PRISMS aims to provide a comprehensive 9-12 high school education with a particular focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and a culminating research or development project in an area of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

Applied Engineering & Computer Science

Our Foundational Program is known as BASE (Bridging the Arts, Science and Engineering). Our aim is to give all our freshman a common experience where they not only learn important foundational content in Biology, English and Applied Engineering, but they also learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of research, collaboration, cooperation and are introduced to important research skills like: Forming a valid question, reviewing and evaluating research literature, designing an experiment, analyzing data, communicating research finding.

Applied Engineering 1

Applied Engineering 1 (AE1) introduces students to the technical application of engineering disciplines through the use of the engineering design process and a highly technical laboratory environment. This course serves as the cornerstone of the PRISMS Engineering program as it engages students in the physical application of complex theoretical topics including basic electronics, engineering design, prototyping, robotics and engineering research. In addition, AE1 is an integral part to the PRISMS BASE program, which bridges a common topic of study between the Arts, Science and Engineering. Within the BASE program, AE1 students will work in teams to research, design, construct and test a sensing device to support a scientific study.

Back to top 

Applied Engineering 2

Applied Engineering (AE2) continues engineering based exploration through a series of problem based labs that focus on 3 core engineering disciplines: Aerospace, Electrical & Mechanical. Throughout the year, students will work in both classroom and laboratory settings to study circuit design, microcontroller programming, data acquisition, prototyping, and robotics. In Addition, students will conduct a cumulative research project to demonstrate their newfound skills. This project will be based on topics pertaining to one of the engineering disciplines mentioned and will be featured in an exhibition at the end of course.

Back to top 

Advanced Robotics

Advanced Robotics is a problem-based course that explores methods in which higher level spatial awareness and control algorithms are applied to complex robotic systems. Within the course, students will learn about closed loop systems, sensing and navigation, multi-method locomotion, kinematic design and analysis, wireless control methods and data integrity, industry-standard solid modeling software, 8-bit and 32-bit mobile computing platforms, programming and manufacturing. These concepts will then be applied through the implementation of the Engineering Design Process to the design and construction of multiple robotic systems.

Back to top 

Industrial Design

Industrial Design bridges the gap between Computer Aided Design and Prototype Manufacturing. Throughout the course, students will solve technical problems by combining human factors with the Engineering Design Process to produce creative and unique products. Students will investigate multiple materials and processes through the use of sketching techniques, industry standard solid modeling software, “blueprint” layout, CNC machining, woodworking, metalworking, plastic forming, screen printing and multi- material 3D printing. The course will conclude with the production of a technical portfolio detailing the Design Process of each design.

Back to top 

Principles of Computer Science

This entry-level course prepares students with essential knowledge and skills in computer science. It is designed to cover basic concepts of computer science, information flow and World Wide Web, overview of several programming languages, and some smart devices. Students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world.

Back to top 

AP Computer Science A

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given, if a qualifying score is achieved. Content of this college-level course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement Program for Computer Science A. Students will design software to solve problems iteratively or recursively, and use data structures, such as arrays, lists, stacks, and queues, to represent information within a program. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the major hardware and software components of computer systems. Java is the main vehicle for implementing solutions to problems.

Back to top 

Artificial Intelligence 1

Students study Artificial Intelligence (AI) topics in a variety of contexts with an emphasis on understanding the status of this field. Activities include studying the origin of AI, learning the terminology, practicing the common approaches, reviewing the milestones, following the major players and their main projects, investigating the acceptable predictions, considering the relationships with other disciplines, and the impact to the future of our society.

Back to top 

Artificial Intelligence 2

Students study Artificial Intelligence (AI) topics in a variety of contexts with an emphasis on hands-on experiments. Different approaches for knowledge representation, search-select algorithms, and especially self-guided learning will be examined and tested. Students will define and solve properly sized projects using multiple programming paradigms and Web resources.

Back to top