PLTW Engineering Students Become Tomorrow's Problem Solvers Today

From launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’ s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

INCLUDED COURSES

Introduction to Engineering Design

Grades 9-12 / 1 Credit

Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to computer simulated projects using state of the art professional software. Students explore opportunities in the engineering profession and receive an introduction to the process of designing new products. Students who meet Project Lead the Way (PLTW) end-of-course criteria may purchase optional college credit for this course. Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I, or the likelihood of a B or better when Algebra I is taken.

Women in Engineering

Grades 9-12 / 1 Credit

Women comprise only about 11% of all engineers graduating from college, yet they often have a different perspective on the design process which is needed in the engineering world. To encourage girls to build friendships while building machines, one or more bells will be dedicated to an Introduction to Engineering Design class (see description above) of primarily girls. Though the curriculum will be the same, the direction of some of the projects will be determined by the girls. Students who meet Project Lead the Way (PLTW) end-of-course criteria may purchase optional college credit for this course. Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I.

Principles of Engineering

Grades 10-12 / 1 Credit

Through hands-on activities that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design. Students who meet Project Lead the Way (PLTW) end-of-course criteria may purchase optional college credit for this course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

Digital Electronics

Grades 10-12 / 1 Credit

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 tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, professional circuit design software, and programmable logic devices. Students who meet Project Lead the Way (PLTW) end-of-course criteria may purchase optional college credit for this course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Grades 11-12 / 1 Credit

Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, and automation. The course is built around several key concepts: computer modeling, computer numeric control (CNC) equipment, computer aided manufacturing software (CAM), and robotics. Students who meet Project Lead the Way (PLTW) end-of-course criteria may purchase optional college credit for the course. Prerequisite: 2 Engineering Courses

Engineering Design and Development

Grade 12 / 1 Credit

The knowledge and skills students acquired throughout the PLTW Engineering courses come together in this full year capstone course, as students identify a need and determine if there is a market for a product to fill the need. The idea is investigated through research and the patent process before designing and testing a solution, ultimately presenting a prototype of the solution before a panel of professional engineers. Prerequisite: 2 Engineering Courses