Home | DGN HomePage

top of page

This site was designed with the

website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

Downers Grove South High School Drone Picture-3 copy_edited.jpg

Career and Technical Education

DGS

Co Op Working Training

01:04

Co Op Working Training

COOPERATIVE WORK TRAINING (CWT) Credit: 2 units Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Students will learn how to be successful in maintaining a job and be able to apply workplace skills. . This course has two parts, students will be given one credit for their job experiences and one credit for their classroom experience. Local businesses are used to provide on-the-job experience. Job skills, resume development and safety will be covered in the related in class experience to help the student be a better prepared employee. Classroom topics include ethics, positive work habits, career exploration, entrepreneurship, earning a living, paying taxes, and managing money.

Internship

07:22

Internship

INTERNSHIP – BLENDED Credit: 1/2 unit repeatable Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Internship provides an off-campus experience enabling hands-on career exploration. This program creates partnerships between students and community, helping students identify and evaluate various pathways to their future. Students are required to intern an average of four hours per week, attend a weekly meeting with the teacher and complete projects/assignments. The weekly meeting will be scheduled during a student’s study period, lunch or before/after school. The internship hours will be completed outside of the normal school day. Students observe daily operations, dialogue with personnel, gain an understanding of how the career/job functions within a total organization, and participate in career explorations and learning experiences at the internship site. This also provides an opportunity for employers to express their needs in today’s job market.

INCubator for Entrepreneurs

02:07

INCubator for Entrepreneurs

INCUBATOR FOR ENTREPRENEURS Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Throughout the course students ideate, develop, and iterate their own product or service startup in an attempt to gain investment funds in a final pitch event. Real entrepreneurs and business experts serve as volunteer coaches and mentors guiding student teams through the processes of developing hypotheses about a business concept, testing those hypotheses, adapting, and continually learning and improving. The businesses students build are real – they are not business cases or simulated experiences – which means students experience mistakes, take risks, and learn to pivot based on market needs. Students leave the course with a completed Business Model Canvas, competitive analysis, financial model, minimum viable product, pitch deck, future communications plan, and future funding plan.

Business Law

01:41

Business Law

BUSINESS LAW Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Business Law examines how the legal system impacts the economic life of individuals and businesses. Contracts, torts, landlord-tenant relations, criminal and juvenile law as it relates to economic issues. Actual cases are used to illustrate rules of law, current changes in laws and how the law is applied and investigated. A mock trial is presented as a way of introducing students to courtroom practices and procedures and students are asked to determine probable outcomes based on their knowledge of the law.

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

01:35

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Students will apply marketing principles and theories to sports and entertainment industries. Topics will include the functions of marketing, target marketing, market segmentation, sponsorship, promotions, event marketing, endorsements, advertising, public relations and careers in sports and entertainment marketing. The marketing concepts learned through the study and investigation of the marketing techniques used in college and professional sports as well as in the movie and the music industries.

Pre Engineering

02:22

Pre Engineering

PRE-ENGINEERING Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This course introduces students to the principles of engineering and engineering design. A variety of interesting hands-on projects are explored that will expose students to concepts and skills that are targeted in more depth in many other Engineering and Design courses. Projects include the cardboard boat race, Robot wars, tower construction and demolition, water tunnel races as well as a 3-D printing project. Units include: research, design, fabrication, documentation, and creating presentations using 21st century skills. Team building, time management, and appropriate uses of technology are other emphasis within the coursework.

Interior Design

01:29

Interior Design

INTERIOR DESIGN Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Interior Design is for students who have an interest in applying the principles of design to architectural environments. The impact of color, use of textiles, choice and arrangement of furnishings, and the addition of accessories, background and lighting selection are explored through design projects. Current technology and trends in housing choices are examined for a variety of lifestyles to encourage students in discovering the living environment most suited for them.

Fashion Merchandising

01:19

Fashion Merchandising

FASHION MERCHANDISING Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This course will help students develop a thorough understanding of the fashion design and merchandising industry. Students will be able to apply concepts such as trend analysis, fashion theories, apparel manufacturing, marketing, and garment design analysis. Areas of student learning will include clothing and society, the fashion world, color and design, clothing selection and the workplace, and career opportunities in fashion related fields. Students taking Fashion Merchandising will have the opportunity to participate in DECA (Student Marketing Leadership Organization) as well as FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America).

