Career Technical Education CTE
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES
Building & Construction Trades
Instructor - Jerry Harris (jharris@nvusd.org)
P CTE Construction Technology I is an overview and introduction to the construction trades. Students are introduced to measurement systems, safe use of hand and power tools, calculation and characteristics of materials, carpentry, framing, basic electrical wiring, and plumbing. Students learn about the construction trades and construction careers. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal and occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA certifications verifying their competence. This introductory course is also aligned with NCCER Core Curriculum.
Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. Additionally, students work with, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment used in the industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy.
P CTE Construction Technology II builds on skills and knowledge gained from the level one course in the pathway. Students continue to grow and develop in the construction trades, working on design concept plans and procedures, electrical, green construction, weatherization, wall and roof framing, cabinetry, tile setting, concrete and masonry, and more. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. The culminating project is a structure that will include: framing, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal, occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA cards certifying their competence. Through this course, students also have the opportunity to obtain NCCER certification (The National Center for Construction Education and Research).
P CTE Construction Technology II, allows for hands-on mastery of concepts within a context of construction career preparation. Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. In addition, students maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in the construction industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy. The course is project-based, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis of problems following the progression of concepts from inception to contextual (hands-on) completion. Students understand the attributes of good design and how it applies to the design, construction and servicing of structures. In small heterogeneous work groups, students mirror construction sites by demonstrating effective leadership styles, key concepts of group dynamics, and individual decision making that will result in tangible physical products.
Prerequisite: CTE Construction Technology 1
Career Pathway: Construction Technology 1 ⇒ Construction Technology 2
HEALTH SCIENCE & MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Health Science & Medical Technology
Instructor - Leauretta Boulding (lboulding@nvusd.org)
Medical Biology
Medical Science is an academically challenging laboratory science course that examines anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and medical terminology while applying scientific knowledge and research to the study of the human body and its diseases. Students will focus on the physiological, biological, and structural details of the human body, including a rigorous study of the body systems. Students will apply scientific methodologies (inquiry, developing hypotheses, gathering factual information, evaluating data, and drawing conclusions) to the practices employed by medical professionals. Medical terminology will be integrated as students understand each of the body systems. Students will exceed core academic knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking skills as they apply knowledge to laboratory experimentation, real-life scenarios, medical case studies, and physiological and pathological disorders. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles.
Human Anatomy & Medicine
P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine is an academically challenging advanced science course for students in grades eleven and twelve who are pursuing a career in the medical health field requiring post-secondary education. It is a continuance of Medical Science I and builds on a common set of skills and knowledge necessary for all health care employees. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles. P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine instructs students in Human Biology, Medical Ethics and Legal Questions, Bioethics, patient and Family Interaction, Medication Administration, Infection control, Lab Techniques and Procedures, and Workplace Safety. Students will complete a career portfolio and participate in work-based and outreach experiences including job shadowing, research and discovery experiences, and volunteer or community service related to the health career field of choice.
Prerequisite: Medical Biology
Career Pathway: Medical Biology ⇒ Human Anatomy and Medicine
NCOE
Our CTE Program is supported by the Napa County Office of Education College & Career Readiness Program. Please check out their website for more information about their work throughout Napa Valley.
Program BrochureWe are excited to offer four different career pathways for students. Please check out our brochure for more information about our CTE Program.
ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE (ROBOTICS)
Engineering & Architecture (Robotics)
Instructor - Phil Jenschke (phillip_jenschke@nvusd.org)
Principles of Engineering & Robotics
This engineering course provides a foundation in manufacturing engineering including design and production of mechanical, electrical, electronics, fluid, and electromechanical products and systems.
Students will be engaged in an instructional program that integrates academic and technical preparation focusing on career awareness, exploration and skill development. Students will be designing parts using CAD; designing mechanical and electrical solutions, as well as constructing and assembling a variety of parts and prototypes. Students will be introduced to the world of automation by build and programming a simple robot that can complete a task repeatedly. The course covers the California CTE standards included in the Engineering Technology pathway under the Engineering and Architecture Industry Sector.
The course is designed to prepare students for additional coursework in the pathway or lead to postsecondary technical training or education and entry to a rewarding career.
Engineer & Architecture Design
This is the capstone course in the 2-year Engineering Pathway which may lead to further study in a wide range of careers that utilize digital design, such as: engineering, architecture, manufacturing, construction, robotics, automation, digital design, and other industries. The course builds upon the foundations learned in Principles of Engineering/Robotics in which students have gained considerable skill in digital design. This course covers the major engineering disciplines, engineering decision-making, design, problem solving, communication, and ethics. It provides knowledge and skills in engineering and architectural design allowing students to showcase their creativity. It presents the relationship of engineering and architecture to materials, the environment, and mathematics. Students design solutions in order to solve problems and then they communicate those solutions to peers and members of the community. Students gain appreciation of the great inventors, architects, engineers and their accomplishments as well as future trends, including green technology. The class is taught through project based learning. Students put their knowledge to work by designing structures and products that are both practical, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. Guest speakers, field trips, and classroom activities expose students to the many ways engineering and architecture affect our lives. Students grow towards success in academic and professional settings becoming both college and career ready.
Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering & Robotics
Career Pathway: Principles of Engineering & Robotics ⇒ Engineer & Architecture Design
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Manufacturing & Product Development
Instructor - Ron Solomon (rsolomon@nvusd.org)
Manufacturing & Product Development I
This course provides an introduction to industrial design taking STEM education to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education. The process of designing a product allows students to develop their skills as an artist, inventor, engineer, and manufacturer. This course introduces traditional and contemporary metalworking and manufacturing techniques including precision measurement and design aesthetics. All aspects of design and layout are applied; students learn the basics of hand tools, drilling, sawing, turning, milling, and fabrication through a series of projects. First, students fabricate a project by following prescribed 2 and precise directions, then they design and create their own projects. Utilizing the elements of art and the principles of design, students design, create, modify and analyze a finished product for aesthetics and craftsmanship. Students present their work and give and receive constructive criticism. Students are introduced to advanced digital design and manufacturing techniques such as computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), computer numerical control machining (CNC), and 3-D printing. Students become proficient at reading and following technical industry-based manuals and tutorials. Students explore careers related to industrial design, product development, metal sculpture, engineering, machining and manufacturing. They gain entrepreneurial and project management skills. Math, physics, and the visual arts are integrated into the curriculum adding relevance and rigor. Students apply math through hands-on learning, precision measurements, adding and subtracting fractions, using decimals, algebra and geometry. Safety is a must; safety will be emphasized and reinforced throughout the course.
Manufacturing & Product Development II
This course builds on the skills and knowledge from Manufacturing and Product Development 1. Students will advance their manufacturing skills with traditional machine tools and will progress to designing and building projects using computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) machines using more technical machining and manufacturing techniques. Students will be introduced to quality control techniques and will demonstrate increased levels of precision and accuracy using rigorous measurement techniques. Students will explore the financial side of manufacturing, machining and product development. They will learn principles of project management, product costing, justification, and will hone basic entrepreneurial skills by building business plans. A goal of this class is to have students design, build, and take products to market. Pathway graduates will be college and career ready. SAFETY IS A MUST. Students are expected to rigorously follow all safety rules and will be dismissed if they are out of compliance.
Prerequisite: Manufacturing & Production Development 1
Career Pathway: Manufacturing & Production Development 1 ⇒ Manufacturing & Production Development 2