Academy of Engineering

The advanced engineering program of study, Project Lead The Way, is a part of the National Alliance for Pre-engineering Programs. This nationally recognized curriculum challenges students of all abilities to become actively engaged in hands-on learning experiences using math, science, and technology in meaningful ways to solve real-world problems. It is designed for all students interested in pursuing an advanced career in the field of engineering and provides experiences that can lead to a wide range of potential careers. Students are expected to follow a four year sequence of courses which is linked to a post-secondary engineering program of study. Beginning in the freshman year, students are enrolled in the foundations course, Principles of Engineering . In the sophomore year, students take Introduction to Engineering Design . During the junior year, students may choose from a variety of specialty courses such as Aerospace Engineering, Bio-Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture or Telecommunications Engineering. This advanced engineering program culminates in a technology research project where students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. Various career-based experiences such as focused job shadows, team competitions, and college/industry site visits are also required to reinforce the connection between school and work. College credit may be obtained upon completion of the Advanced Engineering courses.

Please click here: Project Lead The Way and the Engineering Academy at Wheaton High School.

 

Why?

  • A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level jobs in engineering and generally ensures significantly higher salaries than those of college graduates in other fields.
  • Employment opportunities in engineering are expected to be good through 2008 and expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations.
  • Engineers must continue their education throughout their career because much of their value depends upon their knowledge of the latest technology.
  • Competitive pressures and advancing technology will force companies to improve and update product designs increasingly more frequently, and to optimize the manufacturing process.
  • Prospects for manufacturers are best for those with the appropriate knowledge or technical expertise as well as the personal traits necessary for successful selling.
  • Many engineers work on long-term research and development projects that continue even during economic slowdowns.

What?

Are these among your interests and abilities?

  • designing a new video game, parts for a car engine, the shape of a bottle for a new perfume or juice drink
  • applying theories and principles of math and science
  • researching and developing economical solutions to technical problems
  • controlling the operation of automatic machinery that produces products
  • using effective communication skills
  • designing, planning, and supervising the construction of buildings, highways, bridges and transit systems
  • developing new materials that improve the performance and quality of products
  • implementing advances in technology

You could be a successful...

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Architect
  • Broker
  • Buyer
  • CAD Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Manufacturer's Agent
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Sales Representative
  • Service and Sales Manager

Rigor…

This High School Program will provide the student with an opportunity to meet or exceed the following Indicators of Rigor as established by the Maryland State Department of Education:

  • 2 credits of foreign language
  • 2 credits in advanced technology
  • Math course beyond Algebra 2 and Geometry
  • 4 credits in science
  • CTE Program Completer

Internships…

Opportunities for job shadowing experiences as well as internships in the field of engineering with a local industry will be available.

Recommended Engineering Academy Pathway...

This is a sample planner that may be tailored to meet a student's individual needs. All students must take prescribed English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and other courses required for a Maryland Diploma. Those courses are part of each academy pathway. While we recommend honors and Advanced Placement courses, all students are invited to participate in the Academy. Academy faculty and counselors will work to help ensure student success. See the DCC High School Program Overview and the MCPS Course Bulletin for more information.

Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12

English:
English 9/Honors

English:
English 10/Honors

English:
English 11/Honors/AP

English:
English 12/Honors/AP

Mathematics:
Algebra 1


Honors Geometry

 
Algebra 2 w/Analysis

Mathematics:
Geometry/Honors


Algebra 2 w/Analysis

 
Precalculus w/Analysis

Mathematics:
Algebra 2
Alg 2 w/Analysis

Precalculus w/Analysis

 
Statistical & Mathematical Modeling
AP Calculus BC

Mathematics:
Statistics
Precalculus w/ Analysis

AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC

AP Statistics

College Level Math Beyond AP Calculus

Social Studies:
U.S. History/Honors

Social Studies:
National, State & Local Government/Honors/AP

Social Studies:
Modern World History/
Honors/AP

Social Studies:
AP Social Studies
or
Academy/Elective Coursework

Science:
Matter & Energy/Honors

Honors Biology

Honors Physics

Science:
Biology/Honors

 

