Engineering Arts & Technology

Engineering and Technology at Wasatch Academy challenges students to design creative solutions through the engineering and production of both virtual and physical outcomes. Within its various studio labs and maker-spaces the engineering and technology departments aim to inspire the use of computer technology, the application of trade skills, and the development of higher order critical thinking.

Courses

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Computer Science I introduces students to the fundamentals of computer science and programming using the CodeHS platform. Through hands-on projects and problem-solving activities, students learn to code in both JavaScript and Python. The course emphasizes creativity, communication, and critical thinking as students build authentic digital artifacts and gain a strong foundation in computational thinking.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Computer Science II is a continuation of the Computer Science I course, including more advanced Python language features.

  • AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level course where students cultivate their understanding of coding in the Java programming language through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Engineering is a complex field, filled with many sub-fields. This course is an introduction to some of the foundations in many of those fields. Students will learn techniques for quality construction, use of intermediate tools like 3D printers, and laser cutters, and put their knowledge of basic physics to the test. 

  • Duration: 1 semester

    3D modeling is a large and varied field, with each version requiring different levels of detail and training. Building for games requires optimizing information so it's easily accessed by a computer. Students will learn the basics of modeling, UV'ing, texturing, rendering, and boiling all that information down to a game ready asset.

  • This course introduces game design's fundamental techniques, concepts, and vocabulary. Students will dive into the world of video game programming, design, and theory as they create a handful of simple games in Godot.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    After finishing the introduction course, it's time to put further game design skills. Learn about state machines, global resources, intelligent AI, level navigation, and more. Capstone the class with a fully built game prototype.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    In this course, students will learn the trade of model rockets by building and launching their own. Students will learn the fundamental principles behind rocket design and challenge themselves by managing their own custom rocket's aerodynamics, weight distribution, and recovery.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Cosplay requires knowledge in many different fields to create high quality costumes. One of the more difficult, and exciting ones, is prop making. Students will learn how to make prop weapons, equipment and trinkets using pre-made props, 3D printing, foam, and commonly available materials.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    An alternate take on a traditional robotics course, the drone building course aims to provide all the same basic principles, but with the end goal of building a controllable drone. Students will research, design, build, and program a drone from scratch.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Bring your ideas to life through the lens of the engineering design process. In this course, students will learn how to design, prototype, and refine a product from concept to creation. The first quarter builds shared skills and knowledge through guided projects, while the second quarter shifts to independent work as students pursue their own unique ideas at their own pace.  

  • Duration: 1 semester

    Students are introduced to the technical skills and aesthetic understanding of digital art and learn techniques to create individualized projects through the Adobe suite.

  • Duration: 1 semester

    This course focuses on current computer technology and technical skills related to recording, sound design, and production using hardware and software tools such as Garage Band, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live. 

  • Duration: Full year

    Creating a yearbook builds skills in digital photography, digital design and publishing, organization, time management, writing and editing, and teamwork. The yearbook staff have the best job on campus! After initial learning and practicing with all the digital tools, we improve our skills all year by crafting and creating the permanent keepsake students have from their high school years.