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PLTW Engineering Essentials
Course Number(s): T431511
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9
Engineering Essentials is a one semester class designed to be a student's first exposure to PLTW. The course introduces students to a variety of engineering tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3-D solid modeling software, and prototyping equipment. Students learn and apply the engineering design process to develop solutions to relevant problems in the real world.
Note: Required 9th Grade class.
PLTW Engineering Essentials II
Course Number(s):
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: PLTW Engineering Essentials
Grade: 10
Engineering Essentials is a one semester class designed to be a continuation of PLTW Engineering Essentials. This course will continue work with 3-D modeling software and more. Students will continue work on learning and applying the engineering design process to develop solutions to relevant problems in the real world.
Note: This is the sophomore course for the Integrated Technology Pathway
Intro To Computer Programming
Course Number(s): T405301
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9-12
This 1 semester course teaches students how to make computer programs. The first quarter uses the Scratch block programming language to learn basic programming concepts and methods to create video games and interactive stories.. The second quarter uses MIT AppInventor to create programs that can run on tablets and phones.
Note: One of three choices for required 10th Grade class for Innovative Technology Pathway.
Introduction to Industrial Robotics
Course Number(s): T401511
Length: 1 Semesters (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: Engineering Essentials (can be taking concurrently)
Length: 1 Semesters (2 Credits)
Grade: 9-12
Introduction to Industrial Robotics Lab is a lab based science elective that introduces industrial robotic programming and applications. The course uses the Festo Mechatronics Training Systems to address the state of Minnesota’s physical science standards. Topics for the course include: electrical circuits, digital logic, sensors, pneumatic and electrical actuators, programmable logic controllers, and computer modeling and simulations with industrial applications. This course is designed to prepare students to continue training in electromechanical systems at St Paul College or other institutions.
Note: This is one of three choices for 10th grade students who would like to be a part of the Innovative Technology Pathway.
PLTW Principles of Engineering (Honors)
Course Number(s): T431491
Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)
Prerequisites: Engineering Essentials II
Grade: 11
PLTW: Principles of Engineering with Physical Science covers general concepts of engineering, physics, engineering technology and its career possibilities. This course involves a number of projects that explore careers in engineering, principles of design, control systems, materials science, general mechanics and chemistry. The projects involve learning and applying fundamental principles of physics and chemistry, solving problems, designing and modifying devices. The will also learn how engineers address concerns about the social and political consequences of technological change.
Note: This is the suggested junior course for students interested in the Innovative Technology Pathway.
PLTW Capstone (Honors)
Course Number(s): T431621
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: Principles of Engineering or instructor approval
Grade: 12
In this class, students will be working in teams which, together, will think of a common everyday problem, research solutions to that problem and come up with unique solutions to that problem through the creation and development of a product. During the process, students will develop their research, writing and presentation skills. Students will write a technical report around their project, documenting the process of development, design and testing of the project. Students will also create a portfolio documenting their project and give a presentation at the end of the course.
Note: This is the suggested senior course for students in the Innovative Technology Pathway
PLTW Computer Science Principles (Honors)
Course Number(s): T431461
Length: 2 Semesters (4 credits)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Programming
Grade: 10-12
This year-long course uses the Python programming language to investigate how computers are programmed and used to share information through the internet, analyze data sets and solve complex problems with computer models.
1st Quarter - Python Programming
2nd Quarter -The Internet
3rd Quarter - Analyzing Data
4th Quarter - Computer Simulations
PLTW Civil Engineering & Architecture (Honors)
Course Number(s): T431611
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: Intro to the Trades: Build and Construction Carpentry or instructor approval
Grade: 11-12
Note: This course is offered every other year. It will be offered for SY 2026-27
The major focus of the Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) course is a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site. As students learn about civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of this property. Developing the property as a simulation and model allows students to learn what civil engineers and architects experience while developing properties. The CEA course is structured to enable students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of both fields. Students work individually and in teams exploring hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students will use state of the art software packages to help them design solutions to solve class assignments and projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to various audiences.
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Honors)
Course Number(s): T431711
Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: Principles of Engineering
Grade: 10-12
How are things made? What processes go into creating products? Is the process for making a water bottle the same as it is for a musical instrument? How do assembly lines work? How has automation changed the face of manufacturing? While students discover the answers to these questions, they’re learning about the history of manufacturing, robotics and automation, manufacturing processes, computer modeling, manufacturing equipment, and flexible manufacturing systems.
Note: Students can earn college credit by passing PLTW summative test at the end of the semester. This course is offered every other year starting in 2027.
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