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Applied Technology

These classes will be of interest to students wanting to learn and apply concepts within the technology systems of communication, construction, manufacturing, energy, power and transportation.  Students will explore these concepts using hands-on, activity-oriented applications.  When many of these classes are put together in a sequence and/or program of studies they will help young women and young men achieve many requirements needed for specific occupations, colleges and technical schools.  

INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED TECHNOLOGY:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • This is an introductory course to provide students with an opportunity to explore, analyze, and use the technical equipment used in many Applied Technology courses. This course is applicable to all students interested in hands-on learning. The practical knowledge gained from this course will benefit anyone entering today’s technical world. Specific areas of study will provide overviews in the following: Woodworking/construction, manufacturing/welding, power and energy, and engineering. Various other areas will also be explored to gain a working knowledge of the complex society we live in. #0000

Construction

EXPLORATORY WOODWORKING:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • In this course, students will experience basic skills used in woodworking/construction. The intent of this course is to provide students with the physical skills and safety skills required for wood processing. The coursework includes a strong emphasis on creative thinking and problem-solving.  The study involves a mix of theoretical and hands-on training combined with a blend of historical and modern methods of woodworking. Students will also explore wood species identification and selection of materials used in the woodworking industry. A large focus will be given to the operation of entry-level woodworking techniques, as well as industry safety standards. Several projects will be built that incorporate both the machining skills and safety skills learned in this course. This course prepares students for enrollment in either Furniture Making or Cabinet Making. Additional fees may be assessed when students choose to use upgraded supplies that exceed the district allocation. Related Careers: Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, Hobbyist, Production Woodworker, Construction Laborer. #9302 

FURNITURE MAKING:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Exploratory Woodworking
*Offered every other year in rotation with Cabinet Making beginning 2022-2023

  • Students must have completed Exploratory Construction and Woodworking to be eligible to register for this course.  Projects are moderate to complex in nature and may be developed specifically for state competition. This course prepares students for enrollment in IHCC Construction Technology Discovery Academy.  Related Careers: Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, Furniture Making, and Hobbyist. #9303

CABINET MAKING:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Exploratory Woodworking
*Offered every other year in rotation with Furniture Making beginning 2022-2023

Students are involved in advanced cabinetmaking and millwork techniques used to produce architectural 

  • millwork and cabinets. Students learn to set up, run and troubleshoot equipment necessary to produce exacting work. This course prepares the student for an entry-level position in a modern architectural millwork or cabinet shop. The Cabinetmaking course is a project-based instruction, hands-on training and a solid theoretical foundation. You will use table saws, routers and clamps to cut, shape and assemble boards to turn them into a functional cabinet. Students will install products like kitchen cabinets. The mission of this course is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in finish carpentry and the cabinetmaking industry. In our modern spacious lab, you will have hands-on experience with a variety of tools and machines cabinet makers use, and acquire all the skills you need to succeed in your future career. Additional fees may be assessed when students choose to use upgraded supplies that exceed the district allocation. Related Careers: Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, Hobbyist, Production Woodworker, Construction Laborer,  and Construction Tradesperson. #0000

INTRODUCTION TO SKILLED TRADES/CAREERS:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • This course is designed for students interested in working in the trades, this class will give students insight and skills into what work opportunities exist in the skilled trades’ fields. These trades will consist of exposure to plumbing, masonry, electrical wiring, carpentry, and residential repair-maintenance. This class will provide a solid foundation for anyone interested in entering the skilled trades, or just gaining confidence in maintaining and repairing their own home. This course will provide a good set of foundational skills for any homeowner. Additional fees may be assessed when students choose to use upgraded supplies that exceed the district allocation. Related Careers: Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, Print Reader, Construction Laborer, Construction Tradesperson #9304

Engineering

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING TECH 1:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • Students apply knowledge of basic drafting principles.  They use state-of-the-art Draftsight/Autocad and Solid Works software to develop 2D and 3D wire frames and solid objects.  Students will transfer computer assignments to hard copies printed on plotters.  Some sketching and board work is required to assist in CAD drawings.  CAD Drafting is an excellent elective for students considering pre-engineering, drafting/design, architecture/construction, machinery occupations, animations, and machine trades or for students to enhance their consumer knowledge such as making more intelligent use of product user manuals.  Other software programs may be utilized such as solid modeling, animations, and Master CAM for machine applications to CAD. ChiefArchitect is used to develop a basic understanding of construction design. These programs reflect industry standards to develop and strengthen career skills. 

Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture.  #9200

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING TECH 2:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=CAD 1 

  • In this second semester CAD course, many assignments are based on ‘solid modeling’ where objects are produced from geometric shapes such as prisms and cylinders.  Various textures and colors are applied to the faces of the object during the rendering process.  These objects are used to develop various types of multi-view drawings.  More in-depth work with solid modeling is pursued using SOLIDWORKS molded plastic objects as a problem source.  Build threads, fasteners, and gears in addition to welding and finishing symbols is explored.  Additional software programs are utilized such as AutoCAD, Draft Sight, and Master CAM for machine applications to CAD and various paint programs to enhance Photo 3D modeling.  These programs reflect industry standards to develop and strengthen career skills. 

Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture.    #9201

ADV DRAFTING MECHANICAL:  Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite=CAD 2

  • Students who have completed CAD 1 and 2 may continue with Advanced CAD drafting.  The objective for this course is to continue developing skills learned in CAD 1 & 2.  Emphasis is placed on troubleshooting engineering problems related to mechanical systems and multiple part assemblies.  Students focus more on aspects of tolerances, finishing, and precision assemblies.  In addition, students learn how to create and test mold designs in more detail and perform stress testing on design parts.  This course is a good supplement for students who have taken one or both PLTW IED and POE classes. 

Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture.   #9202

ARCHITECTURE DRAFTING TECH 1:  Grade=9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • This course will aid students interested in designing houses, construction, interior design, and landscaping.  Chief Architect allows students to design floor plans, arrange furniture, make elevations, create electrical and plumbing layouts in addition to rendering, showing color and landscaping of the finished home.  Students learn how to design homes, using construction methods and materials needed. Various floor plans are created along with a small framed structure to assist students in learning framing and layout.  One objective for the class is to create a complete set of floor plans for a home including renderings and landscaping.  Students may create a set of plans for their own home. 

Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture.    #9210

ARCHITECTURE DRAFTING TECH 2:  Grade=9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Arch Drafting 1 

  • Students interested in pursuing architecture as a career are provided the opportunity to develop deeper skills and experience.  Emphasis moves beyond floor plans to heating and air conditioning layouts, foundation details, stair details, landscaping, and building codes.  Students also develop plans for a comical structure (high rise) and residential development. 

Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture.    #9211

Manufacturing

INTRO TO METALS:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • Introduction to Metals is an entry level course in metal characteristics, construction, and fabrication designed for students with little to no metals experience or knowledge.  Students will become familiar with the safety, tools and machines common to metal manufacturing.  Small metals projects will be completed by students that involve cutting, grinding, drilling, threading, measuring, layout, surface preparation and forming of metal. Related Careers: Welder, Sheet Metal Worker, Plumbing.  #9400  

METALS 1:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Intro to Metals

  • Metals 1 places emphasis on safety, proper use of tools, and awareness of the manufacturing process: machining and welding techniques.  Small projects will be completed in class using skills learned in Intro to Metals. Students successfully completing Metals 1 will have the opportunity to earn Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (SENSE) Level I Welder Certification, created by the American Welding Society. Related Careers: Welding, Metal Fabrication, and Machining.  #9401 

METALS 2:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Metals 1 

  • Metals 2 places emphasis on skill refinement and additional execution of complex processes. Emphasis on TIG welding requires increased dexterity. Introduction to Oxy Fuel welding provides students with a broader knowledge of welding processes used in industry. Students successfully completing Metals 2 will have the opportunity to earn Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (SENSE) Level II Welder certification, created by the American Welding Society (AWS). Related Careers: Welding, Metal Fabrication, and Machining #9403

BULLDOG MANUFACTURING:  Grade 11-12, Year 2 Periods=4 CR, Prerequisite= Metals 2

  • The class focuses on all aspects of today’s manufacturing industry including quoting, ordering, manufacturing, shipping, receiving, invoicing, customer service, recordkeeping, and maintaining equipment. 
  • Students will manage a machine and fabrication shop.  Projects will be a combined collaboration between education, business, and community. Students will design, construct, rework, and finish projects pending instructor approval. Students will document regular progress on their projects including changes in the design, re-work, and improvements in addition to documenting plans, designs, and details of materials used, progress and changes. Projects will incorporate technology and equipment in the metals lab. Students will develop proficiency in oxy acetylene gas, cutting, MIG & TIG welding, as well as PlasmaCAM, machine lathe, milling, grinding and tool sharpening.  Developing time management skills to meet deadlines is emphasized by the instructor. 
  • Students will also have the opportunity to work on personal projects, Passion Projects. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase any supplies and materials needed to complete their passion project. This may include but is not limited to motors, wheels, tires, paint, steel or other metals needed. #9410

