Industrial Technology Classes
Wood Manufacturing I
9th-12th grades
Elective
Two Semesters
This course meets the credit toward VPAA graduation requirements and the credit toward the senior year math requirement.
This course is designed for students who are interested in careers in woodworking or who want to bring their woodworking skills up to a more sophisticated level. Students will gain experience in conventional machining, cabinetmaking, and finishing through individual projects.
Wood Manufacturing II
10th-12th grades
Elective
Two Semesters
Required background course: Wood Manufacturing I,
Recommended background course: CAD+
This course meets the credit toward VPAA graduation requirements and the credit toward the senior year math requirement.
This course is for students who have successfully completed Wood Manufacturing I and who are ready for more advanced woodworking techniques. Students will concentrate on an area of interest from Wood Manufacturing I and explore it in more depth using computer and numerical control wood manufacturing. Students who are interested can earn Nationally Recognized Industry Approved Credentials on Layout and Machines from the WCA as well as the Saw Blade Credential.
More about Wood Manufacturing II
Advanced Woods
11th-12th grades
Elective
Two Semesters
Required background course: Wood Manufacturing I & Wood Manufacturing II
Recommended background course: CAD+
This course meets the credit toward VPAA graduation requirements and the credit toward senior year math requirement.
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a wide variety of wood working skills through the production of difficult products. Students will learn to identify general safety rules, demonstrate proper use of stationary and portable power tools, safe use of hand tools, and advanced machine set up. Students will produce at least one major woodworking project that incorporates the objectives of the course. Students who are interested can continue to earn Nationally Recognized Industry Approved Credentials on Layout and Machines from the WCA, as well as the Saw Blade Credential.
General Metals
9th-12th grades
Elective
One Semesters
This course meets the credit toward VPAA graduation requirements and the credit toward the senior math requirement.
General Metals A must be successfully completed to continue taking advanced courses
General Metals provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate machine and systems operations. Included are these areas of study: product development in sheet metal fabrication, wrought metal, milling, welding and the lathe work. In General Metals, students will produce projects in all areas and are encouraged to plan and produce individual products. A successful experience in this class is necessary to take advanced classes.
Advanced Metals A & B
10th-12th grades
Elective
Year-long
Required background course: General Metals
Recommended background course, CAD+
This course meets the credit toward VPAA and senior math requirements.
Students can take multiple semesters. Recommended to create larger projects
Advanced Metals provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate and refine skills acquired in General Metals. Students design, build, market, and manufacture products using MIG & TIG welding technology, as well as working with Computer Numerically Controlled (C.N.C.) machines. Students who complete Advanced Metals and/or Metals Tech can be eligible for college credit from Grand Rapids Community College and will also have opportunities to work in local manufacturing companies.
Metal Technology A & B (when offered)
11th-12th grades
Elective
Two Semesters
Required background course: General Metals A, Advanced Metals
This course meets the credit for the senior math requirement.
Students may take only Section A or B but this is NOT recommended
This course provides students with advanced development of the skills acquired in General and Advanced Metals. Advanced milling, lathe, and CNC techniques are emphasized, along with the continuation of the manufacturing process, which includes plant layout and quality control. Students will work on projects of their choice using advanced machining skills, with emphasis in CNC programming and machining. This course is the doorway to opportunities and job openings in the Manufacturing community.
Note: The CAD + - Engineering - Architecture program is designed to provide students with the development of problem-solving strategies and teamwork concepts through the study of design processes. Students who successfully complete CAD+, 3D Mechanical CAD and/or Architectural CAD will receive college credit at the following institutions: Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College, and Baker College. See the course instructor for details.
CAD + (Computer Aided Design)
***NOT OFFERED IN 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR***
9th-12th grades
Elective Course
One Semester
This class meets the 1 credit toward VPPA graduation requirement. (.5 credits per semester)
This class meets the 1 credit toward Senior math graduation requirement. (.5 credits per semester)
A successful completion of this course will lead to 3D MECHANICAL CAD and ARCHITECTURAL CAD classes
CAD + is a course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of drawing, blueprint reading, and the relationship of drawing to industry. Students will gain technical skills needed to bring conceptual ideas to life through sketching and computer aided design using the latest AutoCAD design software. Industry seeks individuals with skills in drafting, space analysis, and design communication. This class will be useful for the student interested in careers in any type of engineering, manufacturing, art, and design.
3D Mechanical CAD
9th-12th Grades
Elective Course
One semester (can be retaken as advanced)
This class meets the 1 credit toward VPPA graduation requirement. (.5 credits per semester)
This class meets the 1 credit toward senior math graduation requirement. (.5 credits per semester)
3D Mechanical CAD is a course designed to advance students to the next level of computer aided design and manufacturing by learning 3D Parametric modeling with the use of AutoCAD Inventor and Revit software. Students will learn how to design, analyze, communicate, and produce industry standard mechanical designs for real-world applications, including 3D printing and CNC machining.
Architectural CAD
9th-12th grades
Elective
One semester (can be retaken as advanced)
Required background course: CAD+, or Introduction to Engineering Design, or 3d Mechanical CAD
This class meets the 1 credit toward senior math graduation requirement. (.5 credits per semester)
Architectural CAD is a course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of residential, commercial, and industrial building design and construction. Students will work with AutoCAD Architectural software to create Floor, Foundation, Cross Sectional, Site Plot, Plumbing, and Electrical plans for estimation and construction. Industry standards in design and construction codes will be stressed. Students will also learn how to use AutoCAD Revit as a 3D modeling tool to create photo-real renderings of buildings and structures for marketing and sales.
Introduction to Engineering Design
9th-12th grades
Elective
Two semesters
This class meets the credit toward the senior math requirement
This class meets the general elective graduation requirement
This class meets the VPAA graduation requirement
In this Project Lead The Way Course, students are introduced to the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to identify and design solutions to a variety of real problems. They work both individually and in collaborative teams to develop and document design solutions using engineering notebooks and 3D modeling software.
Principles of Engineering
10th-12th grades
Elective
Two semesters
This class meets the credit toward the senior math requirement
Required background course: Introduction to Engineering and Design
This class meets the general elective credit graduation requirement
Through real-world problems that are engaging and challenging, students will explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. This course will help students discover interests and develop skills in growing fields in the global economy.
Home and Auto
9th-12th grades
Elective
One Semester
This class meets the .5 credit toward the senior math requirement.
Home and Auto is a hands-on, practical course that will prove beneficial to current or future home and automobile owners while exposing them to a variety of work-related skills. The course will challenge students by introducing them to different applications of home improvement and auto maintenance.