Project Lead The Way
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized pre-engineering program fueled by imagination, innovation and learning. Students use the latest equipment, materials and information covering science, technology, engineering and math to explore, design, build and put their ideas to the test. Students earning qualifying grades may earn engineering-related college credit, preferred admissions status and/or scholarships with college partners across the country.
Courses
PLTW: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN 173 (ATP17300)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: Academic & All Subject
This honors course provides students with opportunities to be creative and to apply decision-making skills to the design process. Students utilize 3D solid modeling software to design solutions as they develop, create, and analyze product models. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus of the course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry 163 or higher.
Dual Credit: In addition to high school credit, four college credits in CAD may also be obtained through Oakton Community College. A one-time application fee of $25 is required if students elect to receive college credit.
PLTW: PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING 273 (ATP27300)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: Academic & All Subject
This honors survey course of engineering exposes students to major concepts of a postsecondary engineering topics of study. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts to solve engineering design problems and present work to peers and members of the professional community. Strong emphasis is placed on collaboration and communication–essential skills in industry. The course gives students the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of engineering fields.
PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Engineering Design 173.
Dual Credit: In addition to high school credit, four college credits in CAD may also be obtained through Oakton Community College. A one-time application fee of $25 is required if students elect to receive college credit.
PLTW: CIVIL ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE 373 (ATP37300)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: Academic & All Subject
The major focus of this honors course is to expose students to the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students use state of the art software to analyze, design, and build electronic and physical models of residential and commercial facilities. While implementing these designs students will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and understanding of the design process. PREREQUISITE: Principles of Engineering 273.
Dual Credit: In addition to high school credit, four college credits in CAD may also be obtained through Oakton Community College. A one-time application fee of $25 is required if students elect to receive college credit.
PLTW: ENGINEERING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT 473 (ATP47300)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: Academic & All Subject
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.
PREREQUISITE: Principles of Engineering 273
FAQ
Who is eligible to take PLTW courses?
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
Will there be a lot of homework?
It is common practice for students to have adequate time during class to work on their projects and assignments. However, there may be opportunities to extending your learning outside of the classroom.
What if a student is absent for an extended period of time?
Any absence that extends longer than one week should be handled like any other class that takes place in a lab environment. Counselors and parents will consult with the teacher for an alternative assignment to ensure the student has an opportunity to engage in the curriculum and be adequately assessed.
What if a student does not continue into the second semester of the course?
Students are encouraged to complete the full one-year curriculum. By dropping the course mid-year you forfeit your ability to earn college credit.
How does a student earn college credit for this course?
Students will take an End Of Course exam at the end of 2nd semester that is provided by PLTW. Students will need to earn a stanine score of 6 or higher in order to qualify. For further information please visit the PLTW website.