OTTUMWA HIGH SCHOOL REGISTERED IOWA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:  Grade 11-12, Year - Half School Day, Prerequisite=Metals 1 or 2

  • The OHS Welding Apprenticeship Program is designed to help students establish a welding career path by engaging in work based, paid learning while in high school. Students will achieve welding-specific competencies under supervision from approved community industries.  After completion, students will earn a nationally recognized certification and have the opportunity to complete an Indian Hills Community College 12 month welding diploma or 2 year AAS degree in welding. Students will apply for this paid opportunity, interview for the position, and also work over the summer between their junior and senior years. See your teacher for more information. #0000

Transportation / Power & Energy

POWER MECHANICS: Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Introduction to Applied Tech

  • In Power Mechanics, students learn the basics of mechanical power systems.  Those systems may include 2 and 4-cycle engines, automotive engines, diesel theory, as well as alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy.  Students have the opportunity to disassemble and reassembly high performance automotive engines and small engines. 

Related Careers: Small Engine Repair, Auto Technician, and Mechanical Engineer. #9213

AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite: Power Mechanics

  • This course is a beginning level automotive course that is designed to prepare students to be a dealership/repair technician. Students will learn the basic systems of the automobile and the process required to identify the maintenance components and perform the required maintenance services. Students will perform minor vehicle service, access electronic service information, and study the various automotive systems that make up the automobile. Entry level preventive maintenance and repair tasks will be the emphasises for the hands on course work. Additional fees may be assessed when students choose to use upgraded supplies that exceed the district allocation.  Related Careers: Mechanic, Service Technician, and Auto Owner.  #9205

AUTO BODY TECHNOLOGY 1: Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • Auto Body Technology 1 allows students to learn the theory and basic procedures used in maintaining and repairing auto body components. Units covered may include body shop operations, career opportunities, body shop safety and auto body construction.  Body shop hand tools, power tools, metal straightening and metal repairs are also studied and practiced.  Projects introduce students to the proper sequence of metal cleaning, preparing for repair, straightening and metal repairing.  Students prepare material for repair while working with sheet steel.  Students also fabricate sheet steel into simple shapes in preparation for finishing.  This course is designed for a student with little to no auto body experience.  Related Careers: Service Technician, Classic Car Restorer, and Sheet Metal Fabricator.  #9207

AUTO BODY TECHNOLOGY 2: Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Auto Body 1

  • Auto Body Technology 2 is an intermediate course allowing students to learn and apply the theory and procedures used in repairing auto body components. The units covered include MIG welding principles, safety and techniques, refinishing materials, equipment, surface preparation for refinishing, and finish application.  In addition, students are introduced to custom painting.  Projects are challenging and build on the skills acquired in Auto Body Technology 1.  Projects involve auto body components that will be prepared, straightened, patched, welded, filled and refinished.  Students refinish a standard sized mailbox with a custom designed finish.  Computer generated design for masking of the custom finish may be utilized at the student’s discretion. 

Related Careers: Classic Car Restorer and Custom Body Worker. #9209

ELECTRICITY & ELECTRONICS 1: Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • This is a beginning "hands-on" course in electricity-electronics for a student wanting to pursue a career in a technical area or someone wanting to gain a better understanding of electricity-electronics.  Students learn how to use basic electronic test equipment while studying electrical safety, soldering, motors, basic AC-DC electricity, house wiring fundamentals, and how to purchase and build electronic projects, and introduction to programming microcontrollers (Arduino) using C++ programming language.  All students purchase and construct individual projects.  Computers are utilized in this class.  This course covers basic electronics necessary for any career in the technologies. 

Related Careers: Lineman, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering.  #9103

ELECTRICITY & ELECTRONICS 2:  Grade=10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Electricity & Electronics

  • This course is designed to expand on the principles and practices studied in Introduction to Electricity-Electronics Technology.  Units of study are directed toward practical troubleshooting of electric systems while studying electronic test equipment, solid-state electronic components, switches, analysis of circuits, project fabrication, small appliance repair, and basic computer maintenance.  Computers are used and digital electronics is introduced along with advanced microcontroller programming (Arduino and C++).  This is a "hands-on" course, all students purchase and construct individual projects. 

