Click on the icons below to learn more about each course!

  • Intro to Architecture
  • Intro to Engineering Design
  • Fashion Construction
  • Creative Cuisine
  • Intro to Computer Coding & Design Tech
  • Geometry, Design & Construction

Dive Deeper:

  • Hello!! If you landed on this page, you are probably an eighth grader excited about opportunities you can take on the Northfield Campus as a freshman. We know registration can be overwhelming; however, we wanted to make it fun for you and create a space that isolates Applied Arts Northfield options from our options on the Winnetka Campus. Please join us with enthusiasm, curiosity and discovery as you navigate this page. No matter if you are a beginner or have been around these spaces for years - IT ALL STARTE HERE! #create. #make. #solve. #build. #analyze. #grow.

    Good Information:

    • Applied Arts College, Career and Exploratory Graphic: Link
    • Information about College Dual Credit Opportunities: Link
    • Frequently Asked Questions: Link
    • FUN! Activity Book: Link
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    • Signup here to ask a question(s) and/or for a chance to win a prize (raffle)! Link

    Applied Arts Freshman Course Descriptions (Six Amazing Opportunities ):Introduction to Architecture Design your own house plans like an architect! In a scaled down version of an architectural firm and studio, students will develop design skills as they imagine, discover and create 3D and 2D drawings and physical models. Students will also explore the latest industry software like Revit, Google Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop and AutoCAD to use as a tool to communicate their designs. Throughout the year, students will build their design portfolios with outside-the-box work and will eventually design their own energy efficient sustainable home. Other projects include design-thinking creative solutions for healthy environments, community gathering spaces, new experiences, and Chicago Architecture Foundation projects. This course qualifies for dual credit. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and/or practical arts. Architecture Brochure Link

    Creative Cuisine This course teaches the basic techniques used in the preparation of food. Students work together in the culinary lab to plan, prepare, and cook food every day. Students learn to prepare breads, appetizers, soups, sauces, pies, eggs, poultry, and meat. Course favorites include crepes, pizza, stir-fry, and homemade pie. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and/or practical arts.

    Introduction to Engineering Design Through a hands-on, design-thinking approach, students learn to think like engineers in this introductory Project Lead the Way (PLTW) pre-engineering course. The major focus of IED is on the engineering design process, introduced through activities that provide experience with brainstorming, technical sketching, computer-aided design (CAD) software techniques, and technical documentation. Students learn how to use 3D printers and scanners, laser cutters, and various other tools to bring their ideas to prototype and products to life; they create personal engineering notebooks to document their skills and designs. In addition, teamwork and technical communication skills are developed through group projects. Students who earn qualifying grades may be eligible to receive engineering college credit and dual credit . This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and/or practical arts. Engineering Brochure Link

    Introduction to Computer Coding and Design Technology This exploratory hands-on course introduces students to two areas: computer coding and design technology. In the semester of computer coding, students use drones, robots and raspberry pies to learn fundamental computer science concepts by creating programs that solve problems, interact with users, and perform complicated calculations. While students are learning how to code they concurrently being introduced to design technology. Students will be exposed to technologies such as Autocad, Fusion 360, Laser Cutters, 3D Printers, and power tools. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and/or practical arts

    Geometry, Design and Construction In this team-taught, double-period course, students learn plane geometry concepts by applying real-world construction concepts through Computer Aided Design as they create and build small projects, such as playhouses and gazebos. Throughout the course, students develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, and project management. This course covers all necessary plane geometry concepts and will prepare students to enter an Algebra 2 course in the following year. Prior experience in woodworking is not required. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for mathematics and fine and/or practical arts.

    Fashion Construction This hands-on lab course introduces students to the world of fashion. Through an integrated approach, the course combines machine work to construct clothing as well as personal and household items with the study of textiles, history, and trends in fashion. Students complete five projects throughout the course; the final project is the student's choice. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and/or practical arts.