Applied Design Skills Technology

Materials Engineering 9 explores the use of polymers, timbers, engineered boards and electronics. The course develops student’s skills and ability to work through a problem using the design cycle via design thinking. Taught elements are exploring users and user contexts, properties and uses of materials, product analysis, design context analysis, circular economy, design communication techniques and methods, modelling and prototyping, plan of manufacture, computer aided design and manufacturing, analog and digital electronics, and trial and testing. The aim is to expose students to as many manufacturing factors used in the design, industrial, and manufacturing industry today.

With the students developing the above elements through practical projects. They will be able to develop what they have experienced and learnt in grade 8, or, if new to the course, develop new skills as they work through the projects.

Making is at the core of the course with the students spending the majority of lessons manufacturing.

Materials Engineering 9 explores the use of polymers, timbers, engineered boards and electronics. The course develops students skills and ability to work through a problem using the design cycle via design thinking. Taught elements are exploring users and user contexts,,  properties and uses of materials, product analysis, design context analysis, circular economy,, design communication techniques and methods, modelling and prototyping, plan of manufacture, computer aided design and manufacturing, analog and digital electronics, and trial and testing. The aim is to expose students to as many manufacturing factors used in the design, industrial, and manufacturing  industry today. 

With the students developing the above elements through practical projects. They will be able to develop what they have experienced and learnt in grade 8, or, if new to the course, develop new skills as they work through the projects. 

Making is at the core of the course with the students spending the majority of lessons manufacturing. 

At STMC, the Applied Design, Science, and Technology (ADST) 8 single-semester course offering focuses on developing technology-centric skills that will make learning easier and improve their overall abilities. Instead of focusing on technical details, IT 8 concentrates on how to use technologies and any related benefits or concerns. Depending on the unit, students can expect learning through both projects and research/discussion. Evaluation is designed to encourage students to bring concepts learned in class into their daily practices.

IT 9 continues to examine themes from IT 8 with slightly more technical focus and depth, adding underlying concepts that pave the way for Technology Explorations 10 and programming courses in later years. Students are also introduced to novel upcoming technologies that carry important societal implications such as cryptocurrency and digital identification. Javascript programming fundamentals are strengthened from IT 8, although students will be able to achieve success even if they have not taken the previous course.

This course is exclusively offered to grade 10 with the aim of giving students the opportunity to develop multiple skills in technology. The course combines those overlapping elements of ADST and materials engineering with the focus of providing students with a wide range of skills from both areas that lead to a broad knowledge base as they progress into grades 11 and 12. Students will see how different areas within ADST and materials engineering complement each other. This course is the preferred prerequisite for those technology courses offered. 

Students will design, develop and manufacture projects that have electronic components, material, manufacturing, and an element of programming. Students will work through the design process, via the design cycle in each project, and produce a physical outcome at the end of each unit.

The Robotics 11 course covers practical application of systems and control that go into robotic construction and design, with a particular focus on mechanical components. Students will develop knowledge of the key individual elements (mechanical and electrical/electronic) with the goal of creating effective structures, behaviours, and motion. High-level concepts about robotics will be introduced and discussed, such as robotic technology in the community and industry, similarities and differences between autonomous and remotely controlled robots, and simple robotic design and production. Prerequisite: Tech Explorations 10 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

Robotics 12 complements the Robotics 11 course by shifting focus to logic and programming with common microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32) using DC circuit concepts to connect various technologies. As a true interdisciplinary course, the gamut of skills identified in the ADST curriculum will be practiced and improved through the duration of this course.

Projects will be larger and more complete than in previous years, and will be tailored to specific student interests and societal trends. Students will spend a greater portion of time working with advanced topics such as autonomous strategies, sensor data processing, and situational analysis. A portion of the year will be set aside for student-led project choice – individuals will identify an area of interest for personal development, set measurable goals, and complete regular progress reports.

The Grade 11 Computer Programming course is the first formal programming course offered at STMC, providing students with an opportunity to hone the programming foundation built in Technology Explorations 10. Continuing to work within the Javascript/ECMAScript ecosystem, students will have a broad range of experiences such as interactive web programming, cross-platform development, an introduction to server-side scripting, and even task automation in the browser. Specific topics will be explored based on class interest.

This course is primarily project- and experience-based, and students will be provided with ample class time to complete assigned materials. Students who work efficiently and manage their time well (and have a strong working knowledge of previous concepts) should not expect regular homework from this class. Additional assignments and extensions are available for students seeking further challenges.