Financial Accounting

02:34

Financial Accounting

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Financial Accounting is designed for students who plan to major in any area of business such as finance, marketing, accounting, or management. This course covers the accounting foundation material including debits and credits, with emphasis on understanding and applying the language of business. Students pursuing a career in accounting, finance, marketing, management or entrepreneurship will find this course prepares them for success in college accounting.

Intro To Business

04:07

Intro To Business

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This introduction course provides students an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the business world. Students will explore: entrepreneurship, free enterprise, basic marketing and accounting principles. The class will be responsible for choosing a product to market and sell, while learning managerial tasks and participating in a student run business simulation.

AP Computer Programming

02:22

AP Computer Programming

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Grade: Weighted Prerequisites: None. Dual College Credit This course will teach the methods and techniques of programming design, as well as an in-depth study of algorithms, data structures, data abstractions and object-oriented programming using the language of Java. Successful completion of this course will provide students with the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement examination in Computer Science. * Students who have completed Math 3 may fulfill the three-year math requirement by taking AP Computer Science.

Computer Programming 1, 2

02:36

Computer Programming 1, 2

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 1 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Students will be introduced to programming languages such as Python and Java. Students will learn programming logic and techniques to build real life apps that can be uploaded to any IOS device. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 2 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Computer Programming 1, or department approval, best taken immediately or in conjunction with Computer Programming 1. This course continues with more programming, where students create apps. Students will learn advanced programming techniques and design methods.

Web Design

01:10

Web Design

WEB DESIGN Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This class will focus on web page planning, basic design, layout, and construction. Students will incorporate graphics and multimedia into the web sites they create using multiple platforms. Students will also learn how to effectively evaluate existing web sites for content and function.

Digital Tools

01:55

Digital Tools

DIGITAL TOOLS Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. The goal of this course is to give students the means to create authentic work through the use of photo and video-editing software, basic computer programming, basic web design, cloud-computing, web 2.0 tools and social media. This is a semester long class that prepares students for school and workplace success.

Keyboarding Formatting

01:35

Keyboarding Formatting

KEYBOARDING/FORMATTING OPPOSITE LUNCH Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Students will learn to use the keyboard by touch to develop their speed and accuracy on computers. Students will be taught the basic word processing skills needed to prepare personal and business documents. Students are also introduced to spreadsheets, presentation, and desktop publishing software. This course is highly recommended for all students to build their computer skills for high school, college, and work. Students take this class during the resource opposite their lunch period. In addition, students will be given the option of taking this course pass-fail.

3D Design and Animation

02:24

3D Design and Animation

3-D DESIGN & ANIMATION 1 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This course introduces students to 3DS Max Design, a powerful software package with virtually limitless capabilities. This software is used by architects, designers, game developers, and graphic designers working on games and movies. Students will create three dimensional objects to produce rendered still frames (scenes) and use these objects to produce rendered animations. Topics include: three-dimensional modeling, rendering, animation, lighting and material, and scene composition. 3-D DESIGN & ANIMATION 2 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: 3-D Design & Animation 1. Students who excelled in 3-D Design & Animation have the opportunity to further explore the world of digital graphics. Using skills and knowledge of 3DS Max Design, Photoshop and InDesign, students will create visual imagery that is used in advertising, TV/video, game design, and architecture. Course topics include: advanced modeling, simulation, animation, rendering and image retouching. Like the first level of 3-D Design & Animation students will learn at a self-guided pace using teacher developed tutorials.

Civil Engineering & Architecture

02:43

Civil Engineering & Architecture

CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE (PLTW) Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Grade: Weighted Prerequisites: None. In PLTW (Project Lead the Way) Engineering students engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same industry-leading technology and software as are used in the world’s top companies. Students are immersed in design as they investigate topics such as sustainability, mechatronics, forces, structures, aerodynamics, digital electronics and circuit design, manufacturing, and the environment. All topics give students the opportunity to learn about different engineering disciplines before beginning postsecondary education or careers. Students learn important aspects of building and site design and development. Students apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architecture design software.

Engineering Design Development

02:17

Engineering Design Development

Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the PLTW (Project Lead the Way) high school engineering program. It is an open-ended engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem by applying the engineering design process. Community partners in the engineering field will offer application based feedback.

