Technology Education

Manufacturing Technology

This course is designed as an introduction to manufacturing processes, careers and applications.  Student experiences include completing projects in precision measurement, blueprint reading, machining (lathe, milling, drill press, grinder, and band saw machines), sheet metal work, welding, CNC (computer numeric control) applications, and career research.

Learners will focus on shop safety guidelines and become familiar with common machine shop equipment.  Focus will be on drill press, power saw, elementary lathe and mill operations and pedestal grinding machines.  Learners will gain knowledge in layout tools and procedures and the proper use of hand tools in the shop.  In addition, students who successfully complete the class will also receive two dual credits through NTC.

NTC Equivalent Course: Intro to Machine Shop #10-420-101, 2 credits (Department: Machine Shop)

This course provides an introduction and hands-on exposure to each of the major welding processes.  Related safety and in depth fundamentals of SMAW (STICK), GMAW(MIG), FCAW, GTAW(TIG), and Oxy-Fuel and Plasma cutting will be covered. Students who successfully complete this course will receive two Dual Credits through NTC. This course is counted as the first course in NTC’s diploma and certificate welding programs. It will also satisfy the welding requirement for NTC’s automotive and machine tool programs.

NTC Equivalent Course: Introduction to Welding #10-442-101, 1 credit (Department: Welding)

This course is designed to give students insight into the technologies applied in the manufacturing of wood products.  Throughout the course, students will learn how to safely use hand tools, powered hand tools, and stationary shop equipment.  Students will have the opportunity to complete several projects that highlight the entire manufacturing process from raw material to finished product.

This course is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and skills related to wood furniture manufacturing. Students will be learning new skills as well as building upon skills learned in Woods and Materials Processes. Topics covered include: furniture design styles, sourcing raw material for projects, tool selection, machine operation, joinery, and furniture construction. Students will be using the skills and concepts learned in the classroom to design and build a piece of furniture for the final project. In addition, students who successfully complete the class will also receive two dual credits through NTC.

NTC Equivalent Course: Fundamentals of Furniture Manufacturing #10-465-119, 2 credits (Department: Wood Technology)

Warrior Manufacturing is the capstone experience offered within the manufacturing sequence.  This year-long course is designed to function as a business in which students are responsible for every facet of the organization.  Students enrolled in Warrior Manufacturing will explore in depth various manufacturing careers, manufacturing processes, and materials.  Activities may include advanced woodworking and metalworking machining applications, computer controlled machining, advanced welding applications such as TIG (stainless and aluminum) and welding joinery, and advanced sheet metal pattern layout.

Building Trades

This intermediate level course offers students a chance to develop construction related knowledge and application.  Students will construct various wall systems while focusing on construction safety, standard building practice, mechanical systems, and interior/exterior finishing applications.  Specific activities include building wall sections, installing electrical and plumbing components/fixtures, applying interior/exterior finishes (drywall, paneling, siding, etc.), and various other construction and home maintenance skills.   Students who successfully complete this course will receive Industry Certification through the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Building Trades II: Finish Carpentry is meant to serve as a next step beyond the class Building Trades I: Rough Carpentry.  The class will cover various skills, systems and applications found in residential building systems.  Concepts covered will include: finish carpentry, interior trim, window and door installation, siding, roofing and drywall, as well as HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

In this course students will be exposed to construction careers such as engineering, architecture, construction management, interior design, landscape architecture, and surveying.  Students will learn safety, problem solving, tool use, and drawing interpretation and understand the interrelation of geometry in construction.  Students will use coordinate geometry in the study of area, perimeter, volume, transformations, congruence, and functions.  The class will be taught by both a Math and Technology & Engineering Education teacher so that students experience the connections between construction and geometry.  Successful completion of this course will result in the required 1.0 math credit for Math II and a 1.0 elective credit.  Students must also sign up for Math in Construction - listed under Math.

Communication Technology

Explores Adobe Photoshop as a tool to create, adjust and manipulate images for print and web.  Special attention is given to image manipulation techniques, color/tonal correction, resolution and output issues.  Familiarity with Macintosh operating system suggested.

Graphic Communications II is a project-based course which applies advanced techniques in Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, PowerPoint, Illustrator, and digital photography.  Student projects will include shirt design and creation, laser engraving, vinyl decal design and production, poster design, and a class design/marketing/production project.

NTC Equivalent Course: Intro to Graphics Software #10-204-121, 2 credits (Department: Graphic Communications Technology)

Warrior Graphics is the capstone level advanced Graphic Communications class.  It is the final course offered in the Graphics Communications sequence. This course is designed for those students who are interested in a career in the Graphics Communications industry. Skills learned in the first two courses of the Graphics Communications sequence will be applied to produce a model of the graphics industry in the classroom. Students will be designing, marketing, and producing products.  Students will be mirroring production methods used in industry. Students in this course will be doing hands-on learning as they work through these production methods.

