School of Innovation

Desert Ridge High School Robotics SUNDT Field Trip

The School of Innovation hosted by Desert Ridge Junior and Desert Ridge High takes 7th-12th grade students on a journey to build the skills and access the education they need to unlock career opportunities in the job market of their future. Students are immersed in STEM, engineering, computer science, multimedia, robotics, and beyond, with an advanced academic track as well as conventional grade-level options to meet the needs of all learners.

Our Campuses

Desert Ridge Junior

10211 E Madero Ave

Mesa

85209

480-635-2025

Desert Ridge High

10045 E Madero Ave

Mesa

85209

480-984-8947

School of Innovation Pathways and Information

Junior High Pathway Sequence

Course Pathway Sequence

STEM I

Grade: 7,8
Semester: 1 or 2
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: N/A
Fee: $0.00

Students in this class will learn how to use the Engineering Design Process to create solutions to real world challenges in a problem based setting. This is a STEM class that utilizes the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Units may include: Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, App Creators, Science of Technology and Green Architecture.

STEM II

Grade: 8
Semester: 1 or 2
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Stem I
Fee: $0.00

Students in this class will learn how to use the Engineering Design Process to create solutions to real world challenges in a problem based setting. This is a STEM class that utilizes the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Units may include: Energy and the Environment, Flight and Space, Magic of Electrons, Medical Detectives, Science of Technology and Green Architecture.

Digital Art I

Grade: 7,8
Semester: 1 or 2
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: N/A
Fee: $0.00

This class is a short introduction to various apps from Adobe Creative Cloud which could include: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Creative Cloud Express and Procreate for Tablets. Focus will be on introducing an overview on each program to create beginning level multimedia, through graphic art, animation, video production and editing, infographics, and photo editing.

High School Pathway Sequence

Pathway

Year 1

Principles of Engineering

PLTW Curriculum
Weighted CTE credit

Computer Programming I

Working towards Industry Certification such as: Information Technology Specialist: Java, HTML & CSS, JavaScript, Python, or HTML 5 App Developer

Year 2

Digital Electronics

PLTW Curriculum
Weighted CTE credit

Computer Programming II

Industry Certification such as: Information Technology Specialist: Java, HTML & CSS, JavaScript, Python, or HTML 5 App Developer
AP Computer Science Principles

Year 3 & 4

Engineering Design and Development

PLTW Curriculum
Weighted CTE credit
Eligible for dual-credit

AP Computer Science A or AP Cybersecurity

Advanced Placement
Eligible for dual-credit
Weighted CTE credit

Capstone Innovation Lab

Completion qualifies for STEM Diploma

Internship Opportunities

Available Courses

Principles of Engineering

Grade: 9,10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: N/A
Fee: $0.00

Computer Programming I

Grade: 9,10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: N/A
Fee: $0.00

Digital Electronics

Grade: 10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering Design and application and approval.
Fee: $20.00

Computer Programming II

Grade: 10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Computer Programming I
Fee: $0.00

Engineering Design & Development

Grade: 11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering
Fee: $0.00

AP Computer Science A

Grade: 10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra I, programming experience recommended.
Fee: $0.00

11
12
10
Advanced Placement
CTE

Additional Elective

AP Cybersecurity

Grade: 10,11,12
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: N/A
Fee: $0.00

11
12
10
Advanced Placement

Engineering Pathway

School of Innovation: Engineering

Possible Career Opportunities...

Electrical/Electronics Technician
Robotics Engineer/Technician
Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Engineering Technician

Automation & Controls Technician
CAD Designer/Drafting Technician
Quality Assurance Technician
Field Service Technician

College Majors

Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Systems Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering

Activities

PLTW Courses (POE, DE, EDD)
Engineering Notebooks
CAD (Fusion 360, Inventor)
Circuit Design & Testing
3D Printing & Manufacturing
Design Reviews & Presentations
Capstone Projects

Computer Science Pathway

School of Innovation: Computer Science

Possible Career Opportunities...

Software Developer/Engineer
Website Developer
Mobile App Developer

Game Developer
Automation Developer
Embedded Systems Programmer

College Majors

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Information Technology
Cybersecurity
Data Science

Activities

Digital Soil Water Monitor
Light control from Mobile Device
Cryptogram Solvers
Build a Web Scraper
Build a Digital Solution to a real-world problem

Bonus Opportunities

School of Innovation Bonus Opportunities

Students can complete this program with college credit through:

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams based on knowledge gain in specific courses if scoring a 3 or higher*
Dual Enrollment credit with the University of Arizona

A variety of certifications gained, such as:

Information Technology Specialist: Java, HTML & CSS, JavaScript, Python, or HTML 5 App Developer
Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360, Inventor

Enhance college applications with:

GPS STEM Diploma
Weighted classes
Opportunities to participate in SkillsUSA & Vex Roboticstics

_{*Please check the "Credit by Exam" section of the colleges/universities you are interested in}

CTE has offered a break from regular courses to focus on a specific interest of mine and learn the skills to pursue those interests. Because it's more specialized, we had access to more unique resources and these particular courses helped me learn particular courses helped me learn about the reality of becoming an engineer.

Jonah S. - Desert Ridge High