The Electronics Engineering and Computer Science program at Middlesex County Magnet Schools is a comprehensive four-year curriculum designed to progressively build students’ technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and career readiness in engineering and computing. Beginning in Grade 9, students are introduced to foundational concepts in digital logic circuit design, including number systems, logic gates, Karnaugh maps, and circuit simulation, followed by sequential logic using flip-flops and counters. They also begin programming with Python, learning key programming structures, function writing, data structures. Year culminates with an interdisciplinary project Solar cooker temperature display circuit.
In Grade 10, the focus shifts to software development and robotics. Students learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) using Java, covering variables, loops, arrays, classes, inheritance, and exception handling, while preparing for Oracle Java Foundations certification. They advance into data structures and algorithms, exploring recursion, trees, and even introductory machine learning concepts like entropy and the ID3 algorithm. Robotics is introduced using VEX kits, where students design, build, and program robots while applying engineering design processes through classroom competitions. Android App Development is introduced, where students build functional mobile apps using Android Studio, ConstraintLayout, RecyclerView, and navigation techniques, emphasizing real-world application development.
In Grade 11, students dive deeper into specialized technology fields. The cybersecurity unit develops skills in threat detection, ethical hacking, encryption, OSINT, Linux tools, and cyber law using tools like Wireshark and CyberChef, while participating in competitions such as CyberPatriot and PicoCTF. The cloud computing unit introduces AWS Cloud Infrastructure, where students explore networking, storage, load balancers, and compute instances, supported by AWS Academy labs. In electronics and programming, students apply Python coding skills with Raspberry Pi to build real-world interactive circuits and devices. The year ends with advanced Android application development, covering debugging, persistent data storage, automated testing, and user preference integration.
Grade 12 culminates with a capstone year focused on real-world application and career preparation. Students begin with project management, learning to plan, scope, and monitor technical projects while enhancing communication and leadership skills. They then propose a capstone project that addresses a real-world challenge and develop a detailed solution plan. The design and implementation phase includes progress reports, engineering notebooks, and final presentations of fully built and functional products. Finally, a financial literacy unit equips students with essential life skills, including budgeting, savings, taxes, loans, and investing, using practical simulations and activities like Banzai and Visa games.
Throughout all four years, the program integrates project-based learning, hands-on labs, collaborative challenges, and career-aligned instruction. Students have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications in Java, Android development, AWS, and cybersecurity, while aligning with New Jersey State Standards in Computer Science, Career and Technical Education, and 21st Century Life and Careers. This program prepares students for both college and career pathways in engineering, information technology, and emerging tech industries.
Students in this program have the opportunity to earn dual credit by taking Carnegie Mellon University’s Introduction to Programming course, giving them a head start on their college journey while strengthening their credentials in computer science.