Related Careers: Lineman, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering.  #9104

Visual Communications

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS TECH 1:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • Graphic Communications Technology 1 is an introductory class exposing the student to a number of experiences relating to the printing industries.  The student will be allowed to explore graphic design, black and white photography including related darkroom activities, screen-printing of posters, T-shirts, mirrors, and wooden plaques.  Other areas explored will include offset duplication, career opportunities in graphic communications, and basic finishing and binding techniques.  Students will operate 35mm SLR cameras, a photographic enlarger, hand screen-printing materials, an offset duplicator, padding press.  This class will prepare the student as an entry-level photographer or darkroom employee. 

Related Careers:  Commercial Artist, Webpage Designer, and Photographer. #9405

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS TECH 2:  Grade 9-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite=Graphic Comm 1

  • Graphic Communications Technology 2 will allow students to explore advanced processes related to photographic image carriers used with screen printing, offset presses, and advanced 35mm photography.  The student will convert black and white pictures, using darkroom techniques, which allow production of many copies of a single picture on both screen-printed and lithographic prints of either single or multi-color.  The student will learn about and apply detailed copy preparation, color principles, process camera and darkroom procedures, as well as advanced finishing and binding techniques.  Students will operate photographic screen printing equipment, a horizontal process camera, the desktop publishing advanced functions, in addition to operating photographic machines for production of high quality lithographic prints, produced on an offset press.  This class will prepare the student to become an entry-level screen printer, darkroom technician, computer operator or offset press operator. Related Careers:  Commercial Artist, Webpage Designer, and Photographer. #9406

ADVANCED GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS:  Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite=Graphic Comm 2

  • This class will allow students to further explore and practice the techniques learned in Graphic Communications Technology 2.  Emphasis will be placed on the advanced functions of desktop publishing, digital imaging, and production of multi-color offset and screen-printed materials.  Completion of this class will allow the student to exhibit advanced skills in the employment areas of flat stripping, desktop publishing, screen-printing and basic multi-color operation of an offset press. Related Careers:  Commercial Artist, Webpage Designer, and Photographer.  #9407 

INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The following Indian Hills Community College courses are offered for concurrent credit.  Successful completion of these courses will result in OHS credit toward graduation AND college credit at IHCC.  OHS discipline and attendance policies apply. 

MFG209 MACHINE SHOP PRACTICES:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • This course covers safety in machine shops, environmental safety, measurement, layout, inspection, setup, basic bench work practices and non-traditional machining processes. #MFG209

MFG254 ENGINE LATHE THEORY:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • This course will develop a student’s skills in metal cutting technology as it relates to manual and CNC lathes. #MFG254

MFG262 MILL OPERATIONS THEORY:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • This course includes an introduction to basic milling machine operations, gear cutting, drills and drilling machines.#MFG262

EGT405 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN:  Grade 9-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Algebra 1 (or taking concurrently)

  • Pre-engineering technology is designed to help student prepare for college engineering courses as well as help students entering into any field of technology.  Students will learn how to use parametric engineering programs, how to solve technical problems in a wide range how fields, how to use the design process to evaluate, troubleshoot and solve various problems.  Students will be required to keep an engineering notebook to learn how to sketch, document, and record any relevant data necessary for future reference; this process will mimic how engineers record and maintain data on the field. College credit may be available. #EGT405

EGT425 DIGITAL ELECTRONICS:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • From smartphones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices. College credit may be available. #EGT425

The following three Laser/Electrical courses will be taught over the course of one year in one period, earning three IHCC college credits:

ELT375 AC FUNDAMENTALS:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • This course covers magnetism and electromagnetic induction and progresses through alternating current and voltage. The utilization of capacitors, inductors, and transformers will be addressed as used in basic AC circuits. #ELT375

ELT373 DC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

  • This course covers the electrical and electron theory of direct current and proceeds through units in resistance, conductance, series circuits, parallel circuits, series-parallel circuits, voltage divider circuits and the proper use of meters. #ELT373

LEO102 PHOTONICS FUNDAMENTALS:  Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite 

  • This course introduces the student to how light is generated and manipulated. Students use basic optics and how different laser systems utilize them will be addressed. Real world uses in numerous industrial fields will be analyzed providing the student a broad scope view of lasers. #LEO102