Engineering
STEM Essentials
In Person - The course introduces students to concepts that are applicable across multiple careers and empowers them to build technical skills through the use of a variety of technical tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3-D solid modeling software, and prototyping equipment. Students learn and apply the design process to develop mechanical, electronic, process, and logistical solutions to relevant problems across a variety of industry sectors, including health care, public service, and product development and manufacturing.
Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students create solutions to problems as they practice common design and development protocols, such as experimental design, testing, project management, and peer review. In addition, the course emphasizes statistical analysis and mathematical modeling – computational methods that are commonly used in problem-solving.
Grade: 9th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
Fee: $10
Prerequisites: Application
POE - Principles of Engineering - WSU ENGR 1000
In Person - POE is a building and investigating class! From bridges to robots, this class has it all! Students explore a broad range of engineering, physics and math topics. These encompass mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, energy, automation of devices, and ballistics. Physics and math are applied in practice and through hands-on projects. Documentation of work and communication of solutions through collaboration, teamwork and presentation are essential elements of the class. POE is a foundation course recommended for future PLTW courses. Class is taught at the introductory college level, and students may elect to receive concurrent enrollment credit.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE OR Elective Science
*2 Concurrent Enrollment credits
Fee: $10, WSU CE fees apply
IED - Intro to Engineering Design - WSU PDD 1010
In Person - Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering principles to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems. Students use 3D modeling software, 3D printers and an engineering notebook to document their work.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
*3 Concurrent Enrollment credits
Fee: $10, WSU CE fees apply
DE - Digital Electronics - WSU EET 1110 & EET 1130
In Person - From smart-phones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.
The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. In this course students will learn circuitry simulation using the state-of-the-art MultiSim computer application. Students will analyze, design, and build digital electronic circuits. While implementing these designs, students will continually hone their professional skills, creative abilities, and understanding of the circuit design process.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 Elective Science OR CTE
*An additional 1.0 high school credit when students register with Concurrent Enrollment credit
*6 Concurrent Enrollment credits
Fee: WSU CE fees apply
RA - Robotics and Automation
In Person - Robotics and Automation (R&A) - Robotics and automation are found all around us. From self-driving cars to the production of your favorite pair of shoes! R&A builds on programming skills from POE and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and design skills developed in IED. Learn how to program a CNC mill design an injection mold, program industrial and educational robots, and create automated manufacturing processes. Students will use state of the art 3D Printers and CNC machines to produce physical models of their 3D CAD designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automation, manufacturing, and design analysis are included.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
Fee: $10
Prerequisites: POE or IED or DE recommended but not required
CEA - Civil Engineering and Architecture - WSU BDC 1350 & CMT 2360
In Person - This course introduces students to the interdependent fields of civil engineering and architecture. Students will learn about the similarities and differences between architecture and civil engineering, and how they both work hand in hand. The major focus of this course are 2 student-driven projects that involve the development of a residential property and a commercial building property. Students will use state of the art architectural drafting software and equipment to develop architectural plans, 3D renderings, laser engraved models. In addition, students will be exposed to various aspects of civil engineering including: soil analysis, rainfall runoff, 3D topography, structural heat gain/loss, and structural design analysis. Field trips are a major part of this class. Students will attend several field trips during this class. Along the way students will learn to: document projects, problem-solve and communicate to gain knowledge and share results.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
*An additional 1.3 high school credit when students register with Concurrent Enrollment credit
*7 Concurrent Enrollment credits
Fee: $10, WSU CE fees apply
Prerequisites: POE or IED or DE recommended but not required
AE - Aerospace Engineering
In Person - Aerospace Engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. They learn orbital mechanics concepts and apply these by creating models using industry-standard software. Field trips are a great way to see professionals putting into practice what we have been learning. Depending on what is available, potential field trips include Hill AFB, Northrop Grumman, Barnes Aerospace and others.
Grade: 10th-12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
Fee: $10
Prerequisites: POE or IED or DE recommended but not required
EDD - Engineering Design and Development - WSU PDD 2830
In Person - The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in this senior capstone course. Students work through the entire design process in teams of 2 to 4. Teams identify an engineering problem and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Turning ideas into design will incorporate problem identification, market research and brainstorming possible solutions, advanced 3D modeling, implementation of the solution, and evaluation. The completed portfolio has proven invaluable to students as they apply to college and seek employment.
WSU PDD 2830 = 3 credits
Grade: 12th
Length: Semester 2-period block
Credit: 1.0 CTE
*3 Concurrent Enrollment credits
Fee: WSU CE fees apply
Prerequisites: AE or CEA or RA