Project Lead the Way
The following six PLTW courses introduce students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering prior to entering college. Those not intending to pursue further formal education would also benefit from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. PLTW engineering courses are articulated with over 15 colleges and universities in the United States
| Aerospace Engineering (AE) | The major focus of the course is to acquaint students with the world of flight and space travel. As they learn about various aspects of aerospace engineering, they apply what was learned to the design and development of several simulated flight vehicles for both atmospheric and space travel and use many different types of technical software. The course covers the history of flight, aerodynamics and aerodynamics testing, flight systems, astronautics, space life sciences, aerospace materials, and systems engineering. Working in teams, students learn about documenting their work, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to other students and members of the professional community of aerospace engineering. Aerospace Engineering is a specialization course within the PLTW sequence. |
| Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) | 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 (AutoCAD and Revit) to solve real world problems and communicate solutions, applying mathematics, science and engineering content and principles to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers the role of civil engineers and architects, project planning, site planning, building design, and project documentation and presentation. |
| Digital Electronics (DE) | Digital Electronics is an applied logic that focuses on 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. |
| Engineering Design and Development (EDD) | Students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. They must present progress reports, submit a final written report, and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. |
| Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) | This course teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process for products. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software (AutoCAD Inventor). This course satisfies the one credit graduation requirement for Technology Education. |
| Principles of Engineering (POE) | This course helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes helps students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. It also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change. This course satisfies the one credit graduation requirement for Technology for students who took the course prior to the 2007-08 school year. |
Essential Curriculum