Technology Program

Technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, and here at Ben Lippen School, we are steadfast in our commitment to offering our students the most advanced and holistic technology education available with a Biblical perspective. Our primary objective extends beyond preparing them solely for life beyond high school; we are dedicated to equipping them for prosperous careers in diverse technology fields where they can be role models for God’s glory.

Commencing in the 2023-24 school year, we have broadened our robotics program to encompass the middle school level, presenting it as an engaging club activity. Within our curriculum, we emphasize the significance of Lego Mindstorm EV3, an integral component that imparts foundational skills in innovation and engineering.

Our forward-looking vision includes the establishment of a competitive middle school team participating in the FIRST® LEGO LEAGUE. In our high school, our robotics team consistently immerses itself in the FIRST TECH CHALLENGE, nurturing a profound understanding of JAVA, Python 3, CSS, RobotC, C#, JavaScript and HTML5 among our students.

Our curriculum surpasses the confines of competition prerequisites, encompassing an extensive array of subjects, ranging from electronics and drafting to 3-D modeling and 3-D printing. Students delve into the intricacies of computer networking and programming, exploring various platforms, including Arduino and RaspberryPi, all while engaging in stimulating and enjoyable projects.

Furthermore, we introduce our students to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), empowering them to develop Python projects that leverage real data for authentic predictive analysis. We delve into Computer Vision using TensorFlow and embrace the latest Python Data-driven innovations.

Our ultimate objective is to provide a comprehensive technological education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to flourish in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

At Ben Lippen School, we are unwavering in our dedication to nurturing the tech leaders of tomorrow, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in technology education.

Competition Robotics

Falcon Force 9121, Ben Lippen’s competition robotics team, competes in FIRST® Tech Challenge. In this cumulative annual competition, teams made up of students in grades 7 through 12 design, build, and program robots which then compete in a head-to-head challenge to accomplish specific tasks.  Each match is played with an alliance team.  Their combined scores vs the other alliances’ scores determine the winner. This year, the robotics team is the biggest to date and they have done a phenomenal job at ensuring that Ben Lippen School competes at the highest level with character and excellence. Click below to read about the successes of Ben Lippen’s robotics team during the 2019-20 school year.

Robotics Teams Earns State Championship

Follow Ben Lippen’s Robotics team on Instagram to stay in the know!

High School Technology Offerings

The following courses are offered for the 2023-24 school year.

Robotic Fundamentals
Students will be introduced to robotics using the LEGO MINDSTORMS systems and VEX HQ systems.  While building robots and learning to program them, students will look at in-depth, multi-faceted engineering challenges. This full-year course meets the Technology graduation requirement. No prerequisite. (1.0 credit)

Advanced Robotics – Computer Hardware & Electronics
Using REV, TETRIX, and GOBILDA ROBOT SYSTEMS, students will design, build, and program robots to a new level, applying real-world math and science concepts. Students will develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skills while using 3-D printing, and advanced 3D modeling. This class will also compete in a FTC FIRST Tech Challenge.  Students will learn and use Python and Java to explore Raspberry Pi systems and create projects with them as well as Arduino systems. This full-year course meets the Technology graduation requirement.  This is an Honors class that will require completion of at least one of the following classes: Robotics Fundamentals. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Robotics Fundamentals. Prior robotics experience may be considered in lieu of Robotics Fundamentals upon faculty approval. (1.0 credit)

Computer Science Principles 
This class introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world from a Christian worldview. In this class, students will obtain basic skills like cloud computing, office apps, Basic HTML5, digital citizenship, and more. No prerequisite. (1.0 credit)

Programming Fundamentals
Students with no programming background will learn the basic fundamentals of programming.  The class will be geared to introduce students to iOS Programming and App Development (XCode/Swift). Coding, principles of design, and mobile engineering with hands-on experience will be included. This full-year course meets the Technology graduation requirement. No prerequisite. (1.0 credit)

Engineering Principles
Engineering Principles is an introductory course into the study of engineering. It is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, engineering technology, architecture, construction science, mechanics, or other related fields in college. It is also for students who are interested in learning more about applied physics and the physical world that God created. Engineering Principles is focused on two major areas: Statics, which includes structural analysis and civil engineering, and Mechanics, which includes simple mechanisms and power transfer systems. Upon completion, students will be prepared for entry-level engineering courses in college. No prerequisite. (1.0 credit)

Design and Assembly Engineering
This course is meant to build upon the Foundations of Innovation course or to be a less technical alternative to Engineering Principles. Instead of studying specific disciplines of engineering, the focus will be on the design process loop. Students will take original ideas and bring them to life.  Major steps that will be emphasized are building prototypes, testing and data, and design refining. This is an opportunity for students who came up with ideas during the Foundations of Innovation course, or during other times, to make their ideas into actual products. No prerequisite. (1.0 credit)

AP Computer Science A – Java
In this computer science course, you will learn the basics of programming in the Java language, and cover topics relevant to the AP Computer Science A course and exam. This course includes a broad view of computer operations, and the global impact of computing, and then introduces Java programming concepts including variables, selection, and object-oriented design.  Prerequisites: Programming Fundamentals (1.0 credit)

Advanced Robotics II
Students will design and create their own parts which later they will use to build robots.  We will be using JAVA to create autonomous robots that have Computer Vision capabilities, interact with color, distance, and touch sensors to compete in the FIRST TECH CHALLENGE. Students will master problem-solving skills, organizational, and team-building skills while using technical drawing or drafting, 3-D printing, and advanced 3D modeling. Students will learn and use Python and Java to create projects using RaspberryPi and Arduino systems. This full-year course meets the Technology graduation requirement. This is an Honors class that will require completion of at least one of the following classes: Robotics Fundamentals or Advanced Robotics. (1.0 credit)

Computer Vision
This is an introductory project-based class to computer vision where we will explore image classification, feature detection, tracking, image analysis, machine learning, and AI. Students will be introduced to ML/AI as we create projects using real data and obtain real-life predictions which is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology today. Using Python to program, we will build fun projects like a face detection security system, controlling a drone or robot through motion tracking, detecting weeds in a flower garden, drone surveillance, and more. This is an Honors class that will require completion of at least one of the following classes: Programming Fundamentals or Advanced Robotics or AP Computer Science A (Java). (1.0 credit)