BHS Course Catalog

Building Trades, Engineering & 

Computer Science

Building Trades

Building Trades I (2 terms B836) Building Trades Independent Study (2 terms B837)
Building Trades II (2 terms B838)

Engineering – Project Lead the Way

Introduction to Engineering Design Honors 

(2 terms B819)

Civil Engineering and Architectural Design Honors 

(2 terms B826)

Principles of Engineering Honors (2 terms B825)

Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science (2 terms B833) AP Computer Science A (2 terms, B835)
Computer Science Principles (2 terms B818)

 

Building Trades I (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: None 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: $50.00 

In this course, students will explore and gain hands-on experience in the construction trades. Students will focus on: drawing and reading blueprints & diagrams for basic construction, framing sections of walls,  floors, and rafters, along with a basic introduction to electrical wiring. The goal of the course is to offer students an introduction to the numerous career opportunities and skills required in the various construction trades. The course will culminate in the construction of a small-scale structure in teams. (CTE- 17000A001) 

 

Building Trades II (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: None 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: $50.00 

This course is designed to extend upon the skills and experiences students had in Building Trades  I. Students will work to construct a small-scale building while focusing on the following skills: drawing  and reading blueprints & diagrams, framing, roofing, window and siding installation, electrical work,  plumbing systems, insulation and drywall installation, painting, flooring, trim work, and finishing. The goal  of the course is to offer students an introduction to the numerous career opportunities and skills required in  the various construction trades. (CTE- 17002A001) 

 

Building Trades: Independent Study (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Building Trades I, Building Trades II 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: $50.00 

Independent Study is an in-school experience that allows students to gain further experience in the trades. Students taking an independent study would serve as either a foreman/team-leader for the Building Trades II class as they build their projects or they would take on “clients” for projects (BPS sheds, Retail Chalet’s for the city, other resident clients). Important factors in approving a student for independent study are his/her self-directedness, dependability, conscientiousness,  and sincerity in pursuing learning. As an advanced class, the students are expected 

to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to their placement. Students must have instructor approval to enroll in the class.

 

Introduction to Engineering Design Honors (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: None 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr and Sr elective 

Fee: $10.00 

The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis,  teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. Students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems and learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. (CTE – 21006A001) 

 

Principles of Engineering Honors (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering 

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr 

Fee: $15.00 

Designed for 10th-12th grade students, this survey course exposes students to major concepts they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics,  materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions. (CTE – 21004A001) 

 

Civil Engineering & Architecture Honors (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design or Principles of Engineering 

Level: Jr and Sr elective 

Fee: $10.00 

Students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture and apply their knowledge to the design and development of residential and commercial properties and structures. In addition, students use  3D design software to design and document solutions for major course projects. Students communicate and present solutions to their peers and members of a professional community of engineers and architects. (CTE  – 21012A001) 

 

Introduction to Computer Science (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr and Sr elective 

Fee: None 

Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, this is an optional starting point for the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science Principles course.  Students will learn programming fundamentals using multiple programming languages such as Scratch,  App Inventor, and Python. Students who have already taken Computer Science Principles are recommended to take this course if they enjoy computer science and want to learn more.

 

Computer Science Principles — Project Lead the Way (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 

Note: This course can be a student’s first course in computer science, although we encourage students  without prior 

computing experience to take Introduction to Computer Science. 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr and Sr elective 

Fee: None 

Computer Science Principles introduces students to the broad view of computer science. Students learn programming and algorithmic development, but also focus on many other concepts related to computer science such as how computers work, computer simulations, data visualizations, how the internet works,  and the worldwide impact of computing. The main programming language used in the course is Python,  but students will also learn how to program with spreadsheets and simulation software. Students will learn  by working in teams 

to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

AP Computer Science A (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra and Computer Science Principles 

Level: Fr, Soph, Jr and Sr elective 

Fee: None 

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing through the use of the Java programming language. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem-solving and design. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.