Business & Technology

0.5 Credit
Grades Offered: 9, 10 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

Content for the course is divided into four major units of study that include: an introduction to computer network and technology resources; essential skills and application of both desktop and cloud-based productivity tools used to gather, evaluate and publish information in various digital formats; digital citizenship, where students will study the human, societal, and academic/scholarly issues related to the legal and responsible use of social media, technology and resources obtained online; and, an introduction into numerous disciplines within the information science and technology field, including computer programming, digital image editing, website design, network administration and engineering design principles. This course is delivered utilizing a student-centered approach, where a combination of guided practice, independent investigation, and collaborative inquiry will be utilized to assist students with the acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as the demonstration of their learning through various work products and assessments.
 

0.5 Credit
Grades Offered: 10,11,12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

This introductory course is designed as an introduction to robotics. The student will build robots/smart machines using motors and sensors (touch, light and sound) and how to program the robot. This course emphasizes creativity, problem solving and teamwork skills. By building robots, the student will easily practice a set of subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This class will also expose the student to many career opportunities in manufacturing, transportation, surgery, safety, research and mass production of consumer goods. This class can fulfill the Technology requirement beginning with the Class of 2027.    

938 – PERSONAL FINANCE                                 

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 11,12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

In this one semester course, students will learn the basics of financial literacy.   It is designed to help students navigate the complex financial world in order to make smart decisions on how to handle their personal finances and build their future on a strong, financially sound foundation.  Topics include: Savings and checking accounts, Credit Cards, Taxes, Credit score and identity theft, Investments.
 

941 – ACCOUNTING                                                                                                            

1 Credit
Grades Offered: 11, 12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

This course is an introduction to fundamental accounting principles.  Students are introduced to a step-by-step analysis of the record keeping procedures and concepts that take place in the accounting cycle. Students will complete the accounting cycle and prepare financial statements for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Students will prepare personal federal income tax forms. Throughout the course students will learn about business ethics and will explore career possibilities.
 

942 – INTRO TO BUSINESS AND MARKETING                    

1 Credit  
Grades offered: 11, 12 (Elective)

 

The Introduction to Business course offers students a comprehensive overview of the business world, integrating foundational concepts with real-world applications. Through the analysis of Wall Street Journal articles, students explore topics such as economic systems, business ownership, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and ethics. Key areas include understanding supply and demand, market structures, branding, financial literacy, and the impact of businesses on society, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and informed decision-making.

This course features hands-on projects, simulations, and case studies that apply business theories to practical scenarios. Students will engage in career exploration, developing workplace skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication. By the end, participants will have a solid foundation in business principles, insight into global economic trends, and the ability to critically evaluate real-world business events, making this course an excellent starting point for advanced studies or careers in business.
 

944 - ENTREPRENEURSHIP                                        

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: None

Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Media (Essentials of Owning Your Own Business): Anyone who dreams of owning her own business should take this class! In this course, students choose their own business and create a comprehensive business plan along with marketing materials to promote their business. In addition, the course will examine social media marketing by focusing on a variety of platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Students will also develop social media marketing skills by participating in a weekly simulation, accumulating likes, engagement and revenue along the way. At the conclusion of the course, students will present their comprehensive business plan and apply for professional social media certification. 
 

1 Credit
Grades Offered: 11, 12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

This course covers an in-depth approach in rudimentary engineering skills utilized in industry. Students focus on engineering techniques in measuring, line work, orthographic projection, and lastly section cutting and dimensioning.  The students learn manual and computer aided 3D drawing (CAD) skills. The course culminates with the students designing basic three-dimensional designs using Inventor and multiple CATIA modules (Part Design, Assembly and Sheet Metal) and transforming the designs into three dimensional objects. 
 

947 – PLTW INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN    

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 9,10,11 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

This course is recommended for students who are interested in a career in the field of Engineering.Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work. This is the first course in a series of three, one per year. Freshmen and sophomore students may take this in lieu of physical education, health, and seminar. The course is limited to 20 students as only one can be offered this year. The priority of placement is seniors first, then juniors, followed by sophomore, and finally freshmen. This class can fulfill the Technology requirement beginning with the Class of 2027.

948 – PLTW PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING    

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 10,11,12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: Completion of 947 Intro to Engineering Design

 

The course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high tech careers. POE gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem-solving skills based upon engineering concepts. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. Principles Of Engineering is the second of three foundation courses in the Project Lead the Way high school engineering program. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology. The course of study includes: Mechanisms, Energy Sources, Energy Applications, Machine Control, Fluid Power, Statics, Material Properties, Material Testing, Statistics, and Kinematics. Sophomore students may take this in lieu of physical education and health. The course is limited to 20 students due to resources. 
 

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11,12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: Algebra I, 3.7 Cumulative GPA

 

The course introduces students to the essential ideas of computer science and helps students to understand how computing and technology can influence the world around them. As part of this course, students will be exposed to a broad range of computing tools and skills while creatively addressing real-world issues and concerns. Students will conceive and implement digital projects, utilizing some of the same processes that writers, programmers, engineers, designers, and other creators use to bring their ideas to life. This course is a “blended,” self-paced, chiefly online course (web-based) with periodic meetings with the De La Salle teacher/coach. No previous experience with coding is required! This course teaches some programming, but also includes problem-solving, working with data, and understanding the structure of the Internet and how it works while creating digital projects.

962 - COMPUTER PROGRAMMING & CYBERSECURITY                 

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 10th-12th
Prerequisite: None

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer programming, focusing on Java and Python as foundational languages. Students will explore core programming concepts, including variables, control structures, data types, and functions, through hands-on coding exercises and projects. Students will also be exposed to concepts related to cybersecurity. 
In addition to programming languages, the course emphasizes data management, teaching students how to handle and manipulate data effectively. Topics will include database fundamentals, data structures, and the basics of data analysis. 
To bridge the gap between traditional programming and emerging technologies, students will use MIT App Inventor to create interactive applications. This platform will serve as a springboard into artificial intelligence, enabling students to develop simple AI-driven projects and understand the principles behind AI technology.