Courses spanning vital topics
SVTA’s programs include 50 hrs of instruction each for Tech One and Tech Two, and 25 hours each for Advanced Courses which have covered general topics in digital electronics, robotics, alternative energy, 3D design & printing, and Python software programming.
TECH I (Changes in Tech)
Teamwork is one key focus of hands-on projects, and there is a daily major project for each topic in TECH I classes.
Generally, 2-4 students team up, each a stakeholder in the team’s project. Small groups facilitate discussion, division and accomplishment of significant tasks, and verbal reporting of progress and test results.
Theme Areas
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Space & High Technology
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Water & Renewable Resources
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Energy & Renewable Resources
Hands-On Projects
- Build a Mars (egg) Lander
- Deconstruct a Cell Phone, electronics
- Build a Simple E-Device (soldering)
- Design & Build an Aqueduct
- Design & Build a Bridge
- Build a Load-carrying Boat
- Design & Build a Solar Cooker
- Build a Basic Electric Motor
- Build & Race a Solar Model Car
TECH II (Understanding Climate)
There is a multitude of hands-on projects to demonstrate how the Earth’s climate works. Energy makes our climate dynamic, always changing. Teams can vary from 2-4 students to discover basic scientific principles governing weather. Verbal reporting of progress in tasks and test results allows students to share information.
Theme Areas
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Earth’s Atmosphere
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Human Activities
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Alternate Energy, Renewable sources
Hands-On Projects
- ‘Carbon Command’ videogame
- ‘Carbon Travels’ activity – Students, as carbon atoms, move between air, oceans, land, plant & animals, fossil fuels
- How energy affects weather events
- Carbon footprints – Food, travel, appliances & lighting and their impact on energy use, effects on temperatures
- Reducing carbon footprints
- How fossil fuels are formed, examining plastics and their origins. What an 18-year-old boy does to clean oceans of plastic
- Documenting and communicating carbon footprints and their impact, including testing electric devices for energy use
- Water’s impact on earth
- Build a Solar cooker
- Wind power – Build a model windmill and modify it to do work
- Build an electric windmill generator
Intro to Python Programming
Python is a high-level computer language which helps computer scientists in problem-solving. That means formulating problems, thinking creatively about solutions, and clearly and accurately expressing solutions.
Theme Areas
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Python Programming
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Machine Learning
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Quantum Computing Applications
Hands-On Projects
Students will build a random number generator, modify a video game, and learn concepts of programming, including using IBM-Q, used in quantum computing. This unique advanced course also features college students sharing their academic experiences and career paths.
Robotics I
From multi-ton tracked vehicles for firefighting and other hazardous duties, to robotic pack mules to quad-copters hoisting packages or video cameras, robots are being developed that will change human society in many ways. Robotics requires a multidisciplinary approach to solve the variety of problems for which it holds promise.
Theme Areas
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Robotics
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Hardware
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Software
Hands-On Projects
Students will use VEX robotic components to study robot structures and electronic controls, design and build an intelligent robot with digital hardware and software and metal and flexible structural components. Team roles include project coordination, mechanical skills and programming talent, combined to demonstrate a robot’s ability to accomplish a number of tasks.
Digital Electronics 1
Researchers estimate that global information consumption is more than 9.57 zettabytes per year, and that since the year 2011, server loads are doubling nearly every two years. From design to manufactured products, social media to the arts, we live in an ever-increasing Digital Age.
Theme Areas
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Electronics
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Hardware
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Software
Hands-On Projects
Students will analyze the basic components of a computer, and the relationship between hardware and software after building an electronic device with basic logic gates, clocks, memory, and counters. They then build a second device to delve deeper into the digital world. Requires familiarity with algebra.
3D Digital Modeling
In today’s engineering design field, engineers create a digital (3D) model of a product for presentation, analysis and simulation, and often build a physical prototype for further study. In this course, the concept of three dimensional modeling and Rapid Prototyping (RP) will be introduced.
Theme Areas
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3D Modeling
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Rapid Prototyping (RP)
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3D printing
Hands-On Projects
Students will learn to draw a 3D object using the software package SolidWorks, and be introduced to 3D printing methods (Stereolithography, inkjet, FDM) using powder and plastics. Teams of two will design a product using SolidWorks and build a physical model using FDM machines (Fused Deposition Modeling) to take home.