Engineering Arts & Technology

Engineering and Technology at Wasatch Academy challenges students to design creative solutions through the engineering and production of both virtual and physical outcomes. Within its various studio labs and maker-spaces the engineering and technology departments aim to inspire the use of computer technology, the application of trade skills, and the development of higher order critical thinking.

Courses

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    Computer Science I provides students with an introduction via the codehs.com platform and the Python programming language, while empowering students to create authentic artifacts through use of communication, creativity, and problem solving.

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    Computer Science II is a continuation of the Computer Science I course, including some more advanced features of the Python language.

  • AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level course, where students cultivate their understanding of coding in the Java programming language, through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures, as stated on College Board’s course overview.

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    This introductory course gives students the opportunity to try their hand at many different subjects offered in the Engineering Arts Programs, including woodworking, engineering challenges, rocketry, Computer Aided Design, and robotics.

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    Introduction to Engineering (a trimester course) gives students the opportunity to solve authentic challenges by applying the strategies and processes used by real engineers, including design processes, prototype creation, and solution refinement.

  • Duration: Full year

    This course provides an overview of engineering and engineering technology, where students develop problem-solving skills by tackling real-world engineering problems. Students dive into topics such as mechanical systems, materials selection, computer aided design, and the engineering process to solve authentic problems.

  • Duration: Full year

    Engineering Arts Portfolio is a class where students are empowered to explore an engineering arts project of their choosing. This advanced mentored independent study class is open to 11th and 12th grade students with instructor approval. Instruction focuses on the design process and students work with the instructor to define goals for themselves. Students may work in teams in order to bring their vision to life.

  • Duration: Trimester

    This course teaches students the principles of robotics. To understand the relationship between software and hardware, students learn how their code impacts the movement of a self-made robot. Students explore the Hummingbird and Finch Robot Kits, make rovers, robotic rube goldberg machines, and other creations.

  • Duration: 1 trimester
    Prerequisite:     Introduction to Robotics, Arduino, or instructor approval.

    Students design, build, and program a robot to compete in the First Tech Challenge series, with a focus on the mechanics involved in robotics including motion, wheel-base design, steering, elevating, throwing, sensory input, and autonomy.

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    Rocketry is designed for students with an interest in aerospace engineering or related fields. This course first focuses on building kit rockets to gain an understanding of rocket construction and functionality. Students then simulate rockets with the help of modeling software and build their next model rockets from scratch. Once students grasp the basics of modeling and rocket development, they design multi-stage rockets, high-power rockets, or rockets with alternate recovery systems.

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    This class gives students the opportunity to combine art with engineering using 3D printers, laser cutters, and Cricut machines to produce products they can sell, share, or gift. Students learn skills in various design softwares to bring their ideas to life. Some examples of projects are laser cut clocks, 3D printed accessories, earrings, vinyl cut stickers, banners and lots more!

  • Credits:
    Duration:
    Prerequisite:

    This trimester Engineering Arts course provides students the opportunity to learn the art of custom Cosplay creations with a focus on handcrafted unique pieces; from the knight's shining armor to the princess's bedazzled crown. Students seeking more advanced learning opportunities can pursue creating their own custom 3d printed pieces or fabric/foam templates with CAD software(s).

  • Duration: 1 trimester

    Arduino is a hands-on introduction to electrical engineering through the Arduino microcontroller. Students create simple machines and electronic devices with programmed behavior.

  • This course is open to all students and levels of abilities and expertise. Collaboratively with the instructor, beginning woodworkers will review individually proposed projects and design a skill-appropriate plan for completion. Students with more expertise will work with the instructor on more advanced designs and projects.

  • This course will focus on teamwork over individual projects where students will gain hands-on experience in design, framing, roofing, painting, finishing, project completion, and other project-appropriate skill-based trades. Collaborating in teams, students will complete a class construction project that might include a tool shed, dog house, or chicken coup. The final project outcome will be offered for sale to the larger community.

  • Students are introduced to the technical skills and aesthetic understanding of digital art and learn techniques to create individualized projects through the Adobe suite.

  • This course focuses on current computer technology and technical skills related to recording, sound design and production using hardware and software tools such as Garage Band, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live.