Technology Education (STEM)

EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY - Communications & Design                                           (6201A)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  The course serves as an introduction to all technology education programs offered at Rockville High School and builds on systems model concepts learned from technology education classes taken at Vernon Center Middle School.  Units and activities in this course will coincide with projects based in CAD Design, 3D Design, Architecture, and Graphic & Video Communications.  The social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of technology will also be discussed, as well as technology’s role in the digital age.

EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY - Engineering and Production                                         (6201B)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grade 9, 10, 11, and 12.  The course serves as an introduction to all technology education programs offered at Rockville High School and builds on systems model concepts learned from technology education classes taken at Vernon Center Middle School.  Units and activities in this course will coincide with projects based in Transportation, Engineering, Production, Manufacturing, and Construction.  The social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of technology will also be discussed, as well as technology’s role in the digital age.

DRAFTING: CAD/CAM - ECE*  **                                                                                 (6305EA)

DRAFTING: ARCHITECTURAL – ECE*  **                                                                   (6305EB)

University of Connecticut Early College Experience*

One Semester each                  Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

Formerly known as Engineering/Architectural Drafting, this course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  During the fall semester, this “real world” course will place emphasis on the CAD program SOLID WORKS and Chief Architect.  Students will study the design process, working drawings, details, 2D and 3D perspectives, and photo-realistic renderings of machine parts.  The intent of this course is to provide the knowledge and experience needed to develop, read, and complete plans and blueprints.  Scale models of student designs will be machined, 3-D printed, or cut on the CNC router.  During the second semester, the course will place emphasis on residential home design with the program Chief Architect.  Students will study the design process, working drawings, details, 2D and 3D perspectives, and photo-realistic renderings of interior and exterior architectural designs.  The intent of this course is to provide the knowledge and experience needed to develop, read, and complete plans and blueprints, with some cost analysis as well.  Scale models of student designs will be constructed or 3D printed.

*The ECE Drafting: CAD/CAM & Architectural course (when completed together) is comparable to the ME 3295 (Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

**The ECE level of this course has been proposed by the Technology Education department for the 2025-2026 school year and is pending approval by the Vernon Board of Education and UCONN.

POWER AUTO TECH: SMALL ENGINES                                                                                  (6219A)

            One Semester                           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Formerly known as Power Auto I, this course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Originally designed to be taken over the full year with engines as the first semester focus and automotive systems in the second semester, this introductory course will familiarize students with the basic hand tools, materials, machines, and procedures used by a technician in career fields like automotive, residential, and agricultural equipment maintenance.  The “systems approach” to learning (engine systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, and fuel systems) will be emphasized.  Training will focus on certification requirements for the related career fields.  Students will earn the opportunity to work on vehicles and equipment to apply the theories learned in the classroom as they progress through the basic skills content.

POWER AUTO TECH: AUTO SYSTEMS                                                                                   (6219B)

            One Semester                           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Formerly known as Power Auto I, this course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Designed to be taken after the first semester focus on engines, this introductory course will familiarize students with the basic power tools, welding, fabrication, materials, machines, and procedures used by a technician in career fields like automotive, residential, and agricultural equipment maintenance.  The “systems approach” to learning (engine performance, electrical, fuel systems, starting and changing circuits, and brake systems) will be emphasized.  Training will focus on certification requirements for the related career fields.  Students will earn the opportunity to work on vehicles and equipment to apply the theories learned in the classroom as they progress through the basic skills content.  The year ends with real-world automotive and equipment servicing as well as learning diagnosis and repair skills to be used in the next levels of Power Auto Tech.

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN: DESIGN LAB 1 - ECE                                                          (6215E)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

Digital Media Design S1 is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 and focuses on Graphic and Web Design.  This course introduces students to many aspects of the Digital Media and Communications industry.  Web designing, printing, publishing, typography, video editing, animation and multimedia designing will be stressed through the use of programs such as Adobe Photoshop (photo editing and manipulating), Adobe After Effects (animation and video) and Adobe Premiere (video and multimedia editing).  Individual and team-based projects will help students understand the future direction of the industry and prepare them for careers in Graphic and Digital Media Design.  Projects are aimed at real world-based digital design projects.

