ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

Using architectural computer software, this course will provide students with the necessary skills to do architectural drawing and design. Students will create floor plans, add doors, windows, furniture, and create a pictorial drawing of the plan with hidden lines removed. The projects assigned in this course have been carefully designed and paced to give the student a feeling of accomplishment in the construction of his/her own house/building plans. This course involves students in house/building design and construction. No drafting experience is needed. Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN II (HONORS) 10-12

This course is an advanced course for the student who is interested in a career relating to architecture. Students will explore creating objects with architectural software. Using 3D entities, students will develop a model city, shopping center, or dream house. Environmental issues will be covered pertaining to house/city/shopping center construction. Students will be involved in model making. PREREQUISITE: Architectural Design I

COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

Computer-Aided Drafting I emphasizes the theory and application of drafting principles used to create detailed drawings according to exact project dimensions and specifications. Instruction includes experiences in gathering and translating realistic project data or specifications, completion of two and three dimensional drawings, and the development of computer models. The techniques learned, and software used are state of the art and reflect current industry standards. Note: This course may be used for 1 semester of computer literacy credit.

FOUNDATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

This course prepares students to understand and apply cornerstone technological concepts and processes. Students in this course use hands-on lessons to learn the concepts and roles of engineering, design, invention, and innovation in creating technology systems that help make life easier and better. They learn to apply and transfer this knowledge to common, everyday problems. Students learn how to assess technology, its impacts and resulting issues, and present the positive and negative consequences and how these have shaped today’s global society. This course incorporates the applications of mathematics and science concepts and provides a strong background for students investigating careers in the engineering areas. Group and individual lessons engage students in creating ideas, developing innovations, and engineering practical solutions. The course will focus on the development of knowledge and skills regarding the following aspects of technology: 1) its evolution; 2) systems; 3) core concepts; 4) design; and 5) utilization. Note: This course can be used for computer literacy credit.

GRAPHIC ARTS I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

This course will introduce students to the broad field of graphic arts. Projects will cover design fundamentals, color theory, typography, and the design process. Students will learn about digital prepress, press operations, product development, and design work flow. Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit.

GRAPHIC ARTS II (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

Graphic Arts II builds on the skills that students learned in Graphic Arts I as well as provides experiences in various jobs in the Graphic Arts industry. Students learn by creating and producing designs that are used throughout the DHS community. This course goes more in depth with press operations and also provides students with a better understanding of the various careers in the Graphic Arts field. Students will experience using drawing tablets, creating kinetic typography, signage, publishing, rotoscoping, avatar design, technical writing, designing for small devices (like cell phones), group work, and many other hands on projects.
Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit. PREREQUISITE: Graphic Arts I

ROBOTICS (HONORS) 11-12

Robotics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the world of robotics through a series of hands on activities. Students will become familiar with, and demonstrate skills in, the principal areas that comprise robotic systems. Sensors, microprocessors, hardware, software, actuators, motors, gears, mechanism design, programming, and algorithm development will be covered in this course. Students will participate in a series of design projects where they will build robots, wire, program, characterize and integrate various sensors to provide environmental, and other types of sensing. Students will gain experience relevant to realistic industrial or personal applications using robotic controls. PREREQUISITE: Algebra 2

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

Construction systems is a course designed to help students understand how our constructed environment was built, is being built, and will be built in the future. Students will learn what it means to be responsible citizens in making decisions relative to our construction environment and in using construction technology. Students will be involved with the following construction procedures, using common tools, processing typical materials, and experiencing productive working conditions. The major strands of this course will involve designing, building, and using structures.

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS II (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

A significant and critical part of our technological society is our construction world - our buildings, highways, dams, airports, and marine terminals. Students will develop the knowledge, insight, and understanding of the technological concepts essential to producing structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, roads, and tunnels. Students will learn how to design structures to include the needs of the owner, the environment and social impact of the structure, to withstand loads and forces, and present this design in the form of drawings and specifications. Other areas to be covered including building codes, foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical installation, and drywall installation. PREREQUISITE: Construction Systems I

TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

In Technological Design, engineering scope, content, and professional practices are presented through practical applications. Students in engineering teams apply technology, science, and mathematics concepts and skills to solve engineering design problems and innovative designs. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors, and ethics. This course challenges students to use technological design processes so that they can think, plan, design and create solutions to engineering and technological problems. Students are actively involved in the organized and integrated application of technological resources, engineering concepts, and scientific procedures. Note: This course can be used for computer literacy credit. PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Technology

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12

This course is designed to explore humankind’s development of transportation systems and their associated components. The historical development and application of land, marine, air, and space transportation technologies are studied, as well as their social, environmental, and economic impact. All concepts in this class are reinforced utilizing a problem-solving approach in a laboratory setting involving individual and group work. Safe use of tools, machines, and equipment will be stressed in all facets of this course.

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS II (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

This course is designed to continue and expand on both the design and development strategies and course content learned in Transportation Systems I. Students will further engage in problem-solving activities to design, produce, test, and analyze systems and subsystems of various forms of transportation. Topics include designing of mechanical components and integrated assemblies (geartrains, motors, power transmission, bearings, and fasteners), radio controlled vehicles, electrical systems, and fabrication techniques. Course content will also address the links between transportation systems and governmental regulations, energy resources, and career opportunities. Safe use of tools, machines, and equipment will be stressed in all facets of this course.
PREREQUISITE: Transportation Systems I

AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS I (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

This course combines classroom and laboratory experiences that incorporate training in service and repair work on all types of automotive vehicles. Included in the course is training in the use of service information, and a variety of hand and power tools, as well as using the latest in computer diagnostic equipment. Instructions provide opportunities for students to learn diagnostic procedures to aid in trouble shoot malfunctions. Students will be provided with the opportunity to become proficient in the skills required for maintaining their personal vehicles. Course content will address ASE standards. Steering and suspension, brakes, engine performance, drive trains, electrical systems, air conditioning, welding and cutting of materials, and engine repair will be areas of focus in this course.

AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS II (COLLEGE PREP) 10-12

Students will operate an automotive repair business as part of this course. Automotive repair work will be scheduled on a regular basis and students will be responsible for completing the necessary repairs, providing detailed work reports, and billing customers for the work completed. Safety rules, diagnostics, work schedules, environmental cleanliness, and quality of work will be part of the students’ experience in this career-orientated program. This class meets for a double period.
PREREQUISITE: Automotive Systems I

AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS III (COLLEGE PREP) 11-12

TThis course requires advanced work to complete special projects of greater depth and scope. The student may act in the capacity of team leader with less experienced students. Areas of emphasis will include comprehensive engine cylinder rebuilding, head resurfacing, valve grinding, and brake drum and rotor resurfacing. This class meets for a double period.
PREREQUISITE: Automotive Systems II

PHOTOGRAPHY I - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

This course is an introduction to the art of photography.  Students will learn and practice the skills of digital photography and use post-production software to edit their compositions.  Connections to culture and society will be explored, as students are encouraged to create personal photographs based on classroom lessons and projects.  Students will study the origins of photography while viewing, discussing and using a variety of photography methods.

PHOTOGRAPHY II - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

This course builds on knowledge gained in Photography I.  Students will expand their skills by experimenting further with both traditional and digital photography techniques within more advanced assignments.  They will continue to connect their work to their own personal experiences and explore career opportunities in photography after high school.
PREREQUISITE:  Photography I or approval of teacher.

VIDEO PRODUCTION I - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

Students will gain firsthand experience as they learn how to plan, capture, edit, create, videos to be broadcast on Comcast Channel 26. Students will learn about and experience what it is to be camera operators, editors, technical directors, sound assists, gaffers, graphic operators and various other careers in video production. Students will learn to edit live and prerecorded videos. Students will work with industry level software and non linear video editors. Students will be required to work on video crews at events outside of school hours, i.e., sporting events, lectures, meetings or other school events. If students are unable to work outside of class due to participation in sports, lack of ride, or busy work schedule, please speak with the instructor as accommodations can be made. (Don’t let this requirement deter you from signing up for the class.)

VIDEO PRODUCTION II - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

Students will gain in-depth experience as they plan, produce, and direct videos to be broadcast on Comcast Channel 26. Students will experience what it is to be producers, directors, motion graphic editors, sound technicians, lighting designers, set designers and various other careers in video production. Students will learn to plan and produce live and prerecorded videos. Students will lead after school video productions, i.e., sporting events, meetings, and other productions. Students will leave the class with a demo tape that can be used in job interviews and college applications. Students will be required to work on the video crew at events outside of school hours, i.e., sporting events, lectures, meetings or other school events. If students are unable to work outside of class due to participation in sports, lack of ride, or busy work schedule, please speak with the instructor as accommodations can be made. (Don’t let this requirement deter you from signing up for the class.)
PREREQUISITE:  Video Production I or approval of teacher

COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE CWE/DO (COLLEGE PREP) 11-12

The CWE/DO Program is a career development program sponsored and directed by the high school and local employers. It is designed to meet the needs of students interested in gaining a salable skill with which they can enter the job market upon graduation. Since CWE is a state approved program, 16 - 17 year olds can, with an approved training plan, get the permission of the Labor Department to work at jobs only open to individuals 18 years of age. This course meets 2 periods per week.
The CWE/DO Program’s objectives are to develop work place readiness and attitudes necessary for success in the world to work. These objectives are achieved by combining on the job training with a planned curriculum in the high school.
CWE students attend regular classes four or five periods each day and then are released to go to the job phase of their learning. Students who are employed for a minimum of 54 hours a month for ten months and successfully complete the CWE course will receive ten credits. The program is one year in duration and credit is given at the end of the course with the exception of January graduates. The CWE program is a one year program open to students in grades 11 and 12 (12th grade students given priority). Students must be at least 16 years old to enter the program. CWE students may not be enrolled in any other class that gives credit for a work release component (e.g. Marketing II, Culinary Arts). Credit will not be given for both classes.

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES I - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

This introductory course focuses on the development, design, and building of entertainment settings and structures.  Entertainment Technologies will cover basic drafting conventions both by and hand and with the assistance of computer drafting software.  Drafting will focus on set ground plans, section drawings, lighting and sound plots. Hands on construction of set pieces, backdrops, platforms, and other entertainment related structures will allow students real-world opportunities while supporting both video production/ film classes and other events that take place on the Danbury High School campus. Entertainment Technologies courses do not have to be taken in sequence.

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES II - COLLEGE PREP (9-12)

This course focuses on the design and implementation of lighting, projections, and sound reinforcement in entertainment.   Students will explore the history of lighting and sound, the evolution of technologies, and the artistic design of a lighting or sound reinforcement plot.  Lighting and sound plots will be developed and used in both video/film classes as well as in the DHS auditorium.  Students will receive hands-on training and experience using digital lighting, sound, and projection equipment.  Computer-Aided drafting will also be incorporated in this course. Entertainment Technologies courses do not have to be taken in sequence.