Are you an underclassman at North Penn High School? Are you interested in pursuing a degree or career in computer or data science? Don’t know how to move forward? North Penn’s course and club offerings are available to you!

The Knight Crier is running a recurring feature on specific classes, clubs, and people to reach out to help students achieve their career goals after high school. In this installment, we will cover what opportunities North Penn has to offer for students interested in the various fields of computer and data science. 

AP Classes

AP Calculus AB + BC, both year-long Calculus-based courses dive deep into the realm of limits, differentiation, and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions with applications and techniques of integration.

AP Computer Science Principles, a year-long course, PLTW Computer Science empowers students to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program engages students in collaborative projects that help them develop in-demand computer science knowledge as well as transportable skills like creative thinking and communication. 

AP Computer Science A, dives significantly deeper into the depths of Computer Science and Java Language. In the study of programming methodology, and procedural abstractions using algorithms, data structures, and data abstractions.

AP Statistics, introduces students to major concepts regarding collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will be exposed to four major themes consisting of exploring data, experimental design, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Computer science revolves heavily around numbers and the data about it. 

AP Physics C, while not directly related to Computer science itself, Physics C falls under the realm of Engineering, just as computer science. The course requires students to really develop skills revolving around calculus and visualize physics. The course focuses on introductory physics concepts including kinematics, dynamics, energy, torque, and other areas of Mechanics. 

Elective Classes

IED (Intro into Engineering Design), is an introductory course that develops students problem-solving and 3D-modeling skills. The course uses CAD (computer-aided design systems) to design the development process of a product and how a product model is produced, analyzed, and evaluated. 

POE (Principles of Engineering), is a broad-based survey course designed to help students understand the field of engineering and engineering technology and its unlimited and diverse career opportunities. Students continue the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills required in their post-secondary pursuits and engineering careers.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing(CIM), the course builds upon the solid modeling and three-dimensional skills students developed in Introduction to Engineering Design. Students solve design problems, using state-of-the-art Computer-Assisted Design software programs. Students use prototyping equipment to produce a three-dimensional model of the solution. Students present the progress and results of their work through oral and portfolio-quality written communications. Junior and Senior only.

Engineering Design and Development (NEW), All past experiences come together in this final course by the Engineering department. Students learn to research, design, and test solutions, ultimately presenting their research to the public at a Nanotechnology and Engineering Symposium offered at the end of the school year. Many EDD student teams at North Penn work to research and develop solutions to global issues by capitalizing on the fundamentals of materials science and nanotechnology utilizing some of the latest published research available

Spatial Computing is an exciting and interactive course where students are able to develop experiences using the Unity platform. Students will learn how to develop games and experiences in 3D digital environments, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Using cutting-edge technology, students will gain hands-on experience implementing and testing their projects using the Oculus Quest (VR) and Magic Leap (AR) headsets. Students will be able to gain skills in digital design and experience with coding as they develop their own interactive experiences.

Clubs

Java Coding Club

“Java Coding Club allows students to explore computer science to a different and more in-depth level within Java, many students get exposure to computer science via AP CSP, but that briefly touches over Python, and not a more prominent language like Java, the course also helps you with AP CSA!” Roshan Patel exclaimed.

Computer Science Honor Society

“We provide students the ability to explore any area of computer science and we (will) give opportunities for hands-on experience through the student repair team.” Pranav Singhal said. 

Machine Learning and AI Club

“The club provides students with the ability to explore a specialized field of computer science that combines data science, and computer science. With AI as an emerging field, it is in due diligence that students at North Penn have the resources to enhance their ability within the field” Vedanth Krishna said. 

E.P.I.C.S (Engineering Projects In Community Service) 

Visit the website for more information. 

People to contact!

Mr. Ryan Kolb | [email protected]

Mr. Kolb has been a passionate computer science teacher here at North Penn ever since 2009- and before that, he earned his Master’s Degree from Penn State University in 2017. With that being said, Kolb is one of the most knowledgeable math-minded people who have ever stepped foot in North Penn. Mr. Kolb is also the advisor for all three CS clubs, Java Coding Club,  Computer Science Honor Society, and Machine Learning and AI Club. To anyone interested in computer science, or related fields, Mr. Kolb has the connections that will bring you to the next level in your career path.

Dr. Michael Voicheck (Department Chair) | [email protected]

Dr. Voicheck has been a teacher at North Penn since 2002 and has been a compassionate teacher here at North Penn. He is exceptionally skilled in STEM-related activities. He loves tinkering with things, is the advisor for the model aviation club, and teaches the majority of the engineering courses here. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2002 and got a doctorate in education from Immaculata University in 2017. To anyone interested in engineering, Dr. Voicheck will bring you to the next level.