8182: Computer Science Essentials (1 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12, weighted)

Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, this course is an optional starting point for the PLTW Computer Science program. Students will work in teams to create apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor®. They explore the impact of computing in society and build skills in digital citizenship and cybersecurity. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational-thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis. In addition, students transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to text-based programming in Python® and apply their knowledge to create algorithms for games of chance and strategy.

8172: Computer Science Principles (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials

Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. This course will help students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. 

8174: Computer Science Applications (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles

This course focuses on further developing computational-thinking skills through the medium of Android™ App development for mobile platforms. The course utilizes industry-standard tools such as Android Studio, Java™ programming language, XML, and device emulators. Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems of their own choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases. This course aligns with the AP CSA course.

3201: Student Tech Team (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Course enrollment via interview only.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science, Computer Science and Software Engineering and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Computer Science Applications and/or Information Technology Essentials

This course, open to students in grades 11 and 12, is a hands on study of technology integration in an educational context. Students are required to assess problem sets throughout the day and define the best approach to addressing or solving the problem. In addition to solving problems for students and teachers, Student Tech Team members will be required to complete and maintain several running projects that address problems or solutions in educational technology integration. To enroll in the Student Tech Team course, students are required to interview with the Instructional Technology Specialist and/or course teacher. Interviews are held in late spring.

8112: Engineering Design and Development (1 credit PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) 

Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering or Computer Science Applications

This is an engineering research course in which students will work in teams to research, design, and test and construct a solution to an open ended engineering problem. The product development life cycle and a design process are used to guide and help the team to research a solution to the problem. The team presents and defends their solution to panel of outside reviewers at the conclusion of the course.

8120: Engineering Capstone (1 credit PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in this course and Engineering Design and Development. Must be able to provide own transportation to internship assignment. Students will be required to attend to their internship site's employee dress code. 

This is an internship to accompany the Engineering Design and Development course. Students will be placed in engineering centered internships as a major part of their development into the engineering pathway.

8621: Internship in STEM Careers - Cerner Scholars (2 credits PAR, Gr. 12) 

Cerner is a leading company in the Kansas City area that provides health information solutions to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Cerner creates leading-edge health information technology through strategies that empower organizations to know, manage and engage their populations. The Cerner Scholars program at Summit Technology Academy provides students with an opportunity to gain a deeper learning experience related to their interest in computing and technology.