ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY - PLTW

Project Lead The Way Inc. (PLTW) is a national program forming partnerships among Public Schools, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our education system (www.pltw.org). The Pella CSD has partnered with a variety of local businesses and governmental agencies in attaining funding and support for this program.

The Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Pathway To Engineering (PTE) curriculum is designed as a four-year high school sequence that will fit into a student’s schedule and is taught in conjunction with traditional math and science courses. The program is divided into multiple rigorous, relevant, reality-based courses (www.pltw.org). Project Lead the Way is a series of courses that may be taken in sequence or independently.  The courses expose students to the application of science and math in a variety of exciting careers.  These careers include many that are in high demand today in the areas of technology and engineering.

All of these courses will be available for potential college credit from DMACC or the University of Iowa.  Students should check with individual colleges for the transferability of these credits.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Flow Chart

84101/84102  *^PLTW - INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING AND DESIGN (IED)

GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - EGT 400 (Spring)

PREREQUISITE: Math 1 or Core Math 1

Students use a problem-solving model (design process) to improve existing products and invent new ones. The student will learn how to apply this model to solve problems in and out of the classroom. Using sophisticated three-dimensional modeling software, students communicate the details of the products. Emphasis is placed on analyzing potential solutions and communicating ideas to others.  Students will document progress in an Engineering Notebook and compile a portfolio for completed work.  Students will gain or enhance skills in Technical Drawing, Computer-Aided Design, Use of Materials, Manufacturing Processes, and Collaboration. IED is recommended but not required as the first class in the PLTW sequence.

College Credit Transfer Details: The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. Important note: your GPA received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA. This will depend on which college you attend. Transcript Release Form

84201/84202  *^PLTW - PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE) 

GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE 

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - EGT 410

PREREQUISITE: PLTW - Intro to Engineering & Design, or Math 1 or Core Math 1

Students will explore a wide variety of careers in engineering and technology while preparing them for postsecondary engineering courses. The course will provide students with hands-on experience to a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics. Students will also learn how to apply engineering, scientific, mathematical, and technological principles to design, produce, and operate products, structures, and systems. POE is recommended but not required that it be second in the PLTW sequence.

College Credit Transfer Details: The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for the transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. Important note: your GPA received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA. This will depend on which college you attend. Transcript Release Form

84301/84302   *^PLTW - CAPSTONE

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE | CAPSTONE COURSE

PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Engineering and Design (IED) and Principles of Engineering (POE)

The prerequisite to taking enrichment courses is the following: 1) The student has a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, or 2) The student has a 3.00 GPA or above in previous related coursework. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

In this capstone course, students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build and test their solutions while working with industry professionals that provide mentoring opportunities. Finally, student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. Students interested in pursuing a major in the engineering field should take this course. EDD is recommended to be taken at the end of the PLTW sequence.