Columbia High School offers a variety of STEM courses set in newly renovated labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Many of these classes can be taken for college credit through articulation agreements with Hudson Valley Community College, Schenectady County Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology.
STEM Courses
- Design and Drawing for Production – Entry level course into the world of Engineering Technology in which students create and build projects using the latest methods in the Engineering process. Students participate in team approaches for developing products and learn techniques in concept, design, prototyping, planning, building, testing and analysis.
- IT Essentials – Introduction to computer hardware and software skills to meet the growing demand for entry-level information and communication technology professionals. This course covers the fundamentals of PC technology, networking and security.
- CCNA I – Hands-on course introduces students to the organization and design of data networks and provides the foundation for Cisco ICND1 certification.
- CCNA II – Follow-up course to CCNA I.
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing – This new course for 2017-18 illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students can earn a virtual manufacturing badge recognized by the National Manufacturing Badge system.
- Introduction to Engineering Design – Introduction to Engineering is the first of three engineering courses that will be offered each year. This hands-on course focuses on architectural design and utilizes 3D modeling software.
- Principles of Engineering – Students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration and presentation.