Brillion High School offers a broad selection of courses in the STEM field. Below you can see the classes offered with a description of what students will learn when they enroll in these classes.
AP Computer Science Principles
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles course gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity, use the power of computing to create artifacts of personal value, and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.
Computer Programming - Python
This course uses the CodeHS curriculum that teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming in Python 3, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. The content is fully web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser.
Unit topics include: Introduction to Programming with Turtle Graphics, Basic Python and Console Interaction, Conditionals, Looping, Functions and Exceptions, and Strings.
Digital Media
Students taking Digital Media would be exposed to programs and features that are ever more important in daily life. Topics in digital media may include: blogging, social media, creating websites, video editing skills, picture editing skills, online documents and online searching techniques. The class provides a good base set of knowledge for students to create multimedia projects for both high school classes and future job, or college classes.
Intro to Computer Science Principles - JavaScript
This course uses the CodeHS curriculum that teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming in JavaScript. Unit topics include: Introduction to Programming in JavaScript with Karel the Dog, Karel Challenges, JavaScript and Graphics, JavaScript Control Structures, Functions and Parameters, JavaScript and Graphics Challenges, Animation and Games.
Advanced CAD/CAM
This course will build on knowledge of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing that students learned in CAD/CAM. Students will use Solidworks and MasterCAM to cover subjects including, mechanical assembly, mechanical tolerancing, and process planning and Tool path generation. Projects will focus on computer modeling and CNC machining.
Advanced Power & Energy
This capstone course is designed for upper level technology and engineering students that have taken most technology and engineering department courses prior. During this course students will be designing, fabricating and testing high mileage vehicles. Enrollment in this class is limited.
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
This course is intended to teach all students how we as humans use computer design software and computer numerical control machines to design products and prototypes. Students will learn how to use 3D modeling software to create virtual models and engineering drawings. Skills and knowledge that students will gain include sketching, dimensioning, blueprint reading, the design process, spatial reasoning, geometry, trigonometry, mechanics, etc. Once students have working knowledge of computer-aided design, they will use this knowledge to create tangible prototypes with the use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) equipment. Students will program computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines and lathes, which will allow them to create actual prototypes and models of their designs. These prototypes will then be used for product development, testing, packaging, and marketing.
Construction System
This introductory course will cover a wide variety of construction systems. This course will look at the different types and operations to design and build various projects within the general construction process. Students will study the general construction process and break down construction into two major areas: buildings and heavy engineered structures. Some areas of construction will include residential, commercial, industrial, road, and bridge, and dam building. Students will learn materials, tools, equipment to be used, codes, plans, and ways to construct the structure. Students will also learn an understanding of mechanical systems involved like plumbing & heating & electrical. They will also learn proper measuring techniques to build and finish a structure. Students will work with math, writing, reading, and speaking skills throughout projects. Students will be involved with print reading, building scale models, designing and building bridges, etc.
Construction II
This advanced construction course will work mainly with content areas in building a residential home, along with commercial and industrial structures. Students will work with computer aided design software to create blueprints to set up and build the home from ground up. Students will learn how the general contractor works with all sub contractors to make sure all parts of the building are done so each person can do their respected job in a timely manner. Students will learn skills working with different materials like concrete with footings, foundations, rough framing trades & skills. Labs will include floor building, wall building, ceilings, and roof systems. Students will learn roofing methods/materials, and how install windows & doors. Students will also learn electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC systems, and the reasoning for each system. Students will also work on interior finishing with floors, trim, and walls. Exterior finish will also be covered with siding/soffit/fascia and brick and block trades along with an understanding of landscaping and drainage areas. Students will work with marketing and advertising in the construction field.
