Applied Technology Department

Graduation Requirements

There are no required classes in the Applied Technology Department, but several of its classes meet other graduation requirements. For example, students who take the Electricity course may apply the credit toward the vocational education or science requirement.

Special Note

The Applied Technology Department is divided into five separate technologies—each independent of the others. Professional Internship and an Independent Study are offered in each of the technologies for students meeting the prerequisites.

• Communication: Drafting & Design, Architectural Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting, Television Production I, II & III

• Energy: Electricity, Electronics, Cisco/A+ Certification

• Engineering: Applied Tech I & II

• Manufacturing and Construction: Woods Fabrication I & II, Intro to Construction, Building Trades

• Transportation: Power Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Auto Maintenance, Auto Servicing

Articulated Credit with College of DuPage

Students who will attend College of DuPage after graduation may earn college credit when the following courses are completed with a grade of “B” or higher. Students must take at least one course at College of DuPage and apply for the credit within two years of graduation from high school to receive the articulated credit.
 

*District 204 and College of DuPage offer dual credit to students in Cisco/A+ Certification. Dual credit means that when completing the course at NVHS or WVHS, the student receives not only high school credit, but college credit as well. This program is separate from the Articulated Credit program described above. See the respective department chair for more information.

Articulated Credit with Waubonsee Community College

Articulation and dual credit may be available through Waubonsee Community College as well. Contact the department chair for details.

The course descriptions that follow serve as a guide to assist students in picking the classes that best suit their needs. We encourage parents to read all the descriptions carefully and to remain an active partner in their child’s education throughout his or her high school education. If you have any questions prior to registering, please call the high school's Applied Technology Department Chair.

Applied Technology Graduation Check List

Graduation Requirements: There are no required classes in the Applied Technology Department, but several of its classes meet other graduation requirements. For example, students who take the Electricity course may apply the credit toward the vocational education or science requirement.

Electives

How do I know which course to take?

Communication

Architectural Drafting (Grades 11,12)
Both college-bound and non-college bound students may find this class a fulfilling completion of the skills mastered in Drafting and Design. Students interested in learning more about housing styles, construction techniques, the history of architecture, and advanced drafting layouts, including perspectives, will find this a rewarding course. A lab fee is required. (One credit)

Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Grades 11,12)
This course is designed for engineering students and architectural students interested in using the computer for drafting and designing. AutoCAD software forms the basis of the class. This upper level course is a wise choice for students interested in entering those fields well prepared. Students must have successfully completed Drafting and Design prior to taking this class. A lab fee is required. (One credit)

Drafting and Design (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student is interested in drafting, architecture, or engineering, then this is the perfect preparatory drafting course for him or her. Students are introduced to traditional drafting techniques as well as to CADD (computer-assisted drafting) in addition to technologies used as a means of technical communication. Many college-bound students find this an informative, valuable, and challenging class to take prior to leaving high school. A lab fee is required. (One credit)

Television Production I (Grades 10,11,12)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of television through lectures and hands-on projects. If a student shows interest in this area, this course is for him or her. The course will stress all aspects of television, from behind-the-scenes technical aspects to on-air presentations. This class is for the serious student only, holding high expectations for a student's effort and performance. (One credit)

Television Production II (Grades 11,12)
This course is for students who have successfully completed Television Production I. It expands upon the skills learned in the introductory course. The class will stress advanced editing skills through non-linear systems; more sophisticated camera techniques; and additional directing, producing, and performance opportunities. Students in this class from both high schools are expected to participate in the internship program that videotapes the district Board of Education meetings every other Monday evening. Again, this is only for the most dedicated students. (One credit)

Television Production III (Grade 12)
This is an independent study class for students who have successfully completed Television Production II and still wish to further improve their production skills by working on approved projects they have designed in tandem with their instructor. These students will be assigned additional production work at the discretion of their instructors. (One credit)

Energy

Cisco/A+ Certification (Grades 11,12)
Students interested in building and servicing PC computers should be directed toward this class. The latest software and hardware will be utilized to teach students to troubleshoot computers and repair or upgrade them as well. This class is preparatory for A+ Certification and in preparing students for the first and second course of the Cisco Certification CCNA. Students taking this course should have successfully completed the Electricity course. (Two credits)

Electricity (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student successfully completed Introduction to Applied Technology and is interested in electricity, this may well be a wise choice for him or her. The class begins with the fundamental theory of direct and alternating current and continues into hands-on work with motors, generators, inductors, and capacitors. Considering everything involved with wiring in a home, this information can be priceless. Each student will be required to construct several simple electrical devices. This class can be used to fulfill part of the Science requirement for graduation. Lab fees are required. (One credit)

Electronics (Grades 11,12)
This course is designed to teach students about the fundamentals of electronic communication. Students interested in such communication would find this class very informative. Solid-state circuitry and solid-state electronics are also introduced. Students will be required to construct an electronic device which may be purchased through the school or at any electronics store. A lab fee is required. (One credit)

Engineering

Introduction to Applied Technology I (Grade 9)
This semester-long introductory course into applied technology is a marvelous start for anyone going further into any of the courses of applied tech after the freshman year. If a student is looking into engineering or technology as a possible career, or simply finds those fields fascinating, then this is the perfect introductory level course for him or her. It is a problem-based learning experience, looking into all aspects of applied technology. Most students take this course the first semester and follow it by taking Introduction to Applied Technology II the second semester. There is a lab fee for this course. (.5 credit)

