Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry

Computer Science Principles is a project- and problem-based course, with students working in teams to develop computational thinking and solve open-ended, practical problems that occur in the real world.  The course is divided into four units; Computer Science and Graphics, Web Design and Information Technology, Data Mining and Information Science, and Software Engineering and Simulation.

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science K-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence. 

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.

Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and beyond.

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles

***Dual Enrollment credits offered through Lackawanna College 

Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems of their own choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases, as well as creating a game for their friends or an app to serve a real need in their community. This course is aligned to the AP CSA framework.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Computer Science Essentials, AP Computer Science Principles, or AP Computer Science A

***Dual Enrollment credits offered through Lackawanna College 

PLTW Cybersecurity gives students a broad exposure to the many aspects of digital and information security, while encouraging socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and especially, “outside-the-box” thinking. Students explore the many educational and career paths available to cybersecurity experts, as well as other careers that comprise the field of information security. The course contains units of study dealing with personal security, system security, network security, and applied cybersecurity.

This course is designed to give the students experience in drawing and constructing objects  manufactured from metal. Major emphasis will be given to drawing/sketching, design, wrought metals, sheet metal, soldering, brazing, and welding. Students will be required to successfully complete this elective to enroll in other advanced electives. 

This course involves basic woodworking techniques.  It introduces students to the use of power tools and power equipment in a project activity. Instruction centers upon project planning procedures and includes the review of basic woodworking hand tools and their skillful use in basic wood joining, fabrications, and finishing techniques. 

In this course the students will study how man has altered the field of Architectural Design throughout his history.  The student will study the basic Architectural Drafting techniques and complete a full set of working house plans. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Engineering

Students apply what they learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture to the design and development of a property. Working in teams, students explore 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.

Prerequisite: Intro to Woodworking Technology with an average of 85% 

This course involves advanced woodworking techniques.  The student will select the appropriate materials, tools, and processes for the required projects.  The students will study units on power woodworking machines in both theory and practice.  One major project is required.

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school level course that is appropriate for 9th or 10th grade students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB-learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Engineering Design

Principles Of Engineering (POE) is a high school-level survey course of engineering. The course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers. POE gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem-solving skills based upon engineering concepts. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education. To be successful in POE, students should be concurrently enrolled in college preparatory mathematics and science.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Engineering & AP Computer Science Principles

Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technical documentation.

Prerequisite: Completion of IED, POE and one other PLTW course.

This is the PLTW Engineering capstone course.  The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing EDD ready to take on any post-secondary program or career