PLTW

DRHS Receives National Recognition 

from Project Lead The Way

May 2024

Dakota Ridge High School has been named a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of just a few hundred high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Engineering. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S, aiming to make every student in every grade STEM successful.

DRHS re-established their PLTW Engineering program in 2019 with the previously taught classes PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design and PLTW Principles of Engineering.  In the following years we added PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing, PLTW Digital Electronics, and the senior capstone class PLTW Engineering Design & Development.  In the last three years 7 students have earned their STEM Endorsed Diploma with the STEM Capstone Project they completed in this class.  Next year we are adding PLTW Aerospace Engineering to the program.  Students are encouraged to take at least one engineering course each year. So far 15 students have completed the PTLW Engineering Program with 3 or more of these classes.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, DRHS had to meet multiple criteria in the 2022-23 school year such as the number of PLTW courses available to students, percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course, and efforts to ensure equitable access to PLTW courses.

PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow, by not only incorporating STEM skills into their learning but building students’ collaboration, teamwork and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take.

 For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.  

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering Program pltw.org

PLTW high school coursework engages students in authentic experiences that translate career awareness and exploration into career preparation. We demystify what professionals in the computer science, engineering, and biomedical sciences do and how they develop and leverage skills, knowledge, technology, and mindsets to be successful in their fields. We help students see the relevance of the in-demand, transportable skills they develop through PLTW course experiences and empower and inspire students to make informed decisions related to career planning. 

Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. 

Introduction to Engineering Design  (9th or 10th grade) 

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.

Principles of Engineering  (10th or 11th grade) 

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.

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING  (10TH, 11th or 12th grade) 

Students explore the physics of flight and space through software simulations and hands-on experiences. They bring concepts to life by designing and testing an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. Students learn how these concepts apply to a career in aerospace engineering and other engineering fields. 

Computer Integrated Manufacturing  (11th or 12th grade) 

Students discover and explore manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation, and then they apply what they have learned to design solutions for real-world manufacturing problems. 

Digital Electronics  (11th or 12th grade) 

Students explore the foundations of computing by engaging in circuit design processes to create combinational logic and sequential logic (memory) as electrical engineers do in industry.

Engineering Design and Development  (12th grade - Capstone Project) 

Students identify a real-world challenge and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their unique solutions to a panel of engineers.