Coursework | RiverTech

Grade 9: Exploration

All Grade 9 students participate in four exploratory technical courses designed to expose them to a broad range of emerging technologies, industry practices, and career opportunities. These experiences provide students with foundational skills while helping them discover their interests and strengths across multiple technical disciplines.

ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION COURSE SEQUENCE

Course Description
This course introduces scholars to the exciting world of robotics and automation, where mechanical systems, electronics, and programming come together to solve real-world problems. Scholars will learn how robots are designed, built, and programmed to perform tasks in advanced manufacturing industries.

Through hands-on projects and teamwork, scholars will explore core concepts including sensors and automated control systems. They'll design and build their own robots to complete challenges, while also gaining insight into the role of automation in modern industry and the rise of smart, connected systems.

By the end of the course, scholars will have developed problem-solving, engineering, and critical thinking skills and will be better prepared for further studies or careers in robotics, mechatronics, engineering, or industrial technology.

PRODUCTION & FABRICATION

PRODUCTION & FABRICATION COURSE SEQUENCE

Course Description
This course provides scholars with a hands-on introduction to the principles, processes, and technologies used in modern production and manufacturing. Scholars will explore how raw materials are transformed into finished products through various methods including machining, assembly, quality control, and automated systems.

Topics include manufacturing design, blueprint reading, materials science, safety procedures, lean manufacturing, and the role of automation and robotics in today’s factories. Scholars will work with tools, equipment, and software commonly used in the industry to complete projects that reflect real-world production challenges.

By the end of the course, scholars will have developed technical and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to career pathways in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and industrial technology.

SMART FACTORY

SMART FACTORY COURSE SEQUENCE

Shop Description
A hallmark of Industry 4.0 is the merging of digital and physical technologies to improve the existing manufacturing infrastructure in the state of Connecticut. At its core, smart factories implement the use of machinery, equipment, and techniques that generate massive amounts of data. This data, among many applications that we are just learning, can be used to automate, optimize, and coordinate processes throughout the factory. As companies work to adopt and adapt these new technologies, we need to prepare the next generation of industry professionals so that they are ready and equipped to succeed in this new working environment. This includes preparing industry professionals who are trained in gathering, interpreting, and securing the data that is produced in an Industry 4.0 setting. Thus, the Smart Factory Shop is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of professionals by offering college and career pathways in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

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SYSTEM INTEGRATION

SYSTEM INTEGRATION course sequence

Course Description
This course provides scholars with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support and maintain computer systems and networks in real-world environments. Scholars will learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues, install and configure operating systems, manage user accounts, and ensure cybersecurity best practices are followed.

Emphasizing hands-on learning, the course covers topics such as system components, help desk operations, remote support tools, and preventive maintenance. Scholars will also explore industry-standard practices for documentation, customer service, and technical communication. Real-world scenarios and labs will simulate the role of an IT support specialist, preparing students for entry-level certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals or A+.

By the end of the course, scholars will be equipped to assist in maintaining school or business technology systems and will be better prepared for careers or further education in information technology.

Grade 10: Strand Concentration

At the conclusion of Grade 9, students will select a concentration area and begin a more focused course of study in either Computer Science or Manufacturing/Production. This pathway selection allows students to deepen their technical knowledge, engage in increasingly specialized learning experiences, and prepare for advanced coursework, industry credentials, postsecondary education, and future careers. 10th grade scholars will engage in concurrent enrollment coursework through the University of Bridgeport and/or Goodwin University.

Manufacturing & Production
Students focus on engineering processes, advanced manufacturing, fabrication, quality control, and systems production.

Concurrent enrollment through Goodwin University

GU BMM 100 - Introduction to Manufacturing

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of manufacturing. It introduces the student to the structure and operations of the well-running manufacturing organization. The lean production process is described, as well as the controls needed to ensure that high-quality products are manufactured at a competitive cost. The importance of meeting customer requirements is stressed. Functions that support the production process such as Quality Management and Logistics and the Supply Chain are evaluated. The role and importance of the suppliers to the company is explored. The efficient use and maintenance of production equipment is explained. Problem solving techniques are defined and their usage is described. Several inventory techniques are compared. Interpersonal skills used in leadership, teaming and meetings are emphasized. Advanced manufacturing equipment, processes and techniques are introduced.

GU BMM 140 - Principles of Manufacturing Mathematics

This course begins with a review of basic operations of numbers, fractions and decimals. It then covers the practical mathematics that every machinist is expected to use in the shop in the creation of machined parts and maintenance of tools and fixtures. This includes common fraction to decimal and vice-versa conversions, inch to metric and vice-versa conversions, calculating part and feature dimensions and locations, calculating speeds and feeds, calculating tap drill sizes with formulas and charts, converting surface feet per minute to RPM’s, calculating tapers for machine set-up, plane geometry calculations, sine bar set-up, measurements of right triangles, angular and simple indexing calculations.

GU BMM 210 - Lean Manufacturing Principles

This course introduces the student to the philosophical background, historical development, and fundamental concepts of lean manufacturing with a focus on the Toyota Production System. Students explore lean strategies around inventory, lead time, and cultural change requirements. Students learn strategies for lean implementation, planning, goal setting and sustaining gains. The course also applies to the application of lean disciplines and concepts to service and support industries. The use and implementation of lean disciplines promote continuous improvement, eliminate waste, reduce operating cost, improve quality, and achieve measurable improvement in customer satisfaction.

GU BMM 220 - Materials and Processes in Manufacturing

Students are provided with essential information on material properties, material behaviors and material manufacturing processes. The atomic, crystal, grain and defect structure will be introduced, and their effect on the mechanical properties of materials will be presented. Equilibrium phase diagrams will be discussed. An understanding of the properties of iron alloys and steels will be developed. Material processing techniques such as heat treatment, casting, metal forming, welding, coatings and adhesive bonding will be covered. Powder metallurgy processing and material processes will be introduced along with a brief introduction to non-destructive test (NDT) methods.

Computer Science
Students focus on programming, data systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and cybersecurity.

Concurrent enrollment through Goodwin University & the University of Bridgeport

UB CPSC 101 - Introduction to Computing I

UB CPSC 102 - Introduction to Computing II

GU BMM 210 - Lean Manufacturing Principles

This course introduces the student to the philosophical background, historical development, and fundamental concepts of lean manufacturing with a focus on the Toyota Production System. Students explore lean strategies around inventory, lead time, and cultural change requirements. Students learn strategies for lean implementation, planning, goal setting and sustaining gains. The course also applies to the application of lean disciplines and concepts to service and support industries. The use and implementation of lean disciplines promote continuous improvement, eliminate waste, reduce operating cost, improve quality, and achieve measurable improvement in customer satisfaction.

CompTIA ITF+ Course and Certification

CompTIA ITF+ Course and Certification is an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills that helps professionals decide if a career in IT is right for them. This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to navigate today’s digital world, giving them the confidence to take the first step towards a tech-related career.

ITF+ is the only pre-career certification that helps students or career changers determine if they have a competency for information technology and if it is the right career path for them.
ITF+ is the only single certification that covers all areas of IT foundations, creating a broader understanding of IT.
The CompTIA ITF+ exam focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals alike.