MAST Technology Program

Course Descriptions

Computer Aided Design:

The goal of CADD is to introduce the process of how to design, develop, locate, summarize, organize, synthesize and present information. CADD begins with lessons in problem solving and uses the design loop to help students focus and think critically. CADD starts the year with manual drafting to teach the students how to get their ideas on paper. We quickly progress to using the computer to accomplish the same goal, gradually adding new software programs or improving use of popular software programs.

The course allows students to gain hands-on experience using various software programs to produce written and graphical representations of their work or a solution to a given problem. Different software programs will be used by the class as a “tool” to be used in a variety of academic situations. Students will use the software they learned in CADD in a number of project based settings during the next three years to enhance their research methods and presentations, as a result instructional areas are reflected with this goal in mind

Technology, Engineering and Design:

This course exposes students to technology, engineering and design practices through a problem solving and design process approach. Further exposure focuses on design principles, and a wide range of technical skills provides a deeper experience while integrating Math and Science. The course engages the learner in assignments and projects using a problem solving and design process repeatedly so that the process becomes second nature. The course also provides for a variety of individual and cooperative learning opportunities to incorporate leadership opportunities and team building skills.

Students are expected to practice the process, principles and skills through a variety of hands-on activities and projects. Practices include technical writing, technical drawing and illustration, material processing and use of hand and power tools. Students are given hands-on activities to develop and practice the basic concepts for design and problem solving, and document ideas, research, progress, developmental work and results through technical writing and illustration.

Systems Engineering I:

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply skills from the freshman and sophomore level coursework to solve problems in engineering design. The students use prior knowledge of the design process and drawing techniques such as hand sketching and computer aided drafting to solve problems related to systems and subsystems. Emphasis is placed on research, documentation and evaluation of solutions to design problems. The organizational structure of this course is based on a “central project” philosophy to provide a realistic and meaningful experience and to allow for guidance and support through the community and industry.

The course will allow students to develop and practice the basic concepts for design and problem solving, elaborate on concepts as a preliminary design, and develop the preliminary design into a set of “contract” drawings and specifications. Design work continues into the construction phase to process materials, assemble components, systems and subassemblies into an integrated whole. Virtually all the related design and engineering tasks will be done using a variety of computer applications. All solutions are tested, evaluated and redesigned as needed.

Systems Engineering II:

This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate K-12 subject matter to design and develop a solution to solve a design problem. The students use prior knowledge of the design process and drawing techniques such as hand sketching and computer aided drafting to design and solve problems related to the solution. Emphasis is placed on research, documentation and evaluation of the solution to the design problem. The organizational structure of this course is based on a “Student Driven Project” and a “Central Project” philosophy to provide a realistic and meaningful experience and to allow for guidance and support through the community and industry.

The course will allow students to apply the basic concepts for design, problem solving, technical writing, computer application, and material processing skills. Students will design, develop and construct an entire single solution to a problem or an integral part of a system that must be integrated with other student work to produce a solution to a larger design problem. All solutions are tested, evaluated and redesigned as needed as time permits.