Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a National Engineering curriculum applying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to solve complex, open ended problems in a real-world context. Through an activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW students engage in problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same industry-leading technology and software as are used in the world’s top companies. Even for students who do not plan to pursue engineering after high school, the PLTW Engineering program provides opportunities to develop highly transferable skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are relevant for any coursework or career. Any PLTW course can be used as science elective credit. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit.
This introductory Project Lead the Way course (IED) is designed both for students with a strong interest in engineering and students who are exploring their options. No prior experience is necessary. IED emphasizes problem solving, the design process, and computer aided drafting- CAD. Students will design and produce personalized projects using the CAD system and high tech equipment like laser engravers and 3d-printers to learn the basics of engineering. Students also explore the many fields and career paths in engineering.
Because Introduction to Engineering Design and Computer Integrated Manufacturing are both PLTW introductory courses, students selecting one of those courses will automatically have the other as an alternate choice.
This course (CIM) introduces students to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern automated manufacturing. Through the application of hands-on projects and activities including CAD (computer aided drawing) CAM (computer aided manufacturing) CNC (computer numerical control), Robotics, PLC (programmable logic control) and 3D printing, students will discover and explore manufacturing processes, product design, automation techniques and apply what they’ve learned to design solutions for real-world manufacturing problems.
Because Introduction to Engineering Design and Computer Integrated Manufacturing are both PLTW introductory courses, students selecting one of those courses will automatically have the other as an alternate choice.
Prerequisite: IED or CIM
This course (DE) encompasses the learning of introductory digital electronics through hands-on, project based activities. Computer simulation of circuits, building and testing of circuits, microcontroller programming, an understanding of digital memory, and soldering are learned through creating projects such as: a stopwatch, digital clock, LED display, a four function calculator, digital dice, and Arduino programed circuits containing motors and sensors. This is course is applicable to any student who wants to better understand the digital world in which we live.
Prerequisite: IED or CIM
This course (CEA) provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state of the art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions through hands-on projects and activities. Topics covered include the roles of civil engineers and architects, project planning, site planning, building design, project documentation and presentation. Student design projects include a utility building, a Habitat for Humanity Home, a library renovation, and a team design project such as a fire station, restaurant, sports stadium, shopping center, or other commercial or civic structure.
Prerequisite: IED or CIM
Principles of Engineering (POE) is a survey course designed to help students understand the field of engineering technology. Students will develop hands-on engineering problem solving skills and explore various engineering systems. Students will learn about mechanical principles in simple machines, explore trusses and how forces affect structures, learn about stress and strain, learn basic programming skills through exploration of robotics through remote controlled cars and mass production scenarios.
Prerequisite: IED or CIM
Environmental Sustainability (ES) is an interdisciplinary engineering course in which students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply enhancement, and renewable energy. Students will grow genetically engineered crops to resist pests, extract DNA from fruit, clone and copy DNA, develop systems to extract or remediate contaminants from soil and water, explore how contaminants infiltrate the water table, explore how water treatment facilities work and how wastewater is remediated back to drinkable water. This course has the potential to bring together a diverse group of students with interests in biology, chemistry, and/or environmental studies, and it gives students the opportunity to lead their own learning, collaborate, and gain skills needed to communicate their creative solutions.
Prerequisite: IED or CIM
Students explore the physics of flight and space through software simulations and hands-on experiences. They bring concepts to life by designing and testing an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. Students learn how these concepts apply to a career in aerospace engineering and other engineering fields.
PLTW Capstone Course:
This is an engineering research course (EDD) in which students work in teams to invent or innovate a working solution to an open-ended “real world” problem. Students will need to apply skills learned throughout their high school career and will utilize tools and equipment such as, CAD, CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, microcontrollers, and use of traditional fabrication equipment. They are required to work with outside experts and will defend their solutions to a panel of local engineers and professionals at the end of the course.