Business and STEM
Course Descriptions
STEM 7
STEM 7 provides students with an introduction to the Engineering Design Process. Students will use this process to create and improve various constructed items by reflecting on the pros and cons of their design. During this course, students will also be given a brief introduction to computer science concepts. Students will learn the basics of programming by focusing on algorithms and writing code through "drag and drop" coding platforms that provide a visual representation of the code through graphics or robotics.
STEM 8
STEM 8 provides students with the opportunity to dive deeper into STEM concepts and STEM-related careers. Students continue to utilize the Engineering Design Process to create and improve prototypes as well as collect and analyze data from their creations. Students continue to work through computer science concepts and block coding while being exposed to more challenging coding operations and understanding the use of variables in code.
Computer Applications 7
7th Grade Computer Applications takes a closer look at computer applications including the Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets), which will be utilized throughout their entire Jr/Sr high school career. We also take a deeper dive into digital citizenship and what it means to use technology safely and responsibly.
Computer Technology 8
Computer Technology 8 steps back to take a closer look at the operation of a computer, how they work, and what impact they have on the world. This is done through the Carnegie Mellon University CS Academy, CS0. The class also continues our studies regarding digital citizenship and the everyday impact of technology, media, and digital life.
Advanced STEM
Using the Engineering Design Process, students are given the opportunity to assess real-world problems and possible solutions to those problems. Students are able to collect, analyze, and display data demonstrating the benefits and faults of their desired solution. Students will also share their final products with the class, school, and community as deemed necessary.
Graphic Design & Digital Media (9-12)
3D Design and Creation is a work-at-your-own-pace course that allows students to fully demonstrate their creativity. Using CAD programs such as OnShape, TinkerCAD, and Shapr3d, students create objects to 3D print. The technology used in this course is similar to the technology used in hospitals and dental offices to print prototypes or teeth impressions or even the anatomy of organs.
Business and Entrepreneurship Technology 1&2 (10-12)
Business and Entrepreneurship Technology utilizes a partnership with Real World Scholars & EdCorps (renewed yearly) to run a classroom-based, student-run business. The 19-20 school year class created and successfully ran Hargus Creek Designs, creating and selling custom products such as signs, decorations, and awards. This class is split into two primary groups, the business side, and the Entrepreneurship Technology side. The business side focuses on the everyday operation of the business, and the ET side focuses on the creation of the products and maximizing production and quality. Bus & ET 2 is a continuation of the course but will serve as advisors and managers to Bus & ET 1 students.
Innovation Lab | Advanced Computer Applications and Design (9-12)
The Innovation Lab and Advanced Computer Applications and Design is a class designed for students who are curious about STEM technology such as laser tools, 3D printing, and/or robotics. The class explores how to safely and effectively use the equipment included in the innovation lab, as well as file design, prep, and upkeep. In addition to the equipment used, students will explore, comprehensively, the computer applications used to power the equipment to create a final, physical product. This includes, but is
not limited to CAD Design, advanced MS Suite tools (Excel, Publisher, Word), Google Suite tools (Drawings, Docs, Sheets), Adobe Suite products (Illustrator and Photoshop), Shapr3D, Cura, and equipment-proprietary software.
Computer Science 1 (9-12) (Formerly Introduction to programming)
Computer Science 1 is a semi-self-guided class that approaches the world of computer programming and functions with a continuation of the Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science Academy, supported and approved by IU1. The course explores computer programming using Python, a commonly used and widely applicable programming language. In addition to CMU CS Academy, we will apply this knowledge through the building, programming, and controlling of robotic devices and equipment. These devices allow students to see a physical object become powered by coding.
Computer Science 2 (10-12 --- Computer Science 1 is a prerequisite course)
Computer Science 2 is mostly self-guided and takes a more in-depth look at the function and fundamentals of computer science and programming. This class continues to use the CMU CS Academy while providing more advanced opportunities for students since they have a solid base of python coding. The students will have a variety of projects to choose from in self-guided learning, including but not limited to Swift, Web Design, HTML, Python, 3D CAD Design, laser printing/cutting, and 3D printing.
School Publications– Newspaper and Yearbook (9-12) (1C, E, M, P = Student Application and Teacher Approval)
This course provides students the opportunity to work on our school yearbook. Students will learn basic elements of layout and design, as well as photography. Students will be responsible for capturing photographs, stories, and interviews, as well as other related assignments. Students will design layouts for our yearbook (The Pioneer). Students will work with online publishing programs, as well as other software publishing, graphic, video, and audio design programs. The ability to meet deadlines and work as part of a team are key criteria for this course. Students must be willing and able to attend meetings and events that occur after normal school hours throughout the year. The meetings and event coverage after school hours are vital to maintaining our production schedule and meeting all internal and external deadlines. As funding is required for our school publications, students are required to participate in fundraisers throughout the year.
Video Production (9-12) (1C, E, M)
This course provides students the opportunity to learn about video production and work with our school television broadcast. Students will learn elements of video production, from basic camera usage and filming to advanced non-linear editing skills. Students will be responsible for capturing video footage of various school events, including but not limited to sporting events, assemblies, and drama productions. Students will work collectively, as well as independently, to complete assigned video projects. Students will work with various video and audio design programs. The ability to meet deadlines and work as part of a team are key criteria for this course. Students must be willing and able to attend meetings and events that occur after normal school hours throughout the year. The meetings and event coverage after school hours are vital to maintain our production schedule and meeting all internal and external deadlines. As funding helps us acquire new equipment and necessary consumable supplies, students are required to participate in fundraisers throughout the year.
Computer Science (9-12) (1C, E)
Introduction to Programming is a class for anyone interested in exploring the world of technology, computers, computer science, and coding. We will begin the course with an introduction to Computer Science using Python, a commonly used and widely applicable programming language. After students have developed a solid basis of understanding for the language, we apply this knowledge through the building, programming, and controlling of robotic devices. These devices allow students to see a physical object become powered by coding. Once we move on from the robots, students will have a variety of options to choose from for self-guided learning, including but not limited to: Swift (Apple programming language), Web Design, HTML, Python, 3D CAD Design (OnShape), and 3D Printing. Through the generosity of the WG School Board, we are able to use top-of-the-line, industry-standard Apple computers, 3D printers, and robotics kits for enhanced and multi-platform learning.
Accounting (11, 12 {10th grade with a teacher and school counselor approval}
The accounting course at West Greene serves as an introduction to basic concepts and standards making up the financial accounting system. Many concepts will be studied, including but not limited to revenue recognition, inventory, asset management, present value, and liabilities. Students will also learn to construct and interpret basic financial accounting statements including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
Graphic Design/Interactive Media (9-12)
This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the creation and production of graphic design. Students will use programs within the Adobe Suite to create logos, posters, signs, and digital images. The course will help students examine the various areas of design, such as visual arts, typography, and vector image development. It will also allow students to develop and strengthen their artistic and creative talents while applying them to 21st-century tools of the trade. Students will leave the class with confidence in their design skills, as well as the production of their designs in many facets. This class fits perfectly into the overarching theme of the Business & Computer Technology part of STEAM, as it will only enhance our offering, particularly in regards to the Business & Entrepreneurship Technology class. It is also another class that will have direct exposure to and use of the new EQT Maker Space.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) 7
Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) 8
Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.