ADVANCED COMPUTER USAGE
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Integrated Computer Usage.

This course is offered to students who have successfully completed Integrated Computer Usage and wish to obtain a higher level of competence in Microsoft Office.  The class consists of four disciplines - Advanced MS Word, Advanced Excel, Advanced PowerPoint, and Access (Database Management System).

COMPUTER ASSISTED DRAFTING/DESIGN I
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week

Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) Introduction is a study of computer generated graphics.  The student will develop skills in concepts of computer based drawing.  The student will create working detail drawings for either architectural or mechanical engineering applications.  These drawings will include such things as orthographic projection concepts, section views, tolerancing and dimensioning and symbols lists that are typical of the industry.  Drawings will be created using the school's computer graphic system.

COMPUTER ASSISTED DRAFTING/DESIGN II
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Computer Assisted Drafting/Design I

Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) II is a continuation of the study of computer generated graphics.  The student will develop skills in advanced concepts of computer based drawing.  The student will create detailed drawings using such things as:  Surface modeling and rendering, solid modeling, raster images, external references.  There will also be an in-depth study into text, dimensioning, and other complex entities.  Drawings will be created using the school's Computer AutoCAD 2000 Program.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 1
full year
2 credits
10 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Nomination by selection committee.

Engineering Technology is a two year Tech-Prep program offered as part of an articulation between MAHS and Penn State McKeesport Campus.  This course is open to students entering their junior year who qualify by meeting established requirements and who successfully completed the selection process.  Entrance into this program is competitive and enrollment is limited.

Engineering Technology 1 is held on the high school campus and is centered on basic concepts related to engineering and design.  Hands-on, minds-on learning will occur in the areas of electricity, architecture, manufacturing/production concepts, computer applications, problem solving, aerodynamics, design, structures.  Essential requirements for the workplace such as health and safety, codes and specifications, and readiness skills will be covered.  This course is the first step in a four year program that could lead to an associate degree as an engineering technician, or a full bachelor's degree in engineering.  This is an excellent way to gain entrance to a top ranked university while studying for an excellent career.

An application is submitted to a selection committee.  Students who wish to enter this program must also enroll in the Computer Aided Drafting and Design course (CADD).  Citizenship, attendance, behavior, and work ethic will be emphasized during the selection process.

To qualify you must have earned a "C" or better in the following subjects:

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 2
full year
2 credits
10 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Successful completion of Engineering Technology 1.

Both IST 2 and Engineering Technology 2 are divided into two one-half credit segments, with each meeting two periods per day for a semester.  Students walk to Penn State McKeesport to take two courses.  ED&G 100 for three college credits and IST-110 for four college credits.  Penn State McKeesport and the Tech-Prep program pay for on-half of the tuition, with the student being responsible for the remaining half plus textbook costs.  Tuition support will be sought through local businesses and corporations and fundraising opportunities will be provided.

ENGINEERING DESIGN AND GRAPHICS (ED&G-100)
3 college credits

This is a design-driven curriculum with emphasis placed on skills such as:  team work, communication skills (graphical, oral, and written), and computer-aided analysis tools.  The curriculum will not introduce the student to the engineering approach to problem solving with strong references to basic science and math skills, as well as testing and evaluating design ideas by building working prototypes.  The student will work on design projects that will be assigned during the semester.  The design projects will require the student to work in a team.  The course grade will reflect the student's ability to function effectively as a team player.

INFORMATION SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY (IST-110)
4 college credits

An introduction to computer concepts and terminology, computer applications, the impact of computer on society including ethical considerations, the Internet, the communication technology as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment.  Applications software includes the Microsoft Office Suite (Word - word processing, excel - spreadsheet, Access - database, and PowerPoint - presentation graphics).

INFORMATION SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY 1
full year
2 credits
10 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Nomination by selection committee.

This program is designed for students who are seriously considering a career in the computer field.  Developed to partnership with Penn State University, students will begin the two year program in grade eleven.  The first year of the program will be taught by McKeesport Area High School faculty.  The second year will be taught by Penn State University faculty.  Classes meet for two periods per day, for five days a week for two years.  The first year course will be introductory in nature, bringing computer networking concepts, programming languages, database implementation and management, internet, and new development in computer hardware and software.  A select group of junior students will be accepted into Information Science Technology for each year.  McKeesport Area School District and Penn State University will require students to meet certain criteria for entry into Information Science Technology.

INTEGRATED COMPUTER USAGE
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week

This course in Microsoft Office is designed for the beginner who needs an understanding of, and "hands-on" experience with personal computer technology.  Topics include:  MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Computer skills are required for all students for graduation, so a student must either pass the course or test out of it.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 1 PLUS
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week

Technology Education 1 continues a student's survey in the multiple areas of technology.  Students work on more advanced training systems that demonstrate the uses for and impact of technology in the world of work.  This course is especially useful for those students interested in a career in engineering and will serve as an excellent introduction to students who choose to enter the Engineering Technology Program.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 2 PLUS
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Technology Systems 2

Technology Education 2 is a more advanced level of study, rotating through each cell (computer enhanced learning location).  After completing a rotation through all the cell areas, students move to a system cell, where they work in teams to devise and complete an interdisciplinary project that demonstrates the interrelationships among the various application areas.  The students will learn how teams work to produce desirable results, and how all operations work together to form a unified enterprise system.

WEB PAGE DESIGN
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Successful completion of Integrated Computer Usage of similar skills.

An introductory course in the fundamentals of web page design covering coding in HTML, design layout, graphics, and web site management.  Students will update and maintain the high school web page as practical applications of their skills.

BLUEPRINT READING/TECHNICAL SKETCHING
one semester
1/2 credit
5 periods/week

Blueprint Reading and Technical Sketching is open to all students wishing to obtain a basic understanding of schematics, technical drawing, blueprints, flowchart, and technical sketching.  Especially helpful for academic and career-technical students, this course will prepare you to advance further in your studies due to increased knowledge of technical planning strategies.  Some of the areas covered may apply directly toward required courses competencies and prepare you for PSSA and other standardized testing.

Open to all students in grade nine through twelve, Blueprint Reading and Technical Sketching will provide you with skills applicable to the workplace and required by most employers.  If you are planning a career in science, engineering, or technical areas, this course will benefit you.

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