Architecture 1, 1H, 2, 2H

03:03

Architecture 1, 1H, 2, 2H

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 1 Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Dual College Credit The focus of Architectural Drawing 1 is residential drawing and design. Students develop a set of plans and a 3-D model of a house. The development of architectural skills using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is emphasized as well as the development of knowledge pertaining to residential architecture and historical Chicago architects. The latest versions of AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit software are the primary tool used to obtain course objectives. Students will have the opportunity to compete in local and state architectural competitions through the Skills USA Organization. † This course may earn Dual Credit at College of DuPage. Please refer to Page 9 of this Academic Planning Guide. ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 1 HONORS Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Grade: Weighted Dual College Credit Students enrolled in this course will complete all of the Architectural Drawing 1 projects in addition to developing board drawing and modeling skills outside of the classroom. This pre-studio experience will provide the student, pursuing an architectural or engineering college/career path, with skills that will be vital to their college studio experience. The primary aim of Architectural Drawing 1 is a focus on residential drawing and design. Students will have the opportunity to develop preliminary drawings of a residential home. Emphasis is on design and the development of architectural drafting skills. Students will have an opportunity to use professional tools, equipment and materials like those of an architect or architectural draftsman, while also experiencing the processes of 3D Modeling and rendering. The latest version of AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit software is the primary tool used to obtain course objectives. Students will have the opportunity to compete in local and state architectural competitions through the Skills USA organization. † This course may earn Dual Credit at College of DuPage. Please refer to Page 9 of this Academic Planning Guide. ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 2 Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Architectural Drawing 1. Students in this course will be creating architectural models in a virtual 3D environment. Full colored renderings, applying building materials, as well as computer generated walkthroughs of buildings are all covered in this course. The AutoCAD Architecture and Autodesk Revit software is the primary tool used for virtual modeling. Students will plot out 3D drawings using an industry standard plotter. Designing and assembling a portfolio of work for post high school use is an important part of this class. Students will have the opportunity to compete in local and state architectural competitions through the Skills USA organization. ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 2 HONORS Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Grade: Weighted Prerequisites: Architectural Drawing 1 or Architectural Drawing 1 Honors. Dual College Credit with letter grade of "B" or better or department approval. Students enrolled in this course will complete all of the Architectural Drawing 2 projects in addition to developing board drawing and modeling skills outside of the classroom. This pre-studio experience will provide the student, pursuing an architectural or engineering college/career path, with skills that will be vital to their college studio experience. In this course, students will be creating architectural models in a virtual 3D environment. Full colored renderings, applying building materials, as well as computer generated walkthroughs of buildings are all covered in this course. The Autodesk Revit software is the primary tool used for virtual modeling. Students will plot out 3D drawings using an industry standard plotter. Designing and assembling a portfolio of work for post high school use is an important part of this class. Students will have the opportunity to compete in local and state architectural competitions through the Skills USA organization

CADD 1, 2

02:21

CADD 1, 2

COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING & DESIGN 1 (CADD 1) Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This introduction course is for students wishing to explore the fields of drafting, 2D and 3D design, engineering, or other related fields. Students will be introduced to Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Tinkercad. CADD 1 projects include: orthographic hand sketching, orthographic drawings in AutoCAD, Minitrain parts and assembly project, and piano electronic wiring. This course is ideal for students who have good spatial awareness and can visualize objects well in a drawing space. COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING & DESIGN 2 (CADD 2) Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: CADD 1. CADD 2 is for students who have taken CADD 1 and are interested in expanding that knowledge. Students learn more complicated and in depth 3D modeling practices in both Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk AutoCAD. Students will learn how to use materials for visual effect as well as for practical mathematical and engineering calculations. In Autodesk Inventor, students will also learn how to simulate movement and simulate parts interacting with one another.

Principles of Engineering

02:15

Principles of Engineering

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (PLTW) Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Grade: Weighted Prerequisites: None. This is the second course in the PLTW (Project Lead the Way) Pathway to Engineering curriculum. Principles of Engineering (POE) is a course for students interested in exploring the STEM career pathway of engineering for an entire year. The major focus of the POE course is to expose students to major concepts like mechanisms, energy, statics, materials and kinematics. POE gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB-learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education.

Intro To Engineering Design

02:14

Intro To Engineering Design

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (PLTW) Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This is the first course in the PLTW (Project Lead the Way) Pathway to Engineering curriculum. Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a course for students interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity, project, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB-learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning.

