NAF Academy of Innovation

Principles of Manufacturing
In this course, students are introduced to knowledge and skills used in the proper application of principles of manufacturing. The study of manufacturing technology allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities. Students will gain an understanding of what employers require to gain and maintain employment in manufacturing careers.

Robotics 1
In this course, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment through implementation of the design process. Students will build prototypes or use simulation software to test their designs. Additionally, students will explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry.

Robotics 2
In this course, students will explore artificial intelligence and programming in the robotic and automation industry. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will build prototypes and use software to test their designs.

Career Preparation
This course provides opportunities for students to participate in a work-based learning experience that combines classroom instruction with business and industry employment experiences. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills for a changing workplace. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success.

Fundamentals of Computer Science
This course is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn the problem-solving and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations and concepts.

AP Computer Science Principles
In this course, scholars develop beginning skills and concepts associated with programming methodology, programming languages, data types, data structures, algorithms and applications of computing. The Principles course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world with a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications.

Computer Science 1
This course is designed to foster students’ creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students will collaborate with one another, their instructor and with various electronic communities to solve the problems presented throughout the course. Data analysis will include the identification of task requirements, planning search strategies and the use of computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. By using computer science knowledge and skills that supports the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create a solution, and evaluate the results. Students will learn to become good digital citizens by practicing integrity and respect throughout the Computer Science I course. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations, systems, and concepts.

AP Computer Science A
This course develops beginning skills and concepts associated with programming methodology, programming languages, data types, data structures, algorithms and applications of computing. The Principles course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world with a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications. 

Project Based Research
This is a course for students to research a real-world problem. Students are matched with a mentor from the business or professional community to develop an original project on a topic related to career interests. Students use scientific methods of investigation to conduct in-depth research, compile findings, and present their findings to an audience that includes experts in the field. To attain academic success, students must have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings.

Foundations of Cybersecurity
In the Foundations of Cybersecurity course, students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to explore fundamental concepts related to the ethics, laws, and operations of cybersecurity. Students will examine trends and operations of cyberattacks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Students will review and explore security policies designed to mitigate risks. The skills obtained in this course prepare students for additional study in cybersecurity.

Internetworking Technologies I
The Internetworking Technologies I course is normally comprised of the courses called Cisco CCNA Introduction to Networks (CCNA ITN) and Cisco CCNA Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials (CCNA SRWE). The Introduction to Networks course introduces the concept of networking, using various analogies to help the student understand the movement of packets throughout the Internet, and the protocol standards used. The Routing and Switching course moves the student into the theory of “moving packets.” The concepts of routing and switching “packets” to the correct destination is covered, and how a network administrator can direct and/or streamline this process through device configuration and deployment.

Internetworking Technologies II
The Internetworking Technologies 2 course is normally comprised of the courses called Cisco CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation. This final course in the CCNA series describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. It covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access along with the introduction of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks.

Cybersecurity Capstone
In this course, students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to explore advanced concepts related to the ethics, laws, and operations of cybersecurity. Students will examine trends and operations of cyberattacks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Students will develop security policies to mitigate risks. The skills obtained in this course prepare students for additional study toward industry certification. A variety of courses are available to students interested in the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity Capstone may serve as a culminating course in this field of study.