Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nationally accredited pre-engineering program. It is about applying engineering, science, math, and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not on getting the "right" answer. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation. Even for students who do not plan to pursue engineering after high school, the PLTW courses provide opportunities to develop highly transferable skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are relevant for any coursework or career.
Introductory Courses
Intermediate Courses
Course: 181200, 181201
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Fulfills Art Requirement
Add. Credit Option: St. Cloud State University – 3 credits
Required: GPA of 2.5
In this course students use 3-D computer modeling software, learn the design process, and solve design problems as they develop, analyze, and create product models. This hands-on course emphasizes analyzing potential solutions and working with peers in order to improve existing products and create new ones.
Course: 181202, 181203
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Fulfills Art Requirement
Add. Credit Option: St. Cloud State University – 3 semester credits for 11th & 12th Grade Students
Prerequisite: PLTW Intro to Engineering Design (IED)
This course helps students understand the field of engineering through many project-based activities. Students are required to explore various technology systems and engage themselves in the design process. Students will understand how and why math, science, technology, and engineering are so important and how they all fit together.
Advanced Courses
Course: 161206
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1, Science Elective
Additional Credit Option: Must take Chemical Engineering in the spring: St. Cloud State University - 3 credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Recommended: PLTW Intro to Engineering Design (IED
Students will explore how biological engineering contributes to feeding a growing human population by increasing nutritional content in staple food crops, eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides, and creating drought and frost resistant crops. Students will test foods for the presence of GMO’s, manipulate DNA, conduct PCR and gel electrophoresis, engineer their own plasmid, transform bacteria, clone a gene, and more. This course is PLTW Environmental Sustainability and largely focuses on environmental science concepts and applications.
Course: 161208
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1, Science Elective
Additional Credit Option: Must take Biological Engineering in the fall: St. Cloud State University- 3 credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Recommended: CIS Intro to Engineering Design
Students will explore how chemical engineering techniques will improve global access to clean water and renewable fuel sources. Students will design and build a water filter and test water for various contaminants. Students will make various biofuels including biodiesel and analyze how biofuels from renewable sources like algae and yeast can reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This course is PLTW Environmental Sustainability and largely focuses on environmental science concepts and applications.
Course: 181204, 181205
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Additional Credit Option:
St. Cloud State University - 3 credits
Recommended: CIS Intro to Engineering Design
This course deals with the exploration of the fields of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Students will be engaged in problem solving, designing activities, and working in groups to develop community-based building projects. Students further understand how engineers and architects work together.