PCHS Technology Department

Degrees:

• BS Math/Science Education
• MA Education Administration

Licenses & Endorsements:

• Elementary 1-8 (401)
• 442 Beginning Administration PreK-12

Miscellaneous:

• Advisor-TSA and FBLA

Degrees:

• BS Business Education
• MA Instructional Leadership

Licenses & Endorsements:

• 474 Business Education 7-12
• 475 Business Technology 7-12
• 442 Beginning Administrator PreK-12

Miscellaneous:

• Advisor-FBLA

Degrees:

• BS Science
• MA Instructional Leadership

Licenses & Endorsements:

• General Science/Biology 7-12

Education:

• Tennessee Wesleyan College
• Tennessee Tech

Miscellaneous:

• Advisor-SkillsUSA

Introduction to Business and Marketing

Introduction to Business and Marketing is an introductory course designed to give students an overview of the Business Management and Administration, Marketing, and Finance career clusters. The course helps students prepare for the growing complexities of the business world by examining basic principles of business, marketing, and finance in addition to exploring key aspects of leadership, ethical and social responsibilities, and careers.

Students’ academic skills in communications, mathematics, and economics are reinforced with activities modeled in the context of business topics. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be equipped with the foundational skills to succeed in any of the Business, Marketing, or Finance programs of study and will be prepared to make an informed decision regarding which pathways they would like to pursue in high school.

Business Communications

Business Communications is a course designed to develop students’ effective oral and electronic business communications skills. This course develops skills in multiple methods of communications, including social media, as well as electronic publishing, design, layout, composition, and video conferencing.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to demonstrate successful styles and methods for professional business communications using the proper tools to deliver effective publications and presentations.

Business Management

Business Management focuses on the development of the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions required for the production and delivery of goods and services. This applied knowledge course addresses the management role of utilizing the businesses’ resources of employees, equipment, and capital to achieve an organization’s goals.

Students will participate in a continuing project throughout the course in which, individually or in teams, they will present recommendations to improve an existing business. Local business partnerships are encouraged to provide resources for aculty and students. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to complete a full review of an existing business and offer recommendations for improvement as would a management consultant.

Business & Entrepreneurship Practicum

Business & Entrepreneurship Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Business and Marketing courses within a simulated startup environment or authentic business setting. The course is structured to allow students the creativity to develop, launch, and market original usiness ideas. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers as future business owners or entrepreneurs.

Practicum activities can take place around student-led startups under the supervision of the instructor, or in collaboration with a local business incubator. The standards in this course can also be used to promote student participation in a work-based learning (WBL) experience through an internship or other off-campus arrangement. Upon completion of the practicum, proficient students will be prepared to further develop their business ideas into viable ventures, or continue their study at the postsecondary level.

Architectural & Engineering Design I

Architectural & Engineering Design I is a foundational course in the Architecture & Construction cluster for students interested in a variety of engineering and design professions. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to create technical drawings of increasing complexity, and utilize these skills to complete the design process and communicate project outcomes.

Students will build foundational skills in freehand sketching, fundamental technical drawing, and related measurement and math. Standards in this course also include career exploration within the technical design industry, as well as an overview of the history and impact of architecture and engineering. In addition, students will begin compiling artifacts for inclusion in a portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Architectural & Engineering Design II

Architectural & Engineering Design II is the second course in the Architectural & Engineering Design program of study. Students in this course build their skills in developing and representing design ideas using technical drawing and modeling techniques, and apply the design process to solve design problems. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to create multi-view, sectional view, auxiliary view, and threedimensional drawings using industry standard dimensioning and notation.

Students will connect drawings with actual physical layouts by building models based on drawings, creating drawings based on objects and other physical layouts, and using software to create basic three-dimensional models. In addition, students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in a portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Architectural & Engineering Design III

Architectural & Engineering Design III is the third course in the Architectural & Engineering Design program of study. In this advanced course, students will apply technical drawing and design skills developed in the previous courses to specific architectural and mechanical design projects and contexts. In the process, students will expand their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by assessing the requirements of a project alongside the available resources in order to accomplish realistic planning.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to employ methods of data collection and analysis to provide others with appropriate information for projects and to develop their own designs. Students will also be able to engage with industry-specific technology to create visual representations of project outcomes. In addition, students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in a portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Engineering Practicum

Engineering Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Engineering courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by engineers and technologists in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and project management.

