CORE ENGINEERING COURSES

Introduction to Electronics
The course is designed to provide a practical hands on introduction to electronics with a focus on circuit design. In this full year core course students will learn how to identify electronic components, learn the difference between analog and digital circuits, assemble 555 timers and 74000 IC circuit. Throughout the course students will use modern "virtual software" as test-beds for understanding electronics. Additionally, students will learn how to configure microcontroller circuits and sensors, code algorithms and learn syntax errors in code. The course will integrate demonstrations and laboratory examples with lectures on the foundations. The aim of the course is to provide students with the practical knowledge necessary to design and prototype their own circuit.

Introduction to Engineering Design I
Introduction to Engineering Design I (IED I) is a three trimester (two part) course which introduces students to topics Web page based on HTML Codes, 2 and 3 dimensional computer aided design (2D & 3D CAD) and oral and written presentation.  Students will learn by lecture, work-book exercises and independent and team projects and hands on tools.  This course will give the inexperienced student the ability to understand the process of web design, learning Auto Desk Inventor software, 3D Studio Max software, and the visualization tools of CAD in 2D and 3D.  Successful completion of this course will allow students to move on to the course Introduction to Engineering Design II, where a more in-depth look at 3D CAD and animation occurs. IED I work hand in hand with the three trimester course Technology I.  Introduction to Engineering Design I will teach the students how to implement their projects while Technology I will assist in the research and content development portion.  IED I is broken into four modules each covering several weeks.

Principles of Engineering, Mr. Samarakone
Principles of Engineering (POE) is a three trimester course which introduces students Material Science, Cost analysis, production techniques and simple machines. The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Engineering Design I. Students will learn by lecture, work-book exercises and independent and team projects. This course will give the inexperienced student the ability to understand the process and visualization tools of Engineering. POE works hand in hand with the three trimester course is broken into eight modules. Module one will focus on Types of Engineering.  Module two will be devoted to Communication and Documentation.  Module three will concentrate on Design Process Module four concentrate on Engineering Systems. Module Five will be a Strength of Materials and Module Six will concentrate on Materials Testing in Engineering. Module Seven will concentrate on Reliability and Module Eight Concentrate on Dynamics/Kinematics. The culminating project will require the students to combine their knowledge and skills learned in the previous sections as well as in Technology II in the creation of a product.

Introduction to Engineering Design II, Mr. Samarakone
Introduction to Engineering Design II (IED II) is a three trimester course which introduces students to topics of 2 and 3 dimensional computer aided design (2D & 3D CAD) computer animation and oral and written presentation.  The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Engineering Design I. Students will learn by lecture, work-book exercises and independent and team projects.  This course will give the inexperienced student the ability to understand the process and visualization tools of CAD in 2D and 3D. The IED II course is broken into four modules, each covering several weeks. Module one will focus on 2D and 3D computer aided design using Autodesk Inventor CAD software.  Module two will be devoted to learning the basics of mechanical drawing and layouts.  Module three will concentrate on assembling 3D CAD objects and computer animation.  Module four will be a culminating project, which will require the students to combine their knowledge and skills learned in the previous sections as well as in IED I in the creation of a product. Modules will be taught in a project based atmosphere.  Lectures are minimized with emphasis placed on hands on learning. The course will introduce topics, which familiarize students with techniques used by professionals in a work and project environment. The nature of the subjects covered allows and requires integration with mathematics, Engineering and Architecture. Focus is on student driven projects with clear, analytical goals, accepted techniques for research and final written, oral and multimedia web presentations.

