Engineering

Project Lead the Way (PTLW) is a national program forming partnerships among Public Schools, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quality and quantity of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our education system. The PTLW program consists of a sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. For more information about PTLW, please visit their website at www.ptlw.org.

Course List

Introduction to Engineering Design -IED (Concurrent Enrollment)

Credit Hours: .5
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits — 9th grade can take w/ instructor and GO approval

This is the first course offered in the Project Lead the Way engineering sequence. This course provides the base knowledge for further study in the PTLW curriculum. Students learn how to solve problems using a design development process. This is a project-based class where students work with Inventor CAD software to design solutions to problems. Portfolios are created and include topics such as sketching and visualization, geometric relationships, 3-D modeling, model analysis and verification, documentation, production and marketing.

Principles of Engineering -POE (Concurrent Enrollment)

Credit Hours: .5
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits — 9th Grade can take w/ Instructor and GO approval

This is the second course recommended in the Project Lead the Way engineering sequence. This class is a hands-on, project-based course that exposes students to the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various design process and structures help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. Topics covered include mechanical advantage and simple machines, control systems and programming, statics and strengths, material testing, and an introduction to dynamics/kinematics.

Digital Electronics

Credit Hours: 1
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits — 9th Grade can take w/ Instructor and GO approval

This course in applied logic encompasses the application of electronic circuits and devices. Students use computer simulation software to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices.

Civil Engineering

Credit Hours: 1
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits — 10th grade can take w/ Instructor and GO approval, 12th grade may take without POE

The major focus of this course is completing long-term projects that involve the development of property sites. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of a property. The course provides teachers and students freedom to develop the property as a simulation or for students to model the experiences that civil engineers and architects face. Students work in teams, exploring hands-on activities and projects to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students use 3D design software to help them design solutions to solve major course projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture. This course is designed for 11th or 12th grade students.

Computer Software Principles (Concurrent Enrollment)

Credit Hours: .5
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Computer Technology
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits

Computer Science and Software Engineering is a PLTW course. Students will work in teams to develop computational thinking and problem solving skills. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single programming language, but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity.

Environmental Sustainability

Credit Hours: .5
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I & completed/enrolled in Biology
Concurrent College Credit: 3.0 credits

This class aims to answer the question "What can you do to help make our world environmentally sustainable?" ES is a specialization class in PLTW. Students will investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions.

Note: Project Lead the Way courses are college level courses. Students who qualify must be prepared to meet a different and higher expectation. For example, Kirkwood Community College policies apply to these five courses, along with Benton Community building policies. The KCC policies for grading, attendance and late work are more demanding than for a typical high school course.

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