NTC Equivalent Courses: Photoshop/Image Manipulation #10-204-126, 2 credits and Introduction to Printing #10-204-112, 2 credits (Department: Graphic Communications Technology)

STEM

This course is intended for students who are interested in developing knowledge and skills in digital fabrication, technology integration and “making”.  The intent of this course is to provide students a hands-on, project-based learning experience that gives them several opportunities to make projects that incorporate various pieces of technology while introducing the world of Engineering and Design.  Students will use several software platforms including: 2D and 3D CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing).  Students will also have experience with 3D printers, laser engravers, graphic design technology, and CNC (computer numeric control) machining equipment.

This course is intended as a continuation of Fab Lab 1 and the introduction to Engineering and Design.  This class will have an emphasis on robotics, automation and introductory programming and their role in modern manufacturing.  Technology integration will be a main focus of the class as students will have experiences with tabletop robotic arms, automated manufacturing lines, and CNC (computer numeric control) machining equipment.

Introduction to CAD/CAM is designed for sophomore through senior students who are interested in further expanding knowledge and skills in computer aided design and manufacturing.  During this class, students will engage in many aspects of technical drawing documentation.  Students will utilize AutoCAD (2D design software), Inventor (3D solid modeling software), InventorCAM (computer aided manufacturing software) and Vectric Aspire/V-Carve (post processor) to generate solutions, develop working drawings, create visual models, and construct prototypes for posed design problems.  Students will also engage in proper research, design, problem-solving, communication and decision making skills to formulate/complete individual and group projects, create written and oral presentations, and collaborate with others to cooperatively solve problems in the computer aided design world.

NTC Equivalent Course: Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD Software #10-606-130, 2 credits (Department: Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing)

Introduction to Robotics is a semester-long class that introduces a basic understanding of a robot system.  Topics studied include robot safety, controls and basic programming.  The students will learn robotic program development.  Dual Credit to NTC is offered to students that successfully complete the course.

NTC Equivalent Course: Robotic Applications I #10-620-154, 1 credit (Department: Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing)

Principles of Engineering (POE) is the second course offered within the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum.  This year-long course is designed to further students’ understanding in the field of engineering/technology.  Students enrolled in POE will explore various technological systems, manufacturing processes, and how engineers/technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people.  Activities that provide the foundation of POE include:  study of mechanisms, energy, electrical/fluid systems; exploration of material properties, statics, strength, testing; survey of control systems and introductory robotics.  The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.

Note: Course can fulfill one credit toward high school graduation requirements as a non-lab science.  This course will not count as a lab science requirement for college admission.  Please refer to admissions requirements from individual post-secondary institutions or contact the Technology Education Department Leader for more information.

Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA) is a specialization course offered within Project Lead Ther Way (PLTW) curriculum. This year-long course provides students with an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other.  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 design, utilization of surveying equipment (transits, levels, lasers), project documentation and presentation, and introduction to three-dimensional design/architectural software.

Automotive Technology

This course is designed for students who are interested in exploring the use of energy, its relationship to power and transportation, and its importance to our society.  During this class, students will examine the various sources and forms of energy; explore the transmission and control of power systems, examine small engine theory of operation and its application to drive systems.  Student experiences include:  observing, troubleshooting, and applying two and four-cycle engine theory.

This course covers basic systems of the automobile.  Units of instruction include:  tools, auto products, ignition, fuel, electrical, cooling, general maintenance, interior/exterior care, and new/used car purchasing.  This course provides a theory of operation and practical lab experiences for the automobile owner.  Driver’s License and access to a vehicle strongly recommended.

Note: Family/Student is responsible for transportation to and from this class at Wausau East.

An occupational preparation course that develops job entry level skills in: Basic maintenance, Electronics, Brakes I, and Auto Tune-up. The students will have the opportunity to work on their own vehicle repairs. This course is based on hands-on lab activities, supported by classroom operational theory of automotive systems.  Students who successfully complete this course will receive dual credit through NTC.

Note: Family/Student is responsible for transportation to and from this class at Wausau East.

NTC Equivalent Course: Auto Service Fundamentals #10-602-107, 2 credits (Department: Tech and Trades)

This class is a continuation of Occupational Mechanics I.  The course develops entry level skills/competencies in the following ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) areas: Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Engine Performance. Time will be spent both in class and at the AYES jobsite (where applicable).  In the lab and at the AYES jobsite (where applicable) students will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and large-scale diagnostic/repair equipment, develop employability skills and spend time developing a good resume. Lab work will be performed mainly on late model donated vehicles; however, students will have the opportunity to work on their own vehicle repairs. Students who successfully complete this course will receive dual credit through Fox Valley Technical College.

Note: Family/Student is responsible for transportation to and from this class at Wausau East.

Fox Valley Technical College Equivalent Course: Introduction to Diesel Technology #10-414-102, 4 credits

Students who successfully complete the prerequisite transportation classes may be eligible to participate in NTC’s Auto Academy during their senior year of high school.  Academy coursework will be taught on campus at NTC by NTC instructors.  The Auto Academy will prepare you to be workforce-ready through Youth Apprenticeship at area businesses, and you will earn an Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technical Diploma.  All credits (a tuition value of $1800) transfer to NTC associate degrees or technical diplomas, so you will have a jump start to continue your education after high school.  Students who successfully complete this course will receive dual credit through NTC.

Note: Family/Student is responsible for transportation to and from this class at Northcentral Technical College.