Automotive, Building, & Manufacturing Technology Courses

Automotive

09010 Introduction to Automobiles   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None

Description: This course introduces the automotive industry, covering automotive history, safety practices, shop equipment and tools, vehicle systems, and automotive maintenance.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Purchasing/cost of owning an automobile

• Maintaining an automobile (changing oil, wipers, etc.)

• Vehicle systems (cooling, electrical, etc.)

State Course: 20110A001, Small Engine Repair l

AC0970 AC Automotive Technology Articulated (RVC) Weighted  

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: None

Description: This is a year-long course. Students will be working through the central systems of modern automobiles. This course provides an overview of the automotive vehicle and its systems, and covers vehicle service and maintenance.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Suspension & Steering (ASE A4)

• Brakes (ASE A5)

• Electrical / Electronic Systems (ASE A6)

• Engine Repair (ASE A1)

• Ford ACE Certifications

State Course: 20104A001, Automotive Technician I

Articulated Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: ATM 105 - Intro to Brake & Chassis Systems

• Follow-up Course: ATM 106 - Intro to Auto Electrical & Power (DC Advanced Automotive Technology)

DC0971 DC Advanced Automotive Technology           Dual Credit (RVC) Weighted                 

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: 2.0

• Prerequisite: Automotive Technology

Description: This is a year-long course, meeting 2 periods per day. Students will continue to work through the other main systems of modern automobiles, as well as work on live customer vehicles.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Manual Drivetrain & Axles (ASE A3)

• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (ASE A2)

• Heating & Air Conditioning (ASE A7)

• Engine Performance (ASE A8)

• Ford ACE Certifications

State Course: 20104A002, Automotive Technician II

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: ATM 106 - Intro to Auto Electrical and Power 

Trades

09380 Activities in Technology   

• Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None                  

Description: This is an exploratory course that gives students a hands-on approach to discovering the world of technology in which we live.  Activities will relate to four areas of technology: Communications, Construction, Manufacturing, Power/Energy & Transportation. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• CAD Drafting (AutoCAD and Chief Architect)

• Product Design and Development

• Home Design and Construction

• Energy Systems

• Problem Solving

• Safety

State Course: 21052A002, Introduction to Technology and Engineering-Industrial

09810 Production Technology   

• Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None

Description: This course introduces students to the manufacturing industry through individual and small group activities.  Students will be involved in all steps of the manufacturing process - from product idea through the finished product.  Students will have the opportunity to use a wide variety of woodworking machines and tools in the production process.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• CAD Drafting

• Product Design

• Problem Solving

• Woodworking Machine Operation

• Safety

State Course: 13052A001, Production Technology

0220GC Geometry in Construction

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 2.0

• Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Description: Geometry in Construction is a team-taught, integrated math and CTE course that allows students to learn Geometry through real-world construction applications. The course aligns with High School Geometry standards, and students build a deep understanding of geometric concepts by applying them directly to hands-on construction projects. Throughout the year, students will work collaboratively to complete major builds—such as the “Cabin House” project—while learning essential safety practices, tool and machine operation, and construction problem-solving techniques. This course is ideal for students interested in fields such as pre-engineering, architecture, construction management, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, and the skilled construction trades. No prior construction experience is required. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Application of High School Geometry standards through construction projects

• Safety procedures, tool identification, and proper tool/machine use

• Team-based problem solving and interpreting construction drawings

• Connections between algebra and geometry in practical contexts

• Building and carpentry skills through large-scale projects (e.g., “Cabin House”)

• Use of a variety of construction materials beyond traditional lumber

• Core geometry concepts, including:

  • Coordinate geometry

  • Area, perimeter, and volume

  • Transformations and congruence

  • Pythagorean theorem

  • Similar figures and trigonometry

  • Quadrilateral and circle properties

  • Logic and functions

State Course: 17017A002, Geometry in Construction

09800 Introduction to Construction   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None

Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to learn the process and skills necessary to build residential structures.  This course includes both hands-on experience and classroom activities.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Masonry

• Framing (Floor, Wall, Roof)

• Exterior Wall Finish (Vinyl Siding)

• Interior Wall Finish (Drywall)

• Roofing

• Home Wiring

• Material Estimation

• Safety

State Course: 17002A000, Construction Comprehensive

AC0960 AC Introduction to Drafting                                                                                      Articulated (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits Earned: 1

• Prerequisite: None

Description: This course focuses on both Mechanical and Architectural Drafting. 

Mechanical drafting will include the following types of drawings: multi-view, pictorial, sectional, and 3D modeling. Architectural drafting will include the following types of drawings: floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, wall sections, plot plans, and electrical plans.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• CAD Drafting (AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Chief Architect)

• 3D Design and Printing

• Laser Cutting and Etching

• Product Design and Development

• Problem Solving

State Course: 021102A001, Drafting

Articulated Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: MET 100 - Intro to Drafting/CAD and Print Reading

• Follow-up Course: MET 110  - Manufacturing Processes I

0967 Architecture and Technical Drafting    

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Intro to Drafting

Description: This course allows students to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired from the Introduction to Drafting course. Students will have an opportunity to work on problem-solving activities typical of those performed by individuals in the Mechanical and Architectural drafting fields.  

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• CAD Drafting ( AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Chief Architect)

• 3D Design and Printing

• Laser Cutting and Etching

• Group and Individual Problem Solving

 State Course: 21103A001, 21103A002, Architectural Drafting I, Architectural Drafting II

DC3531 DC Mechatronics                                                                                             Dual Credit (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: None

Description: Mechatronics is a field that involves robotics and automation, mechanical systems, electrical systems, graphics, and advanced manufacturing.  This course introduces robotics and automation topics, with students learning to use microcontrollers, sensors, robot programming, and industrial robots. Students will also be introduced to mechanical systems by covering basic safety practices, types of hand tools and fasteners, foundational mechanical principles, lubrication, and troubleshooting associated with introductory mechatronics. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• History, development, and types of robots

• Basic mechanics and motors of robots

• Robot micro-controllers, sensors, and robot programming

• Foundational mechanical principles and components

• Automated manufacturing processes

 State Course: 13102A001, Mechatronics

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Courses: MEC 113 - Electrical Systems

MEC 133 - Robotics and Automation

DC03540 DC Introduction to Welding                                                                                          Dual Credit (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None

Description: Introduction to Welding is designed for beginning welders. It covers the basic theory and provides hands-on lab practice in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Oxyfuel (Gas) welding and cutting, plasma arc cutting, and brazing and soldering. Special emphasis is placed on welding shop practices and process safety. This course prepares the student to enter the remaining welding skills courses at Rock Valley College. (NOTE: This course is taught at RVC's Advanced Technology Center. Students will attend class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.)

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Welding shop safety practices

• Basic set-up configurations of various welding equipment

• Welding techniques

 State Course:  13207A001 Welding Technology I 

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: WLD 100 - Introduction to Welding

09830 Work-Based Learning                                                                                                          

• Grade Level: 11-12   

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite:  None

Description:  Work-Based Learning courses allow students to earn high school credit for work experience in fields related to their career interests.  Students will need to meet once a week with their high school teacher and secure a job or internship that results in 60 hours of workplace experience during the semester.  The classroom instruction allows for discussion of relevant topics that are responsive to the workplace experience and employability skill development. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Workplace Readiness

State Course: 20148A002, Automotive Technician Workplace Experience; 13998A002, Manufacturing Workplace Experience;  or17998A003, Architecture & Construction Workplace Experience