Engineering

Level 1 Courses

Computer Science

Computer science is taught throughout all of Golden’s engineering courses.

Engineering 1 includes advanced computer modeling (CAD), beginning programming, measurement and statistical analysis. Engineering 2 students will build upon and apply the design process introduced in year 1 through larger sustained engineering projects. Students will also apply the technical skills introduced in year 1 to their design solutions, such as technical drawing and writing, CAD design, computer programming, measurement and statistical analysis.

AP Computer Science is taught by Mr. Swift via Code.org’s Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum. It’s a rigorous, full-year entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. Algebra is the only math requirement. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security and the societal impacts of computing. 

All teacher and student materials are provided for free online and can be accessed at code.org/csp.

Engineering 1

Engineering 1 students will understand how to work in design teams and implement the Engineering Design Process on a variety of challenges. By engaging in the design process students will understand how to define problems, develop potential solutions, define and consider criteria and constraints, prototype and test solutions, and improve upon their designs as well as the role of reverse engineering. Throughout the design process, students will also develop technical skills such as technical sketching, drawing, and writing, advanced computer modeling (CAD), beginning programming, measurement, and statistical analysis. Career exploration of a variety of engineering disciplines is also a key component of this course.

Intro Drafting and Design Concepts

Introduction to Drafting and Design Concepts offers students the opportunity to combine design principles with technology to produce authentic projects. The initial focus will be on developing an understanding of the visual elements and the principles of design. Students will study both two- and three-dimensional applications and problems. Students will explore areas such as graphic design, architectural design, landscaping design, manufacturing design and interior design. Students will use drafting skills to produce detailed working drawings, sectionals, auxiliary, fasteners and simple architectural floor plans. Students will also work in design teams to create pattern development and design and produce prototypes. They will be introduced to computer design software such as Google Sketch, SolidWorks, AutoCAD and ArchiCad.

Level 2 Courses

Engineering 2

Engineering 2 students will build upon and apply the design process introduced in year 1 through larger sustained engineering projects. They will begin to apply scientific, technical and mathematical content to their designs, consider the implications of control systems on design solutions, and evaluate design solutions against decision matrices considering elements such as material properties, energy and resource usage, and manufacturing processes. Sustainable design will be introduced by considering economic, environmental and social criteria and constraints. Students will also apply the technical skills introduced in year 1 to their design solutions, such as: technical drawing and writing, CAD design, computer programming, measurement, and statistical analysis. Throughout this course, students will create more refined, detailed and accurate products and will demonstrate the interconnectedness of these skills through their portfolio documentation.

AP Computer Science Principles

Code.org’s Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. (Algebra is the only math requirement). The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. All teacher and student materials are provided for free online and can be accessed at code.org/csp.

Digital Electronics 

(This course is offered every other year: 2024-25, 2026-27.) Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to 1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), 2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, 3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and 4) effectively communicate designs and systems. Students develop additional skill in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Upon completion of the Digital Electronics course, students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs.

Intro to Tech Drawing and Design

The Introduction to Technical Drawing and Design course develops skills in drafting and design of structures and products. This is accomplished by introducing a design process of refining sketches through technical hand and computer-aided drafting. The use of a CAD-CAM program will allow students to visually apply creative design elements to specific projects. 

Level 3 Courses

Engineering 3: Aerospace

Engineering 3: Aerospace is an applied course for students interested in further developing their skills as future Aerospace engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to: explain the differences between scientists and engineers; understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology; identify components of control systems; describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems; explain the importance of material and mechanical properties to design; create simple free body diagrams; use measurement devices employed in aerospace engineering; conduct basic engineering economic analysis; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others. In addition, students will apply principles of aeronautics, flight, and systems engineering and explore a variety of aerospace engineering career pathways.

Engineering 3: Biotechnical

(This course is offered every other year: 2025-26 and 2027-28.) Engineering 3: Biotechnical is an applied course for students interested in further developing their skills as future biotechnical engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to: explain the differences between scientists and engineers; understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology; identify components of control systems; describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems; explain the importance of material and mechanical properties to design; create simple free body diagrams; use measurement devices employed in biotechnical engineering; conduct basic engineering economic analysis; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others. In addition, students will apply specific biotechnical concepts such as genetics, biomechanics, bioethics and environmental science to their designs and may explore a variety of biotechnical engineering career pathways.

Engineering 3: Civil and Architecture

Engineering 3: Civil and Architecture is an applied course for students interested in further developing their skills as future civil engineers and/or architects. This course covers knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to: explain the differences between scientists and engineers; understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology; identify components of control systems; describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems; explain the importance of material and mechanical properties to design; create simple free body diagrams; use measurement devices employed in civil engineering; conduct basic engineering economic analysis; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others. In addition, students will engage in a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site and explore a variety of civil engineering and architecture career pathways.

Engineering 3: Mechanical

Engineering 3: Mechanical is an applied course for students interested in further developing their skills as future mechanical engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to: explain the differences between scientists and engineers; understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology; identify components of control systems; describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems; explain the importance of material and mechanical properties to design; create simple free body diagrams; use measurement devices employed in mechanical engineering; conduct basic engineering economic analysis; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others. In addition, students will apply mechanical-specific concepts such as thermodynamics, material science, machine design, computer-aided engineering and heat transfer to their designs and may explore a variety of mechanical engineering career pathways.

Level 4 Course

Capstone: STEM

The STEM Capstone is a student-driven culminating project in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics pathway. Students will work with professional STEM mentors as they define and navigate an investigation or design solution related to a STEM discipline of their choosing. Through the STEM Capstone students will demonstrate mastery in the following STEM skills (as defined by the Jeffco STEM Capstone Rubric): asking questions and defining problems; applying scientific and mathematical models to explain complex ideas; planning and carrying out investigations; analyzing and interpreting data; using mathematics and computational thinking; constructing explanations or designing solutions; engaging in argument from evidence; collaboration and leading by influence; and self-direction and personal responsibility. Students will demonstrate mastery through a portfolio of work linking their capstone project to the defined STEM skills and a public presentation of their solution or findings. The STEM Capstone is a required component of the STEM Endorsed Diploma.