Project Lead The Way PLTW Engineering is more than just another high school engineering program. It is about applying engineering, science, math, and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not getting the "right" answer. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation.
PLTW students have said that PLTW Engineering influenced their post-secondary decisions and helped shape their future. 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.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED) (GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12)
Introduction to Engineering Design is a course that develops students’ problem solving skills, with emphasis on the development of three-dimensional solid models. Using computer modeling software, students learn design process. They solve design problems as they develop, create, and analyze product models. Techniques learned, and equipment used, is state-of-the-art and is currently being used by engineers throughout the United States.
PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE) (GRADES 10, 11, 12)
This course exposes students to major concepts they'ii encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study, and helps them understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Students explore technology systems and engineering processes to find out how math, science, and technology help people.Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions.
DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (DE) (GRADE 11)
Digital Electronics is a course in applied digital logic. This is a course in applied logic that encompasses the application of electronic circuits and devices. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices. The use of digital circuits is increasing so rapidly that it’s hard to imagine limits.
CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE (CEA) (GRADE 11)
This course 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 to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as: The Roles of Civil Engineers and Architects, Project Planning, Site Planning, Building Design, Project Documentation and Presentation.
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (AE) (GRADE 12)
AE explores the evolution of flight, navigation and control, flight fundamentals, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel and orbital mechanics. In addition, this course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Students analyze, design and build aerospace systems. They apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final presentation about the future of the industry and their professional goals.
ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (EDD) (GRADE 12)
In this capstone course, students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. Finally, student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.