The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs: instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing. Upon completion of the practicum, students will be prepared for postsecondary study in engineering and technology fields.

Principles of Engineering and Technology

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Engineering Design I

Engineering Design I is a fundamental course in the STEM cluster for students interested in developing their skills in preparation for careers in engineering and technology. The course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to describe various engineering disciplines, as well as admissions requirements for postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs in Tennessee. They will also be able to identify simple and complex machines; calculate various ratios related to mechanisms; explain fundamental concepts related to energy; understand Ohm’s Law; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Engineering Design II

Engineering Design II is an applied course in the STEM career cluster for students interested in further developing their skills as future engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to explain the differences between scientists and engineers, understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology, identify components of control systems, describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems, explain why material and mechanical properties are important to design, create simple free body diagrams, use measurement devices employed in engineering, conduct basic engineering economic analysis, follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Engineering Practicum

Engineering Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Engineering courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by engineers and technologists in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and project management.

The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs: instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing. Upon completion of the practicum, students will be prepared for postsecondary study in engineering and technology fields.

Computer Science Foundations

Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. As a result, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two of four focus areas. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations.

Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.

Web Design Foundations

Web Design Foundations is a course that prepares students with work-related web design skills for advancement into postsecondary education and industry. The course is intended to develop fundamental skills in both theory and practical application of the basic web design and development process, project management and teamwork, troubleshooting and problem solving, and interpersonal skill development.

Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the web design and development industry; where interaction with a “client” is indicated in the standards, it is expected that students’ peers or the instructor may serve as mock clients in lieu of an actual relationship with an industry partner. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in the Web Design program of study.

Web Design Development

Web Site Development builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Web Design Foundations to further prepare students for success in the web design and development fields. Emphasis is placed on applying the design process toward projects of increasing sophistication, culminating in the production of a functional, static website. As students work toward this goal, they acquire key skills in coding, project management, basic troubleshooting and validation, and content development and analysis.

Artifacts of the work completed in this course will be logged in a student portfolio demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to pursue a variety of postsecondary programs in the computer sciences, sit for industry certification, or apply their skills in a capstone Web Design Practicum.

Web Design Practicum

Web Design Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Web Design courses toward the completion of an in-depth project with fellow team members. Students who have progressed to this level in the Web Design program of study take on more responsibilities for producing independent work and managing processes involved in the planning, designing, refinement, and launch of a website.

In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by web design professionals in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, troubleshooting, teamwork, marketing and analytics, and project management. Upon completion of the practicum, proficient students will be prepared for postsecondary study and career advancement in web design.

Digital Arts & Design I

Digital Arts & Design I is a foundational course in the Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications cluster for students interested in art and design professions. The primary aim of this course is to build a strong understanding of the principles and elements of design and the design process. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to utilize industry tools to conceptualize and create communications solutions which effectively reach targeted audiences.

Students will acquire basic skills in illustration, typography, and photography. Standards in this course include career exploration, an overview of the history of design, basic business management, and legal issues. In addition, students will begin compiling artifacts for inclusion in a digital portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Digital Arts & Design II

Digital Arts & Design II is a course that builds on the basic principles and design process learned in the introductory Digital Arts & Design I course. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to perform advanced software operations to create photographs and illustrations of increasing complexity.

Students will employ design principles and use industry software to create layouts for a variety of applications. Standards in this course also include an overview of art and design industries, career exploration, and business management. In addition, students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in a digital portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Web Design Practicum

Digital Arts & Design III is the third course in the Digital Arts & Design program of study. Applying design skills developed in prior courses, students will expand their creative and critical thinking skills to create comprehensive multimedia projects and three-dimensional designs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to use industry-standard software to create multimedia projects, web pages, three-dimensional models, and animations.

Students will utilize research techniques to plan and enhance project outcomes. Standards in this course also include professionalism and ethics, career exploration, and business and project management. In addition, students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in a digital portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

Applied Arts Practicum

The Applied Arts Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by professionals in these careers, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, research, communication, teamwork, and project management through the completion of a course-long project.

