Technology

At Forest Ridge we believe that every student can competently, confidently, and ethically use and innovate with technology.

The Technology Department offers courses for all students to develop competencies in computational thinking and in using common software applications, as well as courses for developing a deeper knowledge of computer science and emerging technologies. The Department also advises on the development of technology-rich curriculum across the academic program.

Three Innovation Studios

Forest Ridge has three unique studio spaces where students experiment, explore and bring our curriculum to life.

The Center Studio

In the Center Studio, students have access to a green screen, video editing stations and video production equipment to allow for collaboration on many forms of digital storytelling.

Digital Media Lab

The Digital Media Lab is a high-tech digital arts space with the tools and space needed for students to product high-quality audio, video and graphic art. Here, students collaborate in small groups to evaluate, iterate and refine their digital work. The resources in this space allow for digital post-production work, high-fidelity rendering and sharing with the greater community.

The Fabrication and Innovation Shop

The Fabrication and Innovation Shop is a girl-centered maker space that provides access to the tools, technology and support necessary for her to bring her inventive ideas to life. Students can quickly put ideas into action and take creative risks with rapid prototyping, tinkering and making.

2022-2023 Course Offerings

Middle School: 5^th-8^th Grade

Please see our Arts course list for seventh- and eighth-grade Technology course offerings.

Creativity Lab

One Semester

Girls work systematically through the creative process and engineering design process to solve real-world problems and complete artistic tasks. A focus on productive communication and age- appropriate leadership skills accompanies each project. Opportunities to learn new maker skills are available throughout the year as we make use of The Fabrication and Innovation Shop at Forest Ridge. Creativity Lab meets one day each week for two consecutive periods.

Computer Programming

One Semester

In computer programming, students explore the tools to problem solve using design and testing through Python. Python is a great starting point for programming; it can be similar to giving directions in English and can be learned with relative ease. Python is also a language used by programming professionals. Students will attempt to break down broad problems into sub-problems and will have the opportunity to write clear and concise projects.

Graphic Design

One Semester

In graphic design, students are introduced to the elements and skills that make up good design. The semester begins with an overview of design. Students study categories of typefaces and their uses in design, and they learn about the basic design principles of proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast. Students then build upon their design skills to create posters, flyers, and other products combining type and images for on-campus advertising use. Students work with Adobe Fireworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create vector-based images, while learning other features of the programs.

Maker Lab: High-Tech Wearable Design

One Semester

In Maker Lab, students develop an innovation mindset by actively engaging in open-ended, self- directed projects. Projects center around designing high-tech wearables. This course is taught out of The Fabrication and Innovation Shop where the core tools of this course are available, including LilyPad Arduinos, sewing machines, an Epilog laser cutter, leatherworking tools, and Chibi Lights. An innovation mindset is cultivated through the growth mindset practice of effortful work, the maker mindset practice of personal initiative, and the team mindset of productive collaboration. Progress is measured through regular self-reflection, peer feedback, and teacher observations.

Video Production

One Semester

Students learn proper camera and tripod use, as well as studying a basic understanding of frame composition and types of shots for filming. Students individually generate ideas and create script treatments and then participate in groups to create detailed storyboards for at least three film projects during the semester. Much of the class time is devoted to working in small groups to film and edit these projects. Students edit using Adobe Premiere Pro software, learning and applying skills for capturing and cutting footage, using layers of film and audio tracks, adding transitions and credits, and exporting final productions.

Upper School: 9^th-12^th Grade

Please note that beginning with the class of 2024, all students must earn a .5 technology credit.

Web Design

One Semester

This course is offered in alternate years. This course will be offered in the 2022-2023 school year.

Learn the global language of web communication. You will learn design principles, and you will create websites using HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and JavaScript. Your final project will be a fully functional website.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit earned: 0.5 Technology Elective

Data Science

One Semester

This course is offered in alternate years. It will be offered in the 2022-23 school year.

Level up your data skills! You will analyze global and local issues using data science. You’ll perform statistical analysis, create visualizations with charts and graphs, and program in Python to analyze and display your data. In your final project, you’ll analyze and present an issue of importance to you.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit earned: 0.5 Technology Elective

Wearable Technology

One Semester

This course is offered in alternate years. It will be offered in the 2023-24 school year.

In this course, you will learn to compute with physical devices such as microcontrollers, lights and sensors. You will master the fundamentals of electronic circuits and write computer programs to control your creations. Using these skills, sewing, and the 3D printer, you will create several small projects leading up to a final project of your own design.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit earned: 0.5 Technology Elective

Artificial Intelligence

One Semester

This course is offered in alternate years. It will be offered in the 2023-24 school year.

What is artificial intelligence? In this course, you will explore technologies such as neural networks and machine learning that power voice assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars. We will examine the societal and personal impact of AI today and in the future

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit earned: 0.5 Technology Elective

Computer Science II: Java Programming

Year-long

Computer Science II will cover fundamentals of programming syntax and methodology using the Java programming language. Students will develop general skills and understandings in computer science. This course will emphasize procedural decomposition, object use and algorithm design.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry and

an additional tech course;

Department recommendation

Grade level: 10, 11, 12

Credit earned: 1.0 Technology Elective

Technology Internship

One Semester

The Technology Internship course is offered each semester for up to three students. Tech Interns will learn about computer systems and networks by supporting the Help Desk, mentoring their peers, and completing occasional independent assignments.

Students are required to apply for this internship. If interested, please contact Ms. Rahmig via email for the application.

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credits earned: 0.5 Technology Elective

*Course offerings are based on student interest and minimum enrollment requirements; therefore, some classes listed may not be offered every school year.