Mr. Gaugler

Project Lead the Way Synopsis

Southern Lehigh High School offers honors level Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses that provide students with rigorous and innovative learning experiences focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This program promotes high levels of critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving skills. The curriculum, when combined with mathematics and science courses, introduces students to specific STEM related fields. Students will develop in-demand, transferable skills that they will use both in school and after graduation. PLTW provides real-world, applied learning experiences that empower students to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond. It enables students to explore career paths, engage in problem solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, and build communication skills.

Standards

This course is aligned to standards within the following categories of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology and Engineering Education:

• 3.4.A Scope of Technology

• 3.4.B Technology and Society

• 3.4.C Technology and Engineering Design

• 3.4.D Abilities for a Technological World

• 3.4.E The Designed World

Course Description

The 4-12 Technology Education/STEM program within Southern Lehigh School District will provide an authentic and hands-on learning experience for all students. Courses are designed to empower students to develop, refine, and apply technological solutions focused on improving the world around them. Students will work collaboratively to make sense of and solve problems. Learning experiences will be inquiry-based, challenging students to reflect upon and revise their thinking. Teachers will provide opportunities for students to apply technology, as well as concepts from science and mathematics, to the engineering and design processes.

HONORS ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT is a capstone course where knowledge and skills gained from Introduction to Engineering Design, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Principles of Engineering culminate. It is an open-ended engineering course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a real-world problem. Students identify a problem and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of experts.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Honors Introduction to Engineering Design, Honors Principles of Engineering or Honors Computer Integrated Manufacturing, or by recommendation by the teacher (for the 22-23 SY)

Measurable objectives to be attained by students: Specific objectives for this course are aligned to the National Standards for Technology Literacy, the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology and Engineering Education, and the Pennsylvania Core Standards for Reading and Writing in Science and the Technical Subjects as outlined in the Scope and Sequence for Honors Principles of Engineering.