Prerequisite: Tech Explorations 10 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

As the direct successor to Computer Programming 11, this course continues development of JS/ES concepts in a multitude of environments. Students develop projects that build familiarity with libraries, frameworks, databases, REST services, and toolchains. Modular design is highlighted, and strategies for dividing tasks between team members are regularly practiced. By the end of the year, students will have proposed and worked on a non-profit project for a client either within the school or community.

This course is designed to be a lighter option to Computer Science 12; it focuses on increasing the breadth of projects rather than teaching advanced concepts with rigorous testing. Students who work efficiently and manage their time well should not expect regular homework from this class. A practical arts credit is provided instead of a mathematics credit, and students who are planning to enter a computer science program in university should consider the Computer Science 12 course instead.

Prerequisite: Computer Programming 11 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

Built off the prerequisite of grade 11 design engineering this course provides further development and understanding of engineering topics.

Students will continue to work within the design cycle and incorporate design thinking. At this level, this should now be the standard of approach for all students on this course and a process they are familiar with. Development of awareness and understanding regarding real-life experiences problems and engineering type projects remains the focus that drives learning. The topics are built on those covered in grade 11. Much of the foundational knowledge gained in grade 10 and 11 will help with these grade 12 topics. Each area will incorporate manufacturing in the form of modelling, prototyping, and machining via CAM (computer aided manufacturing) methods.

Prerequisite: Engineering 11 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

Grade 11 design engineering course provides a greater level in working within the design cycle and design thinking. Students develop an awareness and understanding of real-life experiences in designing and in the developments and opportunities seen in creative, manufacturing and engineering industries.

Project-based learning is at the core of the course to help enhance your skills in this area within the aim to always produce a physical outcome of your design from concept to product or solution. The outcome may be a prototype in modelling material, a working concept, a full construction using an appropriate material, a manufactured board, or timber-based solution, electronic circuit alongside a 3D printed model, a laser or CNC manufactured item, or a combination of the above. The use of timber is no longer exclusive. The material used needs to be appropriate for the project.

Prerequisite: Tech Explorations 10 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

This course is for students who are looking for a hands-on course that incorporates the Design Cycle, drafting, 2D and 3D modeling, 3D printing, Laser cutting and use of the workshop  Students who are interested in solving real world problems and challenges are encouraged to take this course. There will be a lot of learning from our failures as we take an iterative approach to problem solving.

Prerequisite: Tech Explorations 10 or with Instructor’s permission (for 2022-2023 academic year)

Graphic Production 11 is a rigorous course requiring focus, self-motivation, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure to meet fixed deadlines. The course is designed for students intending to pursue careers in journalism, business, graphic arts, or illustration. Essentially, the yearbook program is a business operating within the context of high school. Students are accountable not only to their instructor but to their peers within the class, and to the patrons of the business – namely the students of the school who purchase yearbooks. At the grade 11 level, students learn the basic skills necessary to create the yearbook. This includes computer software such as Adobe Photoshop and In Design, and the online software, Pixami. They learn, and develop their photography, journalistic, writing, layout and editing skills, as well as creative problem solving and business skills (teamwork, meeting deadlines, time management, showing initiative etc.) crucial in the yearbook environment. At the grade 11 level, students are not yet in leadership or editor roles but will often be partnered with Graphic Production 12 students to learn these skills for when they take Graphic Production 12.

In Graphic Production 12 students further build on the knowledge and skills developed in Graphic Production (Yearbook) 11 while taking on a leadership position in editing, graphics, or general Yearbook production management.

Prerequisite: Graphic Production 11

In this introductory Architectural Design course, students explore related career opportunities and develop employability skills in 2D and 3D design. Students are introduced to sketching, drawing and modelling techniques, tools, processes, and standards. They develop an understanding of the design process through research, and select, generate, and evaluate possible solutions through environmental, social, and cultural considerations.

In this intermediate Architectural Design course, students build on the skills learned in Drafting 10 and work through the design process to solve more complex design problems. Students create and deliver impressive presentations with 3D models, animation walkthroughs, computer renderings, and technical drawings to communicate their ideas. They develop an understanding of building construction technologies and an appreciation for local and international architecture. Students will work on building a portfolio of work that can be used for post-secondary applications.

Prerequisite: Drafting 10