Academics
Departments & Curriculum
Course Description Guide 2024-25

Technology, Research & Innovation (2024-25)

Our purpose is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to leveraging technology, fostering innovation and conducting cutting-edge research to create an adaptive, forward-thinking core curriculum. Technology, Research & Innovation curricula are integrated into all subjects, across all grade levels to best prepare our students with future-ready skills needed to be successful at Trinity and beyond.
Through the integration of technology, we aim to equip our learners with the digital literacy and fluency required to navigate an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven global landscape. By embracing innovation, we foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling our students to become active contributors to an ever-changing world. 
Research serves as the cornerstone of our educational approach, ensuring that our curriculum remains responsive to emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. Through research, we develop evidence-based strategies that continuously enhance our teaching methodologies and content. This commitment to research also instills a culture of curiosity, intellectual rigor and passion for lifelong learning within our students. 
By focusing on the harmonious integration of technology, research and innovation, we provide our learners with a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. Our goal is to produce innovative thinkers who possess not only the knowledge and technical skills to excel in their chosen fields but also the adaptability, resilience and leadership qualities required to flourish in an uncertain future.

Technology - Semester Courses

List of 6 items.

  • Design Thinking & Innovation - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 credit

    Design Thinking spends the first quarter in an academic exploration of technology systems, the design process, and resource/material management. The second quarter will provide a foundation for students to use 3-D printing, CAD software, and explore communications necessary for innovation and design technology. The overall goal is for students to develop technical vocabulary while immersing themselves in the design process to solve a practical problem. Students will be expected to draw conceptual sketches and use an Engineering Notebook. By the end of Design Thinking, students will be able to use the design process to innovate a product and personalize a brand onto the product. Students will be able to showcase their process and iterations through the use of an Engineering Notebook and prototype through AutoCAD.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to Design Thinking
    Marketing and Design
    Drafting and Engineering
    The Design Process
    Resource and Product Management
    Prototyping and 3D Printing/CAD
    Innovation and Production

  • Exploring Engineering - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    Exploring Engineering is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to the diverse field of engineering. This hands-on course aims to engage students in the exploration of fundamental engineering principles, problem-solving techniques and practical applications across various engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, and Sustainable among others. Students will investigate real-world engineering challenges through a combination of discussions, experiments, and collaborative projects. The curriculum facilitates student growth by covering key concepts such as vocabulary development, design thinking, prototyping, materials science, and basic engineering analysis. This course is ideal for the student interested in STEAM studies, or anyone with a passion for understanding how things work and why it's important for our community.


    Units of Study
    Introduction to Technology & Social Considerations
    IT Networks
    Communication Technology
    Energy & Power
    Construction Technology
    Transportation Technology
    AgriculturalTechnology
    Biomedical Technologies


  • Programming Through Game Development - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    This course is designed as an introductory course to both programming and game development. Students will be taught elements of successful game development through coding, modeling, game design, and digital citizenship. This is a project-based course and successful students will benefit from active engagement and participation.

    Units of Study
    Block-based Programming
    Coding
    Game Design
    Game Mechanics
    Programming Languages
    Robotics
    Drones
    Circuitry
    3D Modeling
    Unity

  • Robotics - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    This course uses a hands-on approach to introduce students to the basic concepts of robotics through the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots to accomplish challenging tasks. Students will explore physics, engineering, and physical science concepts as they assemble and program a robot. They will also explore the broad scope of robotics applications in fields such as manufacturing, security, transportation, automation, food preparation, entertainment, customer service, biomedical engineering, healthcare, agriculture, military science, space and underwater exploration, and more. Students will compete in FIRST Robotics challenges as part of the class. This class may be repeated for credit with teacher permission.

    Units of Study
    Lab Safety
    Measuring
    Tools and Tool Safety
    Machining
    Design Process
    Technical Drawing
    CAD and 3D modeling
    3D Printing
    Programming
    Wiring and Electronics
    Cabling
    Transmission and Gears
    Wheels
    Sprockets, Chains, and Belting
    Microcontrollers and Sensors
    Transmitters and Receivers
    Pneumatics
    Control Systems
    Software and Driving
    FIRST Robotics Challenge

  • Digital Videography 1 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Digital Videography counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 1 introduces students to cinematography and video production through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will apply problem-solving skills in planning, editing, and evaluating quality video productions. Topics include the fundamental technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Directors
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Sound Design
    Lighting
    Interviewing
    Directing
    Green Screen

  • Digital Videography 2 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit
    Prerequisite:  Digital Videography 1 or teacher permission

    Digital Videography 2 counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 2 expands on what students have learned about cinematography and video production in Digital Videography 1 through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn about the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post production to plan, create, and evaluate quality video productions and short films. Students will explore more of the technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, movements, and composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Film Roles
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Advanced Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Character Development
    Advanced Sound Design
    Advanced Lighting
    Directing
    Special Effects


Technology - Yearlong Courses

List of 1 items.

