Aerospace Engineering Pathway
Do you like to design and build things? -We've got a pathway just for you.
Rylee, grade 12
“This class is a great opportunity for hands-on learning! From building solar race cars in year 2 to building gliders in year 3. It's a great class to learn about how a lot of mechanical things work.”
Anna, grade 12
“These have been my favorite classes in high school. We learn real life applications of engineering, build projects, and have fun while learning!”
Courtney, grade 11
“I enjoy that this program teaches skills and applies them to real world work. I think it's extremely valuable how hands on and informative this program is.”
Project Lead the Way
Engineering
West Hills High School is the only school in the Grossmont Union High School District that offers an Aerospace Engineering pathway. San Diego is the home of many aerospace and defense companies that are searching for engineers to employ. Students in this pathway will explore design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and aerospace engineering. If your student has any interest in design or building, this is the class for them!
Step inside our classroom:
 Mrs. Jokerst working with student. |  Electrical Breadboarding |  Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Car |
|---|---|---|
 Rockets (Aerospace) |  Cookie Conveyor Belt (Robotics) |
A Three Course Pathway
level 1 Course:
Intro to Engineering design
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product.
Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, strength of structure and materials, and automation, and then they apply what they know to take on challenges like designing a self-powered car.
year 3:
aerospace engineering
Students explore the physics of flight and bring what they’re learning to life through hands-on projects like designing a glider and creating a program for an autonomous space rover.
Year 2:
principles of engineering
I am Tiffany Jokerst and I am a Math and Engineering teacher. I teach the second year course Principles of Engineering and third year course Aerospace Engineering. Our Engineering pathway has become a way to bring math and science to life with projects and hands-on activities that give students an opportunity to try out Engineering as a career pathway. These are the courses that I wish I had in high school! If your student has any interest in designing, building, or robotics, this is the pathway for them!
Tiffany Jokerst
Jake Kitten
I am Mr. Kitten and I teach Math and the Introduction to Engineering Design course, the first year pathway course! In class we will work to understand what goes into thoughtful and sustainable engineering designs. We create isometric and multiview drawings, use computer-aided design software (CAD) in Fusion 360 to create models, 3D print prototypes using our Lulzbot printers. This is a hands-on class where students can see where what they learn in math and science come to life, and where they can combine it with their passions and interests!