Welcome to Career Portals!!
14 computer based career modules with hands on activities
What is this class designed for?
The purpose of this course is to allow you to gain insight into 14 different future career choices. This will allow you to know which path to take at the high school level to prepare yourself for college and eventually the workplace.
Here is a quick look at the modules offered...
Applied Physics
Students learn about the forces of nature they must control and learn to live with to make their lives more enjoyable. Using an air track, students learn the laws of inertia, study energy transfer, and calculate the velocity of air track cars by using a photogate timer. Students study data transmission using a laser. They also learn about radio waves, light, and heat and do experiments relating to mathematics.
Audio Broadcasting
Students experience the important medium of radio and produce a radio broadcast. Students learn how to use a digital audio editing software program, record several announcements and stories, and assemble the recorded pieces into a sample broadcast. Students also learn about radio waves and how sound is sent from the station to people’s radios in their homes and automobiles miles away.
CNC Manufacturing
Students explore the manufacturing process and important inventions that have advanced these various processes. Students learn the relationship of software to manufacturing and use software to design a project that is later machined on the Z Mill. The Cartesian coordinate system and its effects on machine movement and digital automation are also presented.
Computer Aided Design and Drafting
Students use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to explore the fundamentals of drafting. They use CAD software to create multi-view drawings of a geometric solid and complete a set of floor plans. The floor plans are based on standards for architectural drawings, and the students implement 3-D software to create a computer “walk-through” of their floor plans.
Computer Graphics and Animation
Students learn how the use of computers can enhance the products created by professional artists and animators. With the use of a computer and related software, the students produce their own cartoon and an animated sequence. They use a digital-video movie camera to capture a picture and create an animated project. Students also explore video graphic design.
Eco-Architecture
Students explore sustainable construction methods designers and engineers use currently. They learn the importance of building for sustainability and learn why we need to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink when planning for new construction. Students learn the importance of passive solar design and how this aids in many other energy-efficient and Earth-friendly construction methods. Ultimately, students design and create their own Eco-home that represents choices they have made about designing with the environment in mind.
Engineering Towers
Students are given this challenge: build a tower that holds more weight than the towers built by their classmates. Designing, building, and testing a tower is the activity base in this Module. Using engineering skills and video segments, students learn the skills necessary to facilitate construction and evaluation of a tower.
Flight Technology
Students learn the principles of flight. They use a computer flight simulator to experience piloting an aircraft. Each student evaluates the other and prepares a written critique of his or her partner’s flight. Students are introduced to navigation and they plot a course using angular measurement and mathematical computation.
Forensic Science
Students determine the prime suspect in a fictitious vandalism of a local high school. Students analyze evidence, which includes fingerprints, hair samples, handwriting, and writing samples. Students also extract DNA from a sample. Students compare the evidence with samples taken from suspects. Finally they must put all the evidence together and identify a prime suspect. Teachers may customize suspect samples and evidence, just to keep it interesting!
Genetics
Students learn genetics terminology and simulate breeding experiments similar to Mendel’s. They construct models of chromosomes and DNA. Students create Punnett squares and determine probabilities of offspring given specific parent genotypes. They complete a dihybrid cross and a natural selection experiment.
Immunology
Students will explore the anatomy and physiology of the immune and lymphatic systems. They have the opportunity to discover how the systems work together to provide immunity. Students will also explore different microscopic portions of the immune system and the pathogens that it fights using digital microscopy. They will be challenged to use medical terminology to describe the causes, prevention, effects, treatments, and various other aspects of diseases, especially those that relate to the immune system. During the course of the seven sessions students will engage in digital microscopy, modeling, and personal risk assessment related to immunology.
Robots
Students learn about the fascinating role that robots play in their lives. More and more, this technology is helping to improve the way we live and manufacture items. Students learn how to operate, program, and use robots in different environments. Initially, each student learns to manipulate the robot and program it to conduct repeatable tasks. Ultimately, they operate a robot located in a remote location away from direct view via a televised image of the work task.
Rocket Science
Students learn about the scientific principles of flight, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Newton’s laws of motion are introduced and explained in practical terms. The history of rocket science is an important concept in understanding the development of rockets and is presented during this Module. Students construct a water-fueled Stratoblaster® rocket and launch it as a culminating activity.
Video Production
Students learn many facets of video production and communication. Students explore the working of a video camera, the editing process, and Federal Communications Commission regulations. They organize ideas, write scripts, outline a storyboard, shoot video, and edit their video productions. Students also study the effect of media in their own lives and use this information to produce a persuasive public service announcement.
Contact the Instructor:
Matthew Biles
mbiles@nisdtx.org
mbiles@nisdtx.org