The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs. Instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through workbased learning arrangements such as internships, service learning, and job shadowing. Upon completion of the practicum, proficient students will be prepared to pursue postsecondary study in arts, A/V technology, or communications programs; or seek additional training or employment with the aid of the portfolio, which documents the student’s work completed throughout the program of study.

Computer Science Foundations

Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. As a result, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two of four focus areas. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations.

Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.

Coding I

Coding I is a course intended to teach students the basics of computer programming. The course places emphasis on practicing standard programming techniques and learning the logic tools and methods typically used by programmers to create simple computer applications

Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to solve problems by planning multistep procedures; write, analyze, review, and revise programs, converting detailed information from workflow charts and diagrams into coded instructions in a computer language; and will be able to troubleshoot/debug programs and software applications to correct malfunctions and ensure their proper execution.

Coding II

Coding II challenges students to develop advanced skills in problem analysis, construction of algorithms, and computer implementation of algorithms as they work on programming projects of increased complexity. In so doing, they develop key skills of discernment and judgment as they must choose from among many languages, development environments, and strategies for the program life cycle. Course content is reinforced through numerous short- and long-term programming projects, accomplished both individually and in small groups.

These projects are meant to hone the discipline and logical thinking skills necessary to craft error-free syntax for the writing and testing of programs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented programming language using high-level languages such as FOCUS, Python, or SAS.

Mobile App Development

Mobile App Development is a course intended to teach students the basic concepts and skills of mobile app design. The course places an emphasis on the history of mobile technologies, design and development methodologies, code for mobile applications, application lifecycles, APIs, mobile device controls, user interfaces, deployment, publishing for mobile devices, developer tools, and career development.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be demonstrate and understanding of mobile app development concepts.

Principles of Manufacturing

Principles of Manufacturing is designed to provide students with exposure to various occupations and pathways in the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster, such as Machining Technology, Electromechanical Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding. In order to gain a holistic view of the advanced manufacturing industry, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two focus areas. Throughout the course, they will develop an understanding of the general steps involved in the manufacturing process and master the essential skills to be an effective team member in a manufacturing production setting.

Course content covers basic quality principles and processes, blueprints and schematics, and systems. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will advance from this course with a nuanced understanding of how manufacturing combines design and engineering, materials science, process technology, and quality. Upon completion of the Principles of Manufacturing course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision regarding which Advanced Manufacturing program of study to pursue.

Digital Electronics

Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to (1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters, and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), (2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, (3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and (4) effectively communicate designs and systems.

Students develop additional skill in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Upon completion of the Digital Electronics course, proficient students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs through a variety of media.

Mechatronics I

Mechatronics I is an applied course in the manufacturing cluster for students interested in learning more about careers as a mechatronics technician, maintenance technician, electromechanical technician, and manufacturing engineer. This first of two courses covers basic electrical and mechanical components of mechatronics systems as well as their combined uses with instrument controls and embedded software designs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to describe and explain basic functions of physical properties and electrical components within a mechatronic system.

They can logically trace the flow of energy through a mechatronic system and can communicate this process to others. They know how to effectively use technical documentation such as data sheets, schematics, timing diagrams, and system specifications to troubleshoot basic problems with equipment. Finally, they develop strategies to identify, localize, and correct malfunctioning components and equipment.

Mechatronics II

Mechatronics II is an advanced course in the manufacturing career cluster for students interested in learning more about such careers as mechatronics technician, maintenance technician, or electromechanical technician. Following the groundwork of mechanics and electronics laid in Mechatronics I, this course covers basics of pneumatic, electro pneumatic, and hydraulic control circuits in a complex mechatronic system. In addition, the course addresses basic digital logic and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) employed in the mechanical, electronic, and control systems in a mechatronics system.

Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to explain the inter-relationships of components and modules within a complex mechatronic system. They understand the differences between hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power and can explain the scientific principles that apply. They also use technical documentation (such as datasheets, circuit diagrams, displacement step diagrams, timing diagrams, and function charts) to troubleshoot and resolve malfunctioning pneumatic and hydraulic components and circuits. They demonstrate understanding of the role of programmable logic controllers (PLC) in mechatronic systems and the ability to write, debug, and run basic ladder logic.