Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

*PLTW Principles of Engineering can be used to fulfill the Computer Science graduation requirement.

Students who pass a PLTW course in this section (except Engineering Design and Development) AND meet the cut score determined by PLTW on the final exam will be given Dual Credit weighting for the course.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a series of courses which introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. Introduction at this level will attract more students to engineering and will allow students, while still in high school, to determine if engineering is the career they desire. Students participating in PLTW courses are better prepared for college engineering programs and more likely to be successful thus reducing the attrition rate which currently exceeds 50% nationally in the college level programs.

Introduction to Engineering Design – CP or possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA       605100CW

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is an introductory course which develops student problem solving skills with emphasis placed on the development of three-dimensional solid models. Students will work from sketching simple geometric shapes to applying a solid modeling computer software package. They will learn a problem-solving design process and how it is used in industry to manufacture a product. The Computer Aided Design System (CAD) will also be used to analyze and evaluate the product design. The techniques and equipment are state of the art and are currently being used by engineers throughout the United States. Undergraduate credit may be earned through the College of Engineering and Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Specific course requirements must be met.

*Principles of Engineering - CP or possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA       605000CW

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra  

Principles of Engineering (PoE) is a foundation course in the PLTW Engineering curriculum.  Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, energy, the strength of structures and materials, automation and programming.  Students will develop skills in design and problem-solving while learning collaboration and presentation.  This course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science and technology.  Undergraduate credit may be earned through the College of Engineering and Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Specific course requirements must be met.

Digital Electronics – CP or possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA             605200CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra and Principles of Engineering

Digital Electronics (DE) is a course of study in applied digital logic. Students will be introduced to digital circuits found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. Students will study the application of digital logic and how digital devices are used to control automated equipment. The use of digital circuitry is present in virtually all aspects of our lives and its use is increasing rapidly. Computer simulation software will be used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices. Undergraduate credit may be earned through the College of Engineering and Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Specific course requirements must be met. 

Computer Integrated Manufacturing – CP or possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA        605300CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Any 2 of the 3 foundation PLTW courses (IED, POE, DE)

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a course that applies principles of robotics and automation.  The course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design and Design and Drawing for Production.  Students use CNC equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs.  Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing and design analysis are included. Undergraduate credit may be earned through the College of Engineering and Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Specific course requirements must be met.

Civil Engineering and Architecture – CP or possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA          605800CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Any 2 of the 3 foundation PLTW courses (IED, POE, DE)

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) introduces students to the fundamental design and development aspects of architectural and civil engineering activities.  Application and design principles will be used in conjunction with mathematical and scientific knowledge.  Computer software programs will provide students with opportunities to design, simulate, and evaluate the construction of buildings and communities.  During the planning and design phases, instructional emphasis will be placed on related transportation, water resource, and environmental issues. Undergraduate credit may be earned through the College of Engineering and Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Specific course requirements must be met.

Aerospace Engineering CP / possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA   605600CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Any 2 of the 3 foundation PLTW courses (IED, POE, DE)

Aerospace Engineering (AE) explores the evolution of flight, navigation and control, flight fundamentals, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, and orbital mechanics. In addition, this course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Students analyze, design, and build aerospace systems. They apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final presentation about the future of the industry and their professional goals. This course is designed for 10th, 11th or 12th grade students.

Environmental Sustainability - CP / possible Dual Credit weighting for GPA             637400CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite: Completion of IED or POE

Environmental Sustainability (ES) is an interdisciplinary engineering course in which students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply enhancement, and renewable energy. This course has the potential to bring together a diverse group of students with interests in biology, chemistry, and/or environmental studies, and it gives students the opportunity to lead their own learning, collaborate, and gain skills needed to communicate their creative solutions.  In ES, students also gain insights into the future career opportunities that exist in the areas they are exploring.

Engineering Design and Development - CP     605400CW

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: 3 prior PLTW courses and teacher recommendation 

Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem.  Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor.  They must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the course. This course is considered to be the senior capstone course in the PLTW curriculum.