MS Course Catalog Career and Technical Education

7th grade Inventions and Innovations (Semester)

Students investigate significant inventions and engineering achievements that have impacted history, advanced society, and altered our world. They explore contemporary technological issues and problems facing individuals, communities, and the world, and apply systematic design and development procedures to propose solutions, create innovations, and invent new products. Unit lessons are planned and developed to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Prerequisite: None

8th grade Technological Systems (Semester)

Students investigate how technological systems work; identify the parts of real-world systems in a variety of technical fields; and design, build, and evaluate systems through class projects. By designing and building systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological world. The course includes activities where students use the engineering problem-solving process and design-software to develop solutions and apply industrial processes in creating multi-part projects.

Prerequisite: None

8th grade Technology of Robotic Design (Full year, one credit)

Students engage in the study of automation systems, microprocessors and their applications in manufacturing, transportation, and communication systems. Topics include computer equipment and operating systems, robotics, programming, control systems, and social/cultural impact of these technologies. Problem Solving activities challenge students to design, program, and interface with computer systems. Learning activities include robotics, computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing and design, and control of electromechanical devices. Note: This course carries high school credit and will apply to high school graduation requirements. Application process.

Credits: 1

Prerequisite: None

7th and 8th grade Keyboarding (Semester)

This course is designed to introduce middle school students to the basics of computers, keyboarding skills, and potential careers. Students will develop and enhance touch skills for entering information using a keyboard to compose and produce personal, educational, and professional documents.

Prerequisite: None

7th and 8th grade Make it your Business (Semester)

This course introduces students to the dynamic world of business ownership and entrepreneurship. Students explore concepts and techniques for planning and navigating the challenges of operating a business using best practices, ethics, and management skills. Course focus includes product/service planning, financial statements, marketing concepts, sales and customer service, and basic economic principles necessary for successful business operation. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Prerequisite: None

8th grade Digital Input Technologies (Semester)

This course introduces new and emerging input devices (e.g., speech-and handwriting-recognition software, tablets, cloud computing applications, headsets/microphones, scanners, digital cameras, digital video cameras, mobile devices, computer systems) to prepare students for using tools that are becoming standard in the workplace and everyday life.

Prerequisite: None

7th grade Teen Living (Semester)

Teen Living emphasizes personal responsibility for demands of multiple life roles through hands-on project based instruction. Students focus on individual development, maintaining their personal environments, applying nutrition and wellness practices, managing consumer and family resources, creating textile, fashion, and apparel products. Instruction in this course emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts, where appropriate

Prerequisite: None

8th grade Life Management (Semester)

This course teaches higher order thinking skills through simulated life experiences such as family role playing and caring for children, evaluation of short-and long-term goals, and assessments of different techniques to balance work and family. Students also complete various modules in a self-directed multimedia lab.

Prerequisite: None

7th and 8th grade Service Learning and Leadership (Semester)

This course introduces students to leadership skills. Key concepts include characteristics and styles of effective leadership, ethics, goal setting, problem solving, and communicating. Students will set and execute personal and professional leadership goals. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Prerequisite: None

7th and 8th grade Career Investigations (Semester)

This course will help students identify and demonstrate the workplace skills that employers desire in their future employees. Students analyze their personal assets; explore career clusters, career pathways, or occupations; and draft an Academic and Career Plan based on their academic and career interests. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations. Note: This course is a required class for all middle school students and counts toward their graduation requirements.

Prerequisite: None