Engineering Essentials

Learn how you can improve the world with Engineering Essentials!

Explore how engineers make a difference and improve lives, while using modern engineering tools, such

as geographic information systems, 3-D solid modeling software, and prototyping equipment. Work on your

own and as part of a team to develop solutions to community and global challenges that the next generation

of engineers will face.

Engineering Essentials is a full-year course designed to be a high school student’s first exposure to the PLTW

Engineering program and is appropriate for students in grades 9-12. In Engineering Essentials, students explore

the work of engineers and their role in the design and development of solutions to real-world problems.

The course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable across multiple engineering disciplines

and empowers them to build technical skills through the use of a variety of engineering tools, such as geographic

information systems (GIS), 3-D solid modeling software, and prototyping equipment. Students learn and apply

the engineering design process to develop mechanical, electronic, process, and logistical solutions to relevant

problems across a variety of industry sectors, including health care, public service, and product development and

manufacturing.

Engineering Essentials Unit Summary

Unit 1 Inclined to Design

Unit 2 Make it Move

Unit 3 Power it Up

Unit 4 Make a Plan