Electrical Circuits
This course is intended to teach all students how we as humans use electronics to increase speed, accuracy, safety, and ultimately efficiency in the workplace. Students will study electricity (i.e. voltage, current, and resistance), the different components we use to control it (i.e. resistors, batteries, switches, motors, capacitors, LEDS, etc.), and the tools used to analyze it (i.e. multi-meters, oscilloscopes, computers, etc.). Students will practice this knowledge by building, testing, and diagnosing hands-on/minds-on projects such as various designed circuit boards. Skills and knowledge acquired from this class include soldering, Ohm's Law, reading a multi- meter, determining the value of resistors, electronics terminology, etc. Once students have a working knowledge of electricity and electronics, they will use this knowledge to design and fabricate automated systems by programming micro-controllers, which will autonomously perform real life tasks.
Interior Design and Architecture
This course is intended to teach all students how residential and commercial structures are designed, constructed, and finished. Students will learn such things as building codes, types and styles of homes, living space requirements, interior and exterior finishes, interior decorating, etc. Skills and knowledge that students will gain include sketching, dimensioning, blueprint reading, the design process, spatial reasoning, geometry, trigonometry, etc. Once students have a general understanding how a structure is planned, they will then design both virtual and physical scale models of residential homes and commercial buildings. Students will use a 3-dimensional computer aided design software to model their designs. The final project will include designing a home, creating a model, developing a bid sheet, recording a virtual tour, and fabricating a "parade of homes" display.
Manufacturing Systems
This class will teach students how everyday products are invented, fabricated, inspected for quality, packaged, marketed, and sold. During the class, students will be inventing a product, forming a company, investing stock in the company, ordering materials, setting up the industry, producing the product, tracking inventory, writing instructions for the product, packaging the product, and actually selling the product. Class activities will include studying statistical process control, building jigs and fixtures, programming CNC machines, setting up the assembly line, automation, production, assembly, creating and testing packages, designing advertising, etc. Products may include such things as desktop organizers, school clocks, T-shirts, key chains, pens, and whatever else students can dream up.
Materials & Processes I
This class will teach you about different materials and how we process them to create technologies that will increase our human potential. During this class you will be studying the properties of materials such as hardwood, softwood, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. and why they fit into the categories of woods and plastics. Through engaging activities, you will be performing the functions of separating, joining, casting, and molding these materials with the use of many tools and machines. Engaging activities you will do include fabricating a board game, desktop organizers, designing molds to produce multiple parts, designing and fabricating plastic parts, etc. This class will concentrate on developing your ability to accurately choose the proper material for the given application and manipulate it for the given function.
Materials & Processes II- TC
This class will be the second class that you will learn about different materials and how we process them to create technologies that will increase our human potential. During this class you will be studying the safe use of tools, precisions measurement, print reading, layout procedures, speed/feed rates, and properties of metals/composites like: aluminum, sheet metal, iron, steel, carbon fiber, etc. and why they fit into the categories of metals and composites. Through engaging activities, you will be performing the functions of separating, joining, casting, molding, layout, turning, milling and drilling of these materials with the use of many tools and machines. During this class we will study welding, machining, foundry, and sheet metal. Engaging activities you will do include machining aluminum on the metal lathes and mills, wire feed welding both steel and aluminum, casting metal, creating sheet metal tool boxes, creating HVAC corners, etc.
Power Mechanics
Students will learn about power systems including mechanical, chemical, kinetic/potential, and fluid power. The first part of the class students will be learning about various types of engines used in the world today. Students will understand the basic concepts of the different engine styles (Gas, Diesel, Electric, etc.) in the world today, the combustion cycle, electrical/ignition, fuel, lubrication, emissions, and cooling systems. Students will learn about working parts, and how the parts operate the engine. Students will work with a clean small gas engine in the lab that they will disassemble and reassemble to understand all systems for efficient operation into today's demanding world. The second major area of emphasis of the class is studying the different ways we transmit power over a distance (electrical, fluid, mechanical). Students will be involved with designing and fabricating electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, etc.
Robotics
If you liked Microcontroller Programming and Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, you will love Automation & Robotics. During this class, students will design, develop, program, and test ABB robotic arms. This class is an advanced class for students entering engineering, electrical, electronics, control, and automation related fields. This class is Dual Credit in partnership with Robotics 1 and 2 at Fox Valley Technical College.