Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs are designed to serve elementary, middle, and high school students interested in STEM-related fields and those who are inspired by the application of STEM than they are by traditional mathematics and science courses. STEM related career fields are exploding right now and there is a lack of individuals who are trained to take these high paying careers. Click here to find out about the outlook for the different areas of engineering.
PLTW classes are usually taught in school during the school day, and every instructor of PLTW courses receives extensive training as well as ongoing support in the courses they teach. While the STEM subject matter is rigorous, the approach is never rigid. That’s because the PLTW program provides a flexible curriculum which schools can customize to meet the specific needs of their academic environments.
PLTW’s curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. Each course curricula represents a complete package, which allows the instructor to focus on teaching, student achievement, assessment and professional development.
The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to subjects that they typically would not pursue, provides them with a strong foundation for achieving their academic goals in any chosen field of study and, if pursued, establishes a proven path to college and career success in STEM related industries. Students can even earn college credit for completion of coursework.
Engineering is one of our career pathways in our Leadership, Automotive & Technical Services Academy
Introduction to Engineering Design (open to 9-12th graders)
This course teaches students problem-solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using the solid modeling computer design software, Inventor. This course also provides a background in drafting fundamentals through lecture, demonstration and hands-on experiences for developing drafting skills and techniques. Students may earn 2 Gateway Technical College credits with a B grade or better in this course. Milwaukee School of Engineering credit optional by completing the national exam and a $65 service fee to MSOE.
Principles of Engineering (open to 10-12th graders)
This course helps students understand the various fields of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes helps students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political impacts of technological change. Students may earn 3 Gateway Technical College credits with a B grade or better in this course. Milwaukee School of Engineering credit optional by completing the national exam and a $65 service fee to MSOE.
Digital Electronics (open to 1-12th graders)
The theory and practice of digital electronics is introduced in an applied logic that encompasses the application of electronic circuits and devices. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices. Students may earn 4 Gateway Technical College credits with a B grade or better in this course. Milwaukee School of Engineering credit optional by completing the national exam and a $65 service fee to MSOE.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (open to 11-12th graders, taken at Horlick HS)
This advanced level engineering course offers a learning opportunity for students to learn concepts of robotics and automated manufacturing by creating three-dimensional designs with modeling software and producing models of their designs. Students may earn 4 Gateway Technical College credits with a B grade or better in this course. Milwaukee School of Engineering credit optional by completing the national exam and payment of a $65 service fee. This course is taught in the evening, two nights per week, outside of the regular school-day schedule.
Biomedial Science is one of our career pathways in our Health Services & Education Academy
Principles of Biomedical Science (open to 9 - 12th graders)
This intro course of the PLTW biomedical science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students will examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person's life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and the research process.
Human Body Systems (open to 10th - 12th graders)
This is the 2nd course of the PLTW biomedical science program. In in course, students examine the
interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal model, work through interesting real world cases, perform multiple
dissections, and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.
Medical Interventions (open to 11th - 12th graders)
This is the 3rd course in the PLTW biomedical science program. Students investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. The course explores current issues, such as “Superbugs,” insertion of plasmids to create new drugs, personalized medicine, and transplantation exploration. The students learn how to prevent and fight infection; how to screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios, students are exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Interventions may range from simple diagnostic tests to treatment of complex diseases and disorders. These interventions are showcased across the generations of the family and provide a look at the past, present, and future of biomedical science.
PLTW Computer Science
Intro to Computer Science (0.5 credit )
ICS is designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never written code. Students will create apps for mobile devices, explore the impact of computing in society, and learn how computing applies in various career fields.