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Engineering Technology Pathway » Classes Offered

Classes Offered

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The following list illustrates the PLTW courses offered on the La Mirada campus. All classes fulfill the "G" Subject Requirements and are approved for all UC and CSU campuses. POE, AE and DE are Honors classes as well. The two AP PLTW Computer Science classes listed at the end of this list are not officially part of the Engineering pathway, but there own 2 year pathway. We highly encourage students to take those courses during their 11th and 12th grade years.
 

Introduction to Engineering (IED)

Course Number: 0005
Duration: Year
Grades: 9-11
College Credit: Cerritos College Credit*, transferable
Prerequisites: none
 

Through individual and collaborative team projects students will learn to use the engineering design process to solve unique problems and improve existing products. Students will learn skills such as problem analysis, idea generation, decision making, 3-D and physical model creation, peer review, group presentation and proper notebook documentation. Students will use various modeling programs and have access to 3-D printing, CNC cutting, VEX Robotics, wood and metal working machinery, and an 80watt laser.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      
 

Principles of Engineering (POE) Honors Class**

Course Number: 0017
Duration: Year
Grades: 10-12
College Credit: Cerritos College Credit*, transferable
Prerequisites: IED highly recommended (or instructor approval)
 

Through rigorous problems that engage and challenge, students further reinforce the engineering design process, applying Math, Physics and Engineering standards to hands-on group projects. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. Strong study skills are recommended for this course.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      
 

Aerospace Engineering (AE) Honors Class**

Course Number:
Duration: Year
Grades: 11-12
College Credit: Cerritos College Credit*, transferable
Prerequisites: IED & POE highly recommended (or instructor approval)
 

This course propels students’ learning into the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing airfoils, gliders, composite materials, rockets, propeller systems, and remote control VEX satellites and rovers. They also learn the basics of flight control, navigation, air-frame design, and orbital mechanics using industry standard software.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      
 

Digital Electronics (DE) Honors Class**

Course Number:
Duration: Year
Grades: 11-12
College Credit: Cerritos College Credit*, transferable
Prerequisites: IED & POE highly recommended (or instructor approval)
 

Students explore the foundations of computing by engaging in the circuit design process to create combinational logic and sequential logic (memory) as electrical engineers do in industry. Through theory and practice students will work individually and in teams to design (on paper), model (software simulations), and build (physically) digital solid-state devices that complete the assigned tasks. Attention to detail is highly stressed in this class.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      
 

The following classes are part of the PLTW courses offered at La Mirada HS and highly suggested as electives during the 11th and 12th grade years.

                                                                                                                                                                       


AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) AP***

Course Number:
Duration: Year
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: basic computer knowledge recommended
 

Using Python® as a primary tool, students explore and become inspired by career paths that utilize computing, discover tools that foster creativity and collaboration, and use what they’ve learned to tackle challenges like app development and simulation. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam for college credit.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      
 

AP Computer Science A (CSA) AP***

Course Number:
Duration: Year
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: CSP highly recommended (or instructor approval)
 

Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam for college credit.

(Fulfills “G” Subject Requirements and Approved for all UC and CSU campuses)
                                                                                                                                                                      

 

*Cerritos College credit requires a B average, **Honors class includes a GPA boost, ***AP Advanced Placement prepares students for the AP Exam