Intermediate Electrical Engineering, Mr. Liva
Intermediate Electrical Engineering is a junior year core course for AEDT students. The course builds on the freshman year course. Intermediate Electrical Engineering will examine passive components, and will compare their operation and dependence on physical variables. Active components, components based on semiconductors, including diodes, LED’s and bipolar transistors will be covered. An introduction to analog electronic principles and basic operational amplifier circuits will be included. Finally the course will include an introduction to microcontrollers. The course will expose students to electrical engineering instruments, including meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators and power supplies. Although the course will include assessments such as tests and homework a major part of the class will be based on lab activities and projects.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Mr. DeFalco
CIM focuses on the use of technology for product development. General topics include the history and types of manufacturing, control systems, automation, power systems, robotics, and integration methods. Students will review all BCA Makerspace technologies and develop competency on specific machines with small design and manufacturing projects. All students will develop and add to their own personal Engineering Portfolio for use in the Senior Experience process as well as in college applications and interviews. Research leading to a preliminary Project Development Contract will help set students up for a successful Senior Engineering Capstone project.

Advanced Electrical Engineering, Mr. Liva
Advanced Electrical Engineering is a senior year core course for AEDT students covering advanced topics in electrical engineering. The course will examine advanced analog electronics including integrators, differentiators, active filters and sensor interfaces. Students will have the opportunity to design, build and test electrical systems that include, a sensor interface, filtering and amplification. Students will also be introduced to higher power semiconductors including MOSFETs, solid state relays and driver ICs for use in electromechanical systems. Embedded systems will also be covered including bus systems data acquisition circuitry and control systems with feedback. The use of electronic design automation software, from schematic capture through PCB layout and Gerber file generation, will be covered. Students will be expected to work on specification based projects and develop their own designs, which they will document.

Engineering Capstone, Mr. DeFalco
Engineering Capstone builds upon the skills learned in I.E.D., P.O.E., Electronics, C.I.M., and traditional academic coursework and supports a project in a student’s preferred area of engineering. Engineering Capstone includes the fabrication of student inventions, creation of architectural designs or participation in engineering competitions. Students research the need for a new or improved product of their own choosing; find similar products, make improvements, and develop a design brief. Creation of Engineering Drawings and 3D CAD files and animations lead students toward the final culmination with a working prototype and product presentation which describes, displays and helps sell the product i.e. to investors.

ENGINEERING ELECTIVES

Introduction to 3D Printing, Mr. DeFalco
Come explore the world of additive manufacturing and learn how you can create something truly original. This class will introduce you to Autodesk “Inventor” and the basic 2D/3D design skills needed to create your own plastic prototype parts. Students will learn how to design and print their own prototypes, how to access open source models online and how to utilize this technology for competitions and science fairs. The class is maximized for hands-on work periods, but also includes short presentations, lectures and demonstrations of the Stratasys "Dimension", the MakerBot “Replicator", the Makergear “MK2” and the Printerbot “Simple” 3D Printers. This course is designed for all grade levels and all academies. No experience necessary.

Introduction to Laser Cutting, Mr. DeFalco
This course introduces Autodesk “AutoCAD” software for the design of 2D geometric shapes in preparation for manufacture on our Laser Cutter and CNC Router. Topics include free hand and precision input of elements, modify commands, g-code programming as well as engraving and cutting these parts out of an assortment of materials including foam, wood or plastics. The setup and operation of our Epilog Helix 60 watt Laser Cutter and our CNC Mini Mill/Router will be discussed leading to cutting and engraving of example models and student designed parts. This course is designed for all grade levels and all academies. No experience necessary.

Civil Engineering and Architecture, Mr. Samarakone
This course is designed as a one-trimester introduction to architectural design that gives the student the necessary tools to create and edit geometric shapes in preparation for architectural blueprints. This course covers many aspects of Revit software including file management, construction of primitive geometrical shapes, and entity manipulation. The students will also learn to enhance productivity with library symbols, layer organization, advanced drafting techniques, and various output methods. Instructor lecture and demonstration will be followed by hands-on student work. The course includes an exploration into architectural styles and design factors and ends with a demonstration of 3D modeling and architectural walkthroughs. The course is intended to serve as an elective option for students from any program. The course is structured to enable all students to have an introductory experience that provides an overview of architectural design.