Honors Chemistry

 

Science:
Chemistry/Honors

Honors/AP Physics
AP Chemistry/Biology

Honors Biology

Science Elective:
Physics/Honors


 AP Science course
or
Academy/Elective Coursework

Foreign Language

Foreign Language

Foreign Language

Foreign Language

Connections
and
Physical Education

Physical Education
and
 Health

Civil Engineering and Architecture
Academy/Elective Coursework or Internship

Principles of Engineering *

Introduction to Engineering Design *

Digital Electronics *

Engineering Design Development *


Required Academy Coursework *

Academy Coursework (choose from among the following) :
 Aerospace Engineering
Bio-engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Telecommunications Engineering

Foreign Language (choose one language) :
 French
Italian
Spanish

Elective Coursework (choose as needed) :
Technology/Computer Science
Fine Arts/Music
Physical Education

Course Descriptions

Principles of Engineering - Grades 9 -12 (5150/5151)
Is a broad-based survey course to help students understand engineering and engineering technology and identify career possibilities. This course provides an overview of engineering and engineering technology. Students develop problem-solving skills by tackling real-world engineering problems. Through theory and practical hands-on experiences, students address the emerging social and political consequences of technological change. Concurrent enrollment of Algebra 1 or higher recommended. (Technology Education Credit)

Introduction to Engineering Design - Grades 10 -12 (5152/5153)
Is an introductory course that develops students' problem-solving skills, with emphasis on visualization and communication skills using a computer and a 3-D solid modeling software. This course emphasizes the development of a design. Students use computer software to produce, analyze, and evaluate models of projects and solutions. They study the design concepts of form and function, and then use state-of-the-art technology to translate conceptual design into reproducible products. Concurrent enrollment of Geometry or higher recommended.
(Technology Education Credit, Certificate of Merit)

Civil Engineering and Architecture - Grades 10 -12 (4255/4256)
This course provides an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and interdependence of both fields. Students use state-of-the-art software to solve real-world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as: The Roles of Civil Engineers and Architects; Project Planning; Site Planning; Building and Engineering Design; and Project Documentation and Presentation.

Digital Electronics - Grades 10 -12 (5156/5157)
Is a course of study in applied digital logic using electronic logic circuits that first are designed and then tested using the latest computer-logic modeling technology. This course introduces students to applied digital logic, a key element of careers in engineering and engineering technology. This course explores the smart circuits found in watches, calculators, video games, and computers. Students use industry-standard computer software in testing and analyzing digital circuitry. They design circuits to solve problems, and use appropriate components to build their designs. Students use mathematics and science in solving real-world engineering problems. Concurrent enrollment of Algebra 2 or higher recommended.
(Program Completer,Certificate of Merit, Honors)

Engineering Design Development - Grade 12 (5158/5159)
Is the capstone course for students in the Academy of Engineering. Students are required to work in two-to-four person teams that research an open-ended problem and then design and construct a solution to it. Each team must submit progress reports and a final research paper. The team members then defend the solution with an oral presentation before an outside review panel. This course lets students apply what they have learned in academic and advanced engineering courses as they complete challenging, self directed projects. Students work in teams to design and build solutions to authentic engineering problems. An engineer from the school's partnership team monitors each student team. Examples of projects may include a robotic mascot for the school, a remote-controlled hovercraft, or a solar-powered device. Students keep journals of notes, sketches, mathematical calculations, and scientific research. Student teams make progress reports to their peers, mentor and instructor and exchange constructive criticism and consultation. At the end of the course, teams present their research paper and defend their projects to a panel of engineers, business leaders and engineer college educators for a professional review and feedback. This course equips students with the independent study skills that they will need in postsecondary education and careers in engineering and engineering technology.
(Program Completer, Certificate of Merit, Honors)

Advanced Engineering Internship

 

Updated September 25, 2007 | Maintained by Webmaster