*The ECE Digital Media S1 is comparable to the DMD 1101 (Design Lab I) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN: DESIGN LAB 2 - ECE                                                          (6216E)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

Digital Media Design S2 is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 and focuses on Motion and Game Design.  Prior successful completion of Digital Media Design S1 is strongly encouraged as this course will build skill sets and apply concepts grounded in Photoshop and Design standards. Students will be exposed to the use of 3D graphics and texture maps prevalent in game design, the basic programming of game design, and an introduction to 3D graphics and animation.  Using programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Animate, and Scratch, students will learn the application of these programs in Digital Media Design.

*The ECE Digital Media S2 is comparable to the DMD 1102 (Design Lab II) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

WOOD AND MATERIAL PROCESSING S1                                                                               (6204A)

            One Semester                           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  The course uses wood and other materials as a medium to teach material processing concepts.  Semester 1 will cover safe and proper hand tool and machine use, wood identification and milling raw materials.  Construction math skills will be emphasized through project planning, estimation and CAD.  Wood joinery techniques will be discussed throughout the duration of the course.  Projects will be completed using different processing techniques.  Projects will begin with basic hand tools and progress to projects requiring complex machinery and techniques.  Example projects include a wood puzzle, Bluetooth speaker or cell phone charging dock/stand.

WOOD AND MATERIAL PROCESSING S2                                                                               (6204B)

            One Semester                           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who have completed Wood and Materials Processing S1 with a grade of B or better.  This course builds upon concepts learned in Wood and Materials Processing S1.  Semester 2 will cover advanced joinery, finishing concepts, and woodworking techniques.  Projects will be individualized and student-driven.  Students will be required to accurately plan all personal woodworking projects. Students will have an opportunity to use VCarve CAD software for use in a CNC milling/machining project.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY - STEAM GUITAR - S1 & S2                                          (6221A & 6221B)

            One Semester each                  Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.  Due to required knowledge and safety, prior successful completion of either Principles of Engineering, Robotics, or Woodworking I is recommended. Students will have passed Algebra 1. The primary learning activity will have students manufacture an Electric Guitar using multiple Manufacturing and Design Processes. Students will focus on the development and study of problem-solving techniques in the STEAM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.  The emphasis during the first semester will be on producing Technical Drawings by hand and using SolidWorks design software. The emphasis of the second semester will be on Mastercam design software and Subtractive Manufacturing using CNC and manual machines to produce projects. Activities may include the use of hand and power tools, material fabrication, welding, machining, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and systems assembly.  Work will be completed both individually and in a group atmosphere where teamwork will be emphasized. Career opportunities will be discussed throughout the course.

FIRE TECHNOLOGY - S1 & S2                                                                                     (6310A & 6310B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  The Fire Technology course is designed to give students an entry-level, working knowledge base to pursue a future career in firefighting.  Throughout the course, the students will work with both the Fire Technology teacher and the local fire department to gain valuable coursework and hands-on experience.  Students will learn about personal protection equipment, hose lines, search and rescue, tools, hydrants, vehicle extraction, CPR and First Aid, along with other basic firefighting skills.  There will be several field trips and guest speakers throughout the year where students will learn from local experts.

INTRO TO VIDEO COMMUNICATION                                                                           (6307)

            Fall Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Formerly known as Video Production I, this course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  Cameras and Screens have become part of our daily life.  In this course, students learn to communicate with video.  The course promotes the importance of both technical and creative skills to produce quality videos.  Instruction is provided through an activity-based approach to learning the fundamentals of video pre-production, production, and post-production.  Students will learn to operate video cameras, graphics and editing software.  Through the preproduction and postproduction process, students will have the opportunity to write scripts, act, use camera tricks, and edit their own Music Videos, Commercials, and Silent Movies using Adobe Premiere and iMovie.  Students may select either Humanities or STEM credit for this course.

DMD: FILM AND VIDEO EDITING - ECE                                                                       (6313E)

            Spring Semester           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

Formerly known as Video Production II, this course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  Prior successful completion of Video Production I is required.  In this class, students will further explore creative approaches to video as they continue to practice and refine its uses as a powerful communication medium.  Messaging and storytelling will be major themes of the course as we explore public service announcements, reality TV, the TV studio, broadcast journalism, documentary, and short film techniques.  Students may select either Humanities or STEM credit for this course.