  • AP Computer Science A

    Grades 11-12

    As an upper-level course in Computer Science, this course seeks to provide students with the opportunity to use critical thinking in developing solutions to problems through the use of Java language.  Students learn coding strategies, consider how to process data, and develop an awareness of the social and ethical aspects of computing. This course is analogous to a first-semester university course in Computer Science and can help prepare students for study in technical, engineering, and science fields.  Success in this course requires students to be very self-motivated, persevere through challenges, and be self-directed as the course may be offered through a virtual platform.

    There are special circumstances associated with this course, so students wishing to take it must talk with the Head of Student Support and Academic Program. 

Research - Semester Courses

List of 2 items.

  • IB Extended Essay 1 - Grade 11

    Grade 11
    0.5 credit

    To retain the credit for IB Extended Essay 1, students are required to complete IB Extended Essay 2. If both years are not completed, the 0.5 credit from EE 1 will also be removed. 

    Prerequisite: Recommendation from the IB Coordinator

    Additional Fee: IB fees will be incurred in IB Extended Essay 2.

    The Extended Essay presents students with an opportunity to explore a topic of special interest. Students engage in an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Through this experience, students develop the self-regulated research and writing skills that they need to be successful in college. This year, students will select the subject in which they will write their essay, draft a research question, and write an outline of their essay.

    This year's course is for juniors in the IB Diploma Programme or juniors who wish to be an IB Extended Essay candidate. Year 1 includes the formation of a research question, creation of a research strategy, building a supporting bibliography, refining a thesis, and developing an outline. Significant summer work is common for preparation for IB Extended Essay 2.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to the Extended Essay
    Research Cycle
    Research and Writing


  • IB Extended Essay 2 - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    0.5 credit

    Completion of IB Extended Essay 2 is required for a student to be recognized as an IB Extended Essay candidate. If both years are not completed, the 0.5 credit from EE 1 will also be removed. 

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Extended Essay 1.

    Additional Fee: This course has an IB examination component. A fee applies to all students in the course.

    The Extended Essay presents students with an opportunity to explore a topic of special interest. Students engage in an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Through this experience, students develop the self-regulated research and writing skills that they need to be successful in college. This year, students will select the subject in which they will write their essay, draft a research question, and write an outline of their essay.

    This year's course is for seniors in the IB Diploma Programme or seniors completing their IB Extended Essay candidacy. Year 2 includes creating, editing, evaluating and revising the research paper and a final interview on the process with the faculty supervisor. The final draft of the Extended Essay will be awarded a grade by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to the Extended Essay
    Research Cycle
    Research and Writing




Innovation - Semester Courses

List of 2 items.

  • Design Thinking & Innovation - Grades 10-12

    Grades 10-12; Grade 9 with teacher permission
    0.5 credit

    Required tool(s): Engineering notebook

    Design Thinking spends the first quarter in an academic exploration of technology systems, the design process, and resource/material management. The second quarter will provide a foundation for students to use 3-D printing, CAD software, and explore communications necessary for innovation and design technology. The overall goal is for students to develop technical vocabulary while immersing themselves in the design process to solve a practical problem. Students will be expected to draw conceptual sketches and use an Engineering Notebook.

    This course is best suited for older students ready for a cross-curricular approach to technology and innovation.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to Design Thinking
    Marketing and Design
    Drafting and Engineering
    Design Process
    Resource and Product Management
    Prototyping
    CAD and 3D printing
    Innovation and Production

  • Exploring Engineering - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    Exploring Engineering is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to the diverse field of engineering. This hands-on course aims to engage students in the exploration of fundamental engineering principles, problem-solving techniques and practical applications across various engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, and Sustainable among others. Students will investigate real-world engineering challenges through a combination of discussions, experiments, and collaborative projects. The curriculum facilitates student growth by covering key concepts such as vocabulary development, design thinking, prototyping, materials science, and basic engineering analysis. This course is ideal for the student interested in STEAM studies, or anyone with a passion for understanding how things work and why it's important for our community.


    Units of Study
    Introduction to Technology & Social Considerations
    IT Networks
    Communication Technology
    Energy & Power
    Construction Technology
    Transportation Technology
    AgriculturalTechnology
    Biomedical Technologies


Course Sequence

Technology
Level 1
Level 2
Exploring Engineering
Programming through Game Development
Robotics
Digital Video 1
Digital Video 2

Research
11th Grade (Semester 2)
12th Grade (Semester 1)
IB Extended Essay 1
IB Extended Essay 2

Innovation
Level 1
Exploring Engineering 
Design Thinking & Innovation

Trinity Episcopal School

3850 PITTAWAY DR | RICHMOND VA 23235-1099 | Phone: 804.272.5864 | Fax: 804.272.5865 Email: mail@trinityes.org