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 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN will introduce students to the engineering profession and an engineering design process. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software. Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering to hands-on projects.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of an Algebra I course

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 Introduction to Engineering Design.