*The ECE DMD: Film and Video Editing course is comparable to the DMD 2210 (Film and Video Editing) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

DMD: FOUNDATIONS OF DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA DESIGN - ECE                                 (6314E)

              Fall Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

This course is formerly known as Video Production III.  Prior successful completion of Video Production I or II is required.  Students who have completed Photo I and Photo II may also be considered.  This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  The course is an advanced level of Video Production for those students who would like to apply the knowledge and skills gained from Video Production I and II to an applied career focus, through the learning of cinematography and multimedia.  Projects will revolve around producing videos with high quality cinematography using DSLR cameras, different lenses, advanced camera operations and filming techniques.  Lighting scenes for different moods and atmospheres, capturing quality audio and using Foley/sound effects will also be a focus in this advanced class.  Projects may involve more than just video with mixed media, motion graphics, and stop motion techniques.  Students will receive Vocational Education credit for this course.

*The ECE Video Production III course is comparable to the DMD 1002 (Foundation in Digital Media and Design) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

DMD: ADVANCED VIDEO & CINEMATOGRAPHY                                                        (6315)

            Spring Semester           Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is formerly known as Video Production IV.  Prior successful completion of Video Production I, II or III is required.  This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  The course will continue to provide opportunities for students to advance their media communications knowledge and skills in the world of film and cinematography, with a focus on broadcast journalism and/or independent work.  Students will be further exposed to the TV studio or shoot to edit field work models to create unique programming.  Students will receive Vocational Education credit for this course.

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING I: MECHANICAL AND FLUID POWER                        (6316)

            Fall semester                Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Prior successful completion of Algebra 1-College is strongly recommended due to sequential learning.  This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12.  This is a hands-on lab course.  Concepts taught will revolve around the four kinds of energy systems that make up the simplest and most complex technological devices and equipment including mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems.  Activities will include a multitude of hands-on labs based on the principle units of force, work, rate, and resistance.  Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) applications are combined to show the relevance of each used in engineering design with real world problem solving activities.

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING II: THERMAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER                        (6317)

            Spring semester                        Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Prior successful completion of Principles of Engineering I and Algebra 1-College are strongly recommended due to sequential learning.  This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12.  This is a hands-on lab course.  It is a continuation of the concepts taught in Principles of Engineering I revolving around the four kinds of energy including mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems.  In this course, activities will include a multitude of hands-on labs based on the advanced principle units of energy and power.  Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) applications will be combined to show the relevance of each used in engineering design with real world problem solving activities.

ROBOTICS - S1 & S2                                                                                                   (6401A & 6401B)

            One Semester each                  Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.05

This course is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.  The course will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic engineering, coding logic, electronics, and designing robots to solve problems.  Emphasis is placed on degrees of freedom, mechanical energy, programming, and current industrial uses.  The building of a competition-style robot for First Tech Challenge and other problem solving challenges will be stressed, such as designing a robot to play tic-tac-toe and the world’s slowest robot challenge.

INTRO TO GAME DESIGN                                                                                            (6311)

            Fall Semester                Credit 0.50                     Weight 1.00

Formerly known as Computers and Consoles – Hardware & Game Design, this course is open to all students in grades 10, 11, and 12.  This is a hands-on application course which will study the history of the video game industry, input and output devices for consoles, gameplay mechanics, video game design and user experiences.  During the first several weeks, students will create video games in scratch to learn the global concepts associated with coding. The remainder of the course students will use Unity to design and create various video game types using the interface and C# script.

ADVANCED GAME DESIGN – ECE                                                                              (6312E)

            Spring Semester            Credit 0.50                     Weight 1.10

This course is formerly known as Computers and Consoles – Software & Intro to Digital Game Design.  Prior successful completion of the Computers and Consoles - Hardware and Game Design course is required due to sequential learning.  This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, & 12.  This is a hands-on application course which will study building video games in Unity using the skills developed in Computers and Consoles 1.  Students will study player control, basic gameplay, sound and effects, gameplay mechanics, and user interface, by creating large video games in terms of complexity, and duration of assignments.

*The ECE Advanced Game Design course is comparable to the DMD 2500 (Intro to Game Design) course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.