Bensalem High School

​21st Century Production [13053]

Credit: 1.0

​21st Century Production is a project-based course that covers modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) methods for product design, production, and manufacture. The cornerstone is a project in which students create teams to complete management, engineering, and design tasks where the groups conceive, design and produce a physical product. Class sessions are conducted in workshop mode and employ hands-on exercises to reinforce key ideas. Students will gain much sought after modeling and CNC programming skills through the use of CNC Laser Cutter and CNC Router.

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​Advanced Placement (AP)  2-D Art and Design [05171]

Credit:1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Digital Photography 1 and 2 to be eligible.

The AP 2D Art and Design: Photography course is a year-long course that is equivalent to a first year college photo course and is designed for students who are seriously interested and invested in the practical experience of photography. During class the student will learn a variety of concepts and approaches to photography, enabling them to demonstrate mastery in technique, problem-solving and ideation as well as pursue an in-depth exploration of a specific idea to create a cohesive body of work. The AP 2D Design: Photography experience is centered on the sustained investigation and resulting creation of a portfolio. This course runs integrated into the AP Studio Course. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

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Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) [21107]

Credit: 1.0

​This course is designed as an introductory drafting and design course. Students will start out with basic sketching and drawing techniques that will lead into more complicated computer generated and blueprint type drawings using AUTOCAD. A variety of drawings and applications will be applied throughout the course with a concentration on architecture with students generating floor plan drawings, elevation view drawings, and model construction.

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Introduction to Photography & Digital Imaging  [11052A]

Credit: 1.0

This course will introduce the student to photography and digital imaging. The course will focus on learning about the technological workings of a camera, photographic composition, exposure, the elements and principles of design, and how to edit pictures taken using DSLR cameras, and the students’ personal digital devices, including iPhone. Students will learn to edit their photos in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw, Adobe Lightroom, and post-editing in Adobe InDesign, all on the Apple/Mac platform. Freshmen are encouraged to take this entry level elective. This course may be taken once.

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Advanced Photography & Digital Imaging [11052B]

Credit: 1.0 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography & Digital Imaging or Teacher approval 

This course will expand student knowledge of digital photography through the use of the DSLR Camera and the Apple/Mac platform. This course is designed for students who have finished Digital Photography 1 and seek to advance their digital photography and digital design proficiency. Participants will further develop their technological and artistic abilities in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Indesign, and the Google Suite Applications. In addition, students will work with emerging technologies in creative artificial intelligence such as Adobe Firefly. Students will further expand their creative vocabulary, and appropriately critique or discuss photographic work. Topics include advertising, abstraction, portraiture, environmental, fine art, and architectural photography. They'll study and draw inspiration from artists in these genres, imitating their techniques while cultivating their unique vision and style. This journey will involve increasingly intricate projects that convey proficiency in creative technologies. This course may be repeated for credit; advanced work is differentiated by skill level.

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​Engineering 101: Foundations of Engineering [21995]

Credit: 1.0

This course is designed to be an introductory course to engineering and the STEM Academy at Bensalem High School. Students will build on the skills learned at the middle school level to develop their knowledge of engineering and technology in society. Various areas of engineering will be explored such as civil, sustainable, and mechanical. Students will research technology’s role in society, technological evolutions, design, and technology systems. Student emphasis will be placed on products and skills used in the engineering and manufacturing world while being encouraged to creatively solve problems.

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​​Engineering 102: Applied Engineering [21997]

Credit:1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion Engineering 101 or Teacher approval

​This course is designed to build on Engineering 101. Students will build their knowledge of technology and systems while studying sustainable engineering methods including aquaponics and acoustics. This course will stress creative problem solving, attention to detail, craftsmanship, and effort of the student. Students will research the technologies used in society while solving the proposed engineering problem. Students in this course will design and implement solutions stressing sustainability of the engineering design process.

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Engineering 103: Industrial Design [21999]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful Engineering 101 or Teacher approval

Industrial design teaches students to use critical thinking and the engineering design process to bring new value to companies, communities and citizens. Students will create well-conceived and executed objects, products and systems that make everyday tasks easier. In this course students work with a wide range of materials in the process of designing objects, products, systems and experiences. Students develop ideas by starting with sketches and drawings, and moving on to models and working prototypes. Students will use CAD software, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC Routers coupled with various materials for rapid prototyping of objects. Industrial Design students regularly compete in engineering competitions as their ideas come to life.

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Graphic Arts/Printing [05160]

Credit: 1.0

Students in this course will develop their skills in Graphic Arts. Students will work primarily in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students will make their own t shirts and hoodies using the screen printing process. Students will illustrate, design, and print documents such as personal logos, three dimensional images, t-shirts, and brochures for personal and school use.​

 

​Introduction to Engineering Design - PLTW [21007]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry, or Full Year STEM in 8th grade.

​This course is the first foundation course in the Project Lead the Way Engineering curriculum. In this course, students will dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.

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Principles of Engineering - PLTW [21006]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry

This Project Lead the Way course tackles engaging and challenging problems, leading students to explore various engineering topics such as mechanisms, material strength, structural integrity, and automation. Throughout the course, students develop their skills in problem solving, research, and design, while learning effective strategies for documenting the design process, collaborating with others, and presenting their work.

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STEM Guitar [21002]

Credit: 1.0

Students will design a fully functioning guitar in this course. The course will follow all aspects of the guitar from building it to understanding the way a guitar works and creates sound. Each student will build his/her own custom electric guitar and will engage in student centered topics specific to math, science, and engineering. Students will cover body sculpting and swirl painting, fretting, electronics and neck installation. Students will use various CNC machines to create their guitar from scratch. Each guitar’s design is the student’s own choice. No music background is required for this course.