In Quartz Hill High School’s fifty-two years, the school has never ceased to provide students with challenging, yet interesting, courses. The Industrial Technology Department contains several courses, in which students can learn about engineering by performing hands-on activities and solving real world problems.

   The I.T. Department is composed of twenty-six sections and each section includes many hands-on activities and the application of theory. This year, all classes are filled because of the increasing popularity.

   This department provides students with CTE, Career Technical Education, courses. In these programs, students are given projects in which they have to apply their knowledge in order to solve problems. One of the courses available in the I.T. Department include Introduction to Engineering, which is where students can learn about the basics of engineering.

   Rick Engstrom, the head of the Industrial Technology Department states, “Students dig deep into the engineering process [in the Introduction to Engineering course], applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems.”  Through the I.E.D. course, students learn as if they are engineers themselves, using notebooks to document their work and 3D modeling software to solve problems.

   In addition to the I.E.D. course, the I.T. Department offers Project Lead the Way, and Civil Engineering and Architecture. Rick Engstrom says, “P.L.T.W. students engage in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. This real world approach empowers students to learn essential, in-demand skills, validated by the world’s leading companies, while also providing an invaluable connection between what students are learning in the classroom today and how it applies to the paths they will take in the future.” He also explained, “C.E.A. students learn important aspects of building, site design, and development.” Both the P.L.T.W. and C.E.A. courses are very popular among students, as it delves deep into the engineering process.

   The Industrial Technology Department is well known throughout the Antelope Valley. Guest speakers from local committees and businesses visit to improve the course content and facility equipment. Student field trips are also arranged occasionally, as they are considered important to the pathway programs within the department. “Technical schools, local industry, including aerospace employees and some branches of the military, vist our programs annually. Edward’s Air Force Base and NASA representatives work with our aerospace instructor,” states Engstrom. The visitors from surrounding companies and class field trips add to the diversity of the Industrial Technology Department.

   As Mr. Engstrom states, “Students learn life skills and lessons that can be applied to whichever career pathway they choose.” There is always something to learn in the I.T. Department. It offers a wide variety of engineering courses that fit almost any preference in the field. It presents a great opportunity to prepare for college and explore the concepts of engineering in depth.