Fashion Construction 1,2,3

01:15

Fashion Construction 1,2,3

FASHION CONSTRUCTION 1 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This introduction course uses an individualized learning approach for students with some experience in sewing and fashion as well as for those with no experience but with an interest in clothing. Basic construction techniques prepare students to sew independently and understand the foundation of how to construct a garment. Students choose projects compatible with their sewing skills and fashion interests. Students will have the opportunity to be a part of FCCLA. FASHION CONSTRUCTION 2 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Fashion Construction 1 or department approval. Build upon foundational skills and develop abilities in construction and tailoring with the latest fabrics and use new techniques to construct pants, a dress, blouses or jackets depending on student skills and interests. Pattern alterations to suit individual needs are presented. Career opportunities in fashion merchandising are studied as well as design techniques. FASHION CONSTRUCTION 3 Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Fashion Construction 1 and 2. This is an independent study course for students who want to continue to develop their fashion construction skills and interests. This student should be self sufficient and be able to utilize skills and knowledge learned in Fashion Construction I & II. Students can choose their own projects, design garments, apply precision tailoring and develop a garment from concept to creation.

Consumer Education

05:13

Consumer Education

CONSUMER EDUCATION Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This course introduces students to establishing credit and using it wisely, investing, establishing and maintaining savings and checking accounts, filing federal and state income tax forms and smart shopping techniques. The class provides hands-on applications necessary for students to make financial decisions intelligently. This course meets the consumer education graduation requirement. CONSUMER EDUCATION (Blended) Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 (Priority given to Seniors) Prerequisites: None. This blended Consumer Education section addresses the same content as the traditional face-to-face Consumer Education class and meets the consumer education graduation requirement. The course includes both online instruction as well as face-to-face classes. Classes meet face-to-face during zero period/early bird (7:00 – 7:50 am) every Tuesday; some weeks students may be required to check-in or attend another day that week during zero period/early bird.

Intro To Teaching

04:21

Intro To Teaching

INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING Credit: 2 elective units Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12 Dual College Credit Prerequisites: A 2.5 GPA. Review of attendance record and application/interview. This course introduces students to professions in the field of education and provides them with various opportunities to explore issues related to teaching, learning, and school systems. It offers a realistic, hands-on teaching experience enabling students to intern three mornings per week under the supervision of licensed educators at local elementary and middle schools.

Child Development

02:25

Child Development

CHILD DEVELOPMENT Credit: 1 unit Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. This hands-on course provides the opportunity to teach and interact with children (ages 3-5) in a preschool setting. Students engage in learning about the development of the whole child (social, emotional, intellectual, physical) and participate in practical application in a lab setting. The high school students work collaboratively to create and implement engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons for the preschoolers. Any student who is passionate about working with children or is interested in a career involving children (education, social work, pediatrics, etc.) would be a perfect match for this course. After successful completion of this course, students will earn the Early Childhood Education Level 1 Credential through Gateways. Early Childhood Care is recommended prior to taking this course.

Early Child Care

02:21

Early Child Care

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. Early Childhood care provides students the opportunity to learn about the early stages of child development. This course provides an opportunity for students to take home the Real Care Infant Simulation Baby for a weekend to apply their knowledge. Students will study play, development, basic needs, discipline and guidance of children birth- preschool age. To prepare students for the preschool course, students will learn about developmentally appropriate practice and apply it to lesson planning. For students who are interested in continuing their study of young children, the Child Development course is suggested.

Baking and Pastry

02:05

Baking and Pastry

BAKING AND PASTRIES Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Introduction to Culinary. In Baking and Pastries, students will build upon the beginning baking skills learned in Introduction to Culinary. Sweet and savory baked products will be the focus of this course. Students will also practice the preparation of different types of cookies, cakes, pastries, and key culinary techniques. Students will learn the scientific principles behind candy making as they prepare a variety of homemade candies. Students will practice designing and decorating their own custom cake for a special occasion. Science and math skills are reinforced through practical foods lab experiences.

Advanced Culinary Arts

01:21

Advanced Culinary Arts

ADVANCED CULINARY ARTS Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Introduction to Culinary. The Advanced Culinary Arts course is designed to equip you with strong culinary skills, innovative thinking and communication capabilities. This course builds upon the cooking methods taught in the Introduction to Culinary Arts course and focuses on creating soups, salads, grain and meat dishes from all over the globe. Emphasis is placed on culinary techniques and skills needed to create a variety of recipes.

Intro To Culinary

02:10

Intro To Culinary

INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY Credit: 1/2 unit Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: None. The Introduction to Culinary course will equip you with the know-how to prepare nutritious, tasty, meals. Learn how to use different cooking techniques, kitchen safety and measurements. The numerous lab experiences will develop and enhance your food preparation skills and lay the foundation for individual development of culinary knowledge and application.

bottom of page