Bio-Engineering, Mr. Samarakone
Bio-Engineering is a one trimester course which is one of the specialty courses in the Project Lead The Way® pre-engineering curriculum. BE applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in biology, physics, technology, and mathematics. The major focus of the Biotechnical Engineering TM (BE) course is to expose students to the diverse fields of biotechnology including biomedical engineering, bio-molecular genetics, bioprocess engineering, and agricultural and environmental engineering. Lessons engage students in engineering design problems that can be accomplished in a high school setting related to biomechanics, cardiovascular engineering, genetic engineering, agricultural biotechnology, tissue engineering, biomedical devices, human interface, bioprocesses, forensics, and bio-ethics.

The Internet of Things, Mr. Liva
Internet of Things is rapidly approaching as more and more devices are able to communicate autonomously. This course will explore the current generation of low cost WiFi components that, when paired with a microcontroller, can give almost any device IoT capability. The course will use Arduino compatible controllers, so some experience with them is helpful, but not necessary.

Intro to Robotics, Mr. Nodarse
This course provides an overview of robot mechanisms, electronic controls, Arduino and Parallax Micro controllers and basic electronics. Topics include motion planning; mechanism design for manipulators and mobile robots, multi-rigid-body dynamics, control design, actuators, and sensors; wireless networking, and task modeling.  Weekly labs provide experience with Servo, Micro controllers, Sensors (PING, PIR, and Infrared) and Lego NXT.  Students will design and fabricate working robotic systems in a group-based trimester project.

MRL-Xploration, Mr. Nodarse
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of digital electronics, micro controllers and mechanical design. This course is a prerequisite for the Mechatronic Research Lab in room 146.  Students will learn how to design and assemble circuits, identify electronic components and learn basic Arduino programming.  Tool usage and safety procedure are also covered.  Students will gradually progress toward building their own circuit and be prepared for the Mechatronic Research Lab.

ENGINEERING RESEARCH ELECTIVES

Electrical Engineering Research, Mr. Liva
The program is designed to allow students interested in Electrical Engineering to work on a design project. Students will advance their skills in areas like design and fabrication, sensor interface, data acquisition and control. Participating in a competition is not a requirement. In the past students have worked with other organizations such as the Lemelson Foundation, Kokutaiji High School and NASA on the ICED challenge. Students have secured internships at Recon Industrial Controls Corporation, Columbia University and other organizations.

Engineering Research, Mr. DeFalco
Engineering Research provides individually scheduled work periods in the BCA Makerspace for students interested in research projects and competitions. Past projects have included the creation of student inventions and innovations, civil and architectural designs and the participation in engineering/science fair competitions. Documentation requirements include a lab notebook and final report or portfolio. The course ends with an oral presentation and prototype demonstration. An approved Project Development Contract is required for registration. Engineering Research can be taken 1-3 trimesters per year. Competitions are not a requirement, but they are encouraged, and new competitions are attempted each year. Some events include the Panasonic Creative Design Challenge, Team America Rocketry Challenge, Extreme Redesign Competition, Skills USA, Toshiba Exploravision, West Point Bridge Building, US First, BattleBots and NJRSC. Many students later intern at the leading engineering firms in our area including United Water (Suez), Becton Dickinson, Mercedes-Benz USA, Axis Architectural Studio, Recon Industrial Controls Corporation, Kreisler Manufacturing Corporation, Vision Research, Inc.

Mechatronics Research Lab, Mr. Nodarse
The Mechatronics Research Laboratory is a laboratory within Bergen County Academies. In this laboratory, students will conduct research and develop innovations in the areas of digital electronics, robotics and programming. Some projects include the development of autonomous robotics, electronic devices, and control system interfaces. Students will be expected to have a working prototype, research report and enter a competition before the end of the course. The student is required to conduct research for 4 trimesters in a row (1 year and 1 trimester). The first three trimesters are typically spent researching and prototyping, and the fourth trimester is intended for the finalization of the project. Students should retain a modicum of flexibility within their schedules to successfully complete the research program. Some competitions supported include the New Jersey Regional Science Fair, New Jersey Academy of Science, Source American-Design Challenge, and Google Science Fair.