Introduction of Applied Technology II (Grade 9)
If a student successfully completed Introduction to Applied Tech I in the first semester, then he or she may want to take this class the second semester. The course continues the problem-based learning approach and prepares students for the advanced classes in all four applied technological fields. There is a lab fee for this course. (.5 credit)

Manufacturing and Construction

Building Trades (Grades 11,12)
This advanced construction class requires successful completion of the Introduction to Construction class. To take this class, students must schedule a three-period block during which they will be away from campus. This class, held in conjunction with Aurora East High School, sends students to a job site where they will construct a single-family home that will be sold to the public upon completion. Aside from the obvious construction skills inherent in such a project, students will study closely aligned concerns such as soil testing, marketing of homes, financing of homes, and legal liabilities. Lab fees are required, as is the need for students to provide their own transportation from the high school to the job site. (Three credits)

Introduction to Construction Trades (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student takes Woods Fabrication I during the sophomore year, then he or she may also take this one-semester class concurrently. This course will investigate the technological aspects of constructing single-family homes. Students will study the planning that goes into home building before the actual construction begins. In addition, students will study design, architecture, concrete technology, carpentry, roofing, plumbing, heating and air conditioning. If a student is interested in any aspect of home construction or maintenance, then he or she would find this a very worthwhile course. Completing this course qualifies a student for the Building Trades course later. (.5 credit)

Woods Fabrication I (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student is interested in wood working at any level, professionally or merely as a hobby, then this is the course for him or her. Students will learn the safe way to work with power tools, different kinds of wood, furniture design and how to work from blueprints. Students will be expected to purchase supplies for the required projects. It is preferable that students take this class before taking the final two courses in the Manufacturing and Construction area. (One credit)

Woods Fabrication II (Grades 11,12)
This course takes the basics of Woods Fabrication I and builds upon them; as a result, students should have successfully completed Woods I before enrolling in this course. Students will be instructed in the use of computer-assisted drafting (CADD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as part of this class. As in Woods I, students are expected to purchase supplies for the projects they begin. (One credit)

Transportation

Automotive Maintenance I (Grades 10,11,12)
This course is set up for both male and female students who wish to gain some basic knowledge and skills for maintaining automobiles. If a student is about to get his or her license, then this is a very practical course for him or her to take. Those who feel absolutely helpless when opening the hood of a car, but have no real plans for a career in automotive mechanics, would benefit from this class. (One credit)

Automotive Mechanics I (Grades 10,11,12)
This course is designed for students interested in entering the automotive service industry. Prior to taking this class, a student should have successfully completed either Automotive Maintenance or Power Mechanics. Students will work primarily on troubleshooting problems with gasoline engines and other related components of the modern automobile: transmission, drive line, brakes, and electrical system. Safety glasses (spectacle type) and overalls are required. A lab fee will be assessed. (One credit)

Power Mechanics (Grades 9,10,11,12)
This is an introductory course in the area of gasoline engines and fluid power mechanics. If a student would like to learn how two- and four-cycle engines operate, would like to be able to assemble small engines and learn the basics of automotive operation, then this is the perfect course for him or her. Many students who take Power Mechanics go on to take Auto Mechanics. Power Mechanics is a prerequisite to Auto Mechanics. There is a lab fee associated with this class. (.5 credit)

Automotive Servicing (Grades 11,12)
Students must have successfully completed Auto Mechanics to sign up for this class. Automotive Servicing provides a deeper and more enriched background including but not limited to suspension, alignment, braking systems, electrical systems, engine operation, tires and wheels. This class requires a two-period block of time and requires safety glasses. As a capstone course it is a weighted grade. A lab fee is required. (Two credits)

Special Opportunities in Applied Technology

Professional & Technical Internship (Grades 11,12)
This program serves as the capstone course in Applied Technology. In it, students study in a classroom and then work in the field with a local business. To take this course, students should have completed the following sequence: Automotive Servicing, Architectural Drawing, Computer Drafting, Electronics and Woods II. (Other course sequences may qualify. See the instructor for approval of a different sequence.) The student receives one credit for the classroom aspect of the course and one credit for on-the-job training. The internship instructor may assist the student in finding job placement. Early dismissal is not a requirement for this program.
(Two credits)

Applied Technology Independent Study (Grade 12)
This course is for seniors who have successfully completed level two courses and have the desire to advance independently in a specific area such as Woods, Automotive, Electronics or Drafting. Students interested in doing an independent course must meet with the teacher to design an appropriate program of study. This option is only for the most dedicated seniors. Students must secure the approval of the instructor prior to registration. (One credit)

Applied Technology and Clubs at WVHS and NVHS

A special word must be added about the various clubs in this department as they relate to the curriculum itself. These various competitive clubs strongly reinforce the skills taught in the daily classes and many students find them an extremely rewarding complement to the classroom. If a student is interested in the many offerings within Applied Technology, then he or she most definitely will want to investigate the various clubs that form an integral part of the entire experience.

• IDEA: Focuses on drafting

• SkillsUSA: Relates to all the areas of Applied Technology

• HMV: Corresponds to automotive interests

• Best Robotics: Tied in closely with the study of electronics

• Ford Trouble Shooting: Correlates to automotive interests

For more information, contact an Applied Technology teacher or the department chair.