimum solutions. The design cycle is at the core of the course, and it is expected that students will use this process in practical investigative work as well as in theory. Each element in the design cycle represents an aspect of design technology, which, when viewed together, constitutes a holistic approach. Any given element is therefore only to be seen in the context of the whole process. To design with technology is to use human ingenuity in selected activities to meet needs and find solutions. This can be achieved through existing or new technologies. Design consists of gathering information about the problem or opportunity, processing that information, and planning for intervention either by modifying what is already there or by introducing something new. The designer is interested not just in the material environment but also in the social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legislative, and ethical considerations that affect peoples' priorities. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY HL II CTE STEM W
Grade: 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: IB Design Technology HL 1
Fee: $30
IB Design Technology HL II is a continuation of skill and knowledge learned through IB Design Technology HL I. Students will continue to design by gathering information about the problem or opportunity, processing that information, and planning for intervention either by modifying what is already there or by introducing something new. The designer is interested not just in the material environment but also in the social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legislative, and ethical considerations that affect peoples' priorities. Students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA) as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
PRODUCT DESIGN I STEM
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Semester: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 1 or Computer Aided Design
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
Fee: $25
This course may be repeated for credit. Students will become proficient in using tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC mills, CNC routers and select power tools to make products. Students will be designing and crafting various personal projects utilizing the capabilities of the Fabrication Lab. There will also be a focus on tool and workplace safety. Students are introduced to knowledge and skills used in the proper application of principles of manufacturing. The study of manufacturing technology allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities. Students will gain an understanding of what employers require to gain and maintain employment in manufacturing careers. Technology Student Association resources and events are integrated in this upper-level class. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATED SYSTEMS CTE STEM
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 1 or Computer Programming 1
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
This is an introductory course in robotics and automation technologies. Topics include building, programming, troubleshooting and maintenance of robotic systems. This class incorporates a survey of automation topics including history, computer and hardwired controls, sensors, motors, and actuators. This course goes through understanding the engineering design process and creating robots. The class uses the newest VEX Robotics to create designs to solve problems. Problems include but are not limited to automation races, soccer, tug-o-war, obstacle courses, and others. Students will work through a series of simulations and experience challenges based on state and nationally recognized competitions. Robotics & Automated Systems is an applied course for students who wish to explore how robots and automated systems are used in industry. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the historical and current uses of robots and automated systems; programmable circuits, interfacing both inputs and outputs; ethical standards for engineering and technology professions; and testing and maintenance of robots and automated systems. Technology Student Association resources and events are integrated into this upper-level class. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, social and competitive events.
SENIOR DESIGN CAPSTONE: (SEMESTER AND YEARLONG) CTE STEM
Grades: 11, 12
Semester: 0.5 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Yearlong: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
Fee: $30
In Senior Design Capstone, students will pick one or more independent projects to do over the course of the semester. Students are required to document all work through social media or an engineering notebook, publicly promote the project at an approved school event, and make formal presentations/videos. Time management and independent learning are skills required in this course. This course allows for advanced work in any Drafting and Design Program of Study. This advanced work can be individualized to the specific program of study to allow for specialized study by the student. It may include project-based learning or preparation for the end-of-program industry certification. Specific content and course design will be determined by the instructor in collaboration with the individual student. Technology Student Association resources and events are integrated into this upper-level class. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others, and social and competitive events.
STEM PROJECTS CTE STEM
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 Fine Arts/Practical Arts credits
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 1 or Computer Aided Design or Medical & Sustainable Technology
Co-requisite: TSA Membership
Fee: $25
This course can be repeated for credit.
In STEM projects, students participate in group projects that combine aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Students will choose an area of concentration from a list of performance-based projects that involve state and national competitions/challenges. Examples include advanced Technology Student Association events, NASA HUNCH design challenges (https://www.nasahunch.com), and more. Students will develop skills in model/prototype fabrication, problem-solving, project management, and presenting. Students will be required to attend the appropriate events outside of school, based on their area of concentration. Students will be able to participate in cross-curricular projects between the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math departments at Cherokee Trail. This course allows for advanced work in the Engineering & Design Program of Study. This advanced work can be individualized to the specific program of study to allow for specialized study by the student. It may include project-based learning or preparation for the end-of-program industry certification. Specific content and course design will be determined by the instructor in collaboration with the individual student. Technology Student Association resources and events are integrated into this upper-level class. Students are required to join the TSA as leadership activities provide opportunities to make connections between the school, community, and the business world. Emphasis is placed on service to others and social and competitive events.