ENGINEERING PROJECTS/CLUBS

The MAKE Project and MAKE Club on Wednesdays, Mr. DeFalco
Currently, the MAKE Project and Club are the home bases for what was originally called “The BattleBots Project” back in 2001. That year, our first ever combat robot was built for the competition called ”BattleBots,” formerly a show on Comedy Central. Over the years, the Titanium Knights Robotics organization evolved, produced, and continues to produce some amazing engineering projects and competition wins. Students in the program have gone on to become GREAT practicing engineers. To this day, motivated students can become masters at engineering technologies and serve as mentors to each other and to underclassmen for the pursuit of design and manufacturing competitions and projects. The project was renamed to Robot and Design Decathlon (RADD) in 2006 to support a larger range of possible engineering competitions and project types including devices to help the handicapped (Adaptive Technology.) The current Wednesday project & club are called MAKE based on Make Magazine and Maker movement philosophy. The facilities and website were also renamed to “BCA Makerspace” at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2013 as we welcomed our new CNC milling and Abrasive WaterJet Technologies to the shop. The facilities and offerings continue to grow including entrance into our night school program for the inclusion of adult “Makers.” Past students (some now professional engineers,) community members, hobbyists & sponsors, and senior experience mentors have continued to help out with some of the more challenging projects. Student MAKE projects can lead to afterschool open labs as well as evening labs at the Bergen Makerspace. School sanctioned events and competition trips as well as parent trips are scheduled as needed.

Alternative Energy – Wednesday Project, Mr. Samarakone
The world's major current energy resources are fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, and natural gas) and uranium. However, their disadvantages: rising costs, growing scarcity, vulnerability to political developments, and contributions to air pollution, acid rain, and global warming - have led society to investigate alternatives such as geothermal, hydro, wind, Fuel cell, Bio Mass and solar energy. This project focuses on some alternative energy sources and the impact they have on the environment. At the same time students are learning present day energy management.

Aerospace Engineering – Wednesday Project, Mr. Samarakone
Aerospace Engineering (AE) is the study of the engineering discipline which develops new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration. The course explores the evolution of flight, flight fundamentals, navigation and control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, orbital mechanics, ergonomics, remotely operated systems and related careers. In addition the course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APPB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will analyze, design, and build aerospace systems. While implementing these designs, students will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creativity, and application of the design process. Students apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final multi-media project to envision their future professional accomplishments.

Particle Physics Detection - Wednesday Project, Mr. Liva
This project will be an introduction to the detection of high energy particles. The course will focus on detection projects. Students will build, operate and take data from several detectors: Geiger counters (β,γ, and cosmic ray detection), cloud chambers (α,β,γ, and cosmic ray visualization) and drift tubes (γ, muon and cosmic ray detection). It is anticipated that some contact with outside experts and collaboration with other institutions will be part of this project. Enrollment in the project is by invitation only. If you are interested in joining please send Mr. Liva an email. In the email please give your interest in the area and any relevant experience you may have with  construction projects. Mechanical, electrical and some software skills will all be useful in this project.

Computer Building & Repair Club - Wednesday Club, Mr. Samarakone
This club will build and repair computers.

3D Printing - Wednesday Club, Mr. Liva
This club is meant to provide students with the opportunity to learn and get involved with 3D printing. We will primarily be doing this through an organization called e-Nable, which 3D prints prosthetic arms for disabled children to provide them with high quality functioning prosthetics that only cost $30 as opposed to thousands of dollars. Students in this club will become very experienced with 3D printing processes, and will be able to get hands on experience with 3D printers.