Academics
Curriculum

Engineering

St. Thomas More High School offers an award-winning Engineering program that focuses on engineering with an emphasis in math and science. The four-year program, when combined with college preparatory math and science courses, introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of Engineering and Engineering Technology. PLTW’s curriculum makes math and science relevant for students. By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students understand how the skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in everyday life.

Students will:
  • Become proficient in problem-solving, managing time and resources, researching, and data collection and analysis
  • Learn to look beyond the classroom for answers
  • Work as a contributing member and a leader of a team
  • Perfect their presentation skills
  • Use appropriate written and visual mediums to communicate with a variety of audiences

  • Introduction to Engineering Design

    Grades 9, 10, or 11 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
    Requisite: concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and science classes.
    Note: This is not a weighted course.

    This course emphasizes the development of a design. Students use computer software to produce, analyze, and evaluate models of project solutions. They study the design concepts of form and function and use state-of-the-art technology to translate conceptual design into reproducible products. College credit is available upon passing the IED end of course exam.

  • Residential Architecture

    Grades 10, 11 and 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of IED with a grade of C or better and instructor approval.
    Note: This is a not weighted course.

    Students work individually and in teams, explore hands-on projects and activities, and learn about residential property design and development. Students use Revit, a 3D design software, to help them create and revise their ideas. Additionally, students will learn how to document their work, build representative models, and effectively communicate to peers and industry professionals. The End-of-Course exam is an after-school science-fair style presentation of a fully realized project to staff, peers, parents, and invited guests.

  • Commercial Architecture

    Grades 10, 11 and 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of IED with a grade of C or better and instructor approval.
    Note: This is a not weighted course.

    Students work individually and in teams, explore hands-on projects and activities, and learn about commercial property design and development. Students use Revit, a 3D design software, to help them create and revise their ideas. Additionally, students will learn how to document their work, build representative models, and effectively communicate to peers and industry professionals. The End-of-Course exam is an after-school science-fair style presentation of a fully realized project to staff, peers, parents, and invited guests.

  • Civil Engineering and Architecture

    Grades 11 and 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of IED with a grade of C or better and instructor approval.
    Note: This is a not weighted course.

    Students work in teams, explore hands-on projects and activities, and learn about residential and commercial property development. Students use Revit, a 3D design software, to help them engineer solutions. Additionally, students will learn how to document their work, solve complex problems and effectively communicate to peers and industry professionals. College credit is available upon passing the CEA end of course exam.

  • Principles of Engineering

    Grades 10,11 or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of EES with a grade of C or better and instructor approval.
    Note: This is a weighted course.

    This course explores the mechanics of building and testing solutions to open-ended design problems. Students get an overview of the high level of engineering concepts of energy source and applications, machine systems, strength and durability of materials, and understanding the movement of objects. Students have an opportunity to explore engineering and high-tech careers. College credit is available upon passing the POE end of course exam.

  • Engineering Design and Development

    Grade 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
    Prerequisite: For the class of 2020, successful completion of EES with a C or better and instructor approval. For the class of 2021 and beyond, successful completion of IED and CEA or POE with a C or better and instructor approval.
    Note: This is a weighted course.

    In this course students apply what they have learned in academic and engineering courses as they complete challenging, self-directed projects. Students work in teams to design and build solutions to authentic engineering problems. Students keep journals of notes, sketches, mathematical calculations, and scientific research. Student teams make progress reports to their peers, mentor, and instructor and exchange constructive criticism and consultation. At the end of the course, teams present their research and defend their projects to a panel of engineers, business leaders, and engineering college educators for professional review and feedback. This course equips students with the independent study skills they will need in post-secondary education and careers in engineering and engineering technology.
St. Thomas More is a Catholic, coeducational high school that inspires students to embrace the values of our Patron Saint by becoming men and women for all seasons. Rooted in Christ and the Catholic tradition, the school community embodies the principles of Christian discipleship, service to others, and academic excellence.

Thank you to Visual Image Photography and ValerieAnn Photography for capturing many of the photos on tmore.org.
© 2023 St. Thomas More High School. All Rights Reserved.