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Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Overview

ur Engineering program follows an international curriculum called Project Lead the Way. PLTW is accredited in New York through the Rochester Institute of Technology. Students who complete these courses with an 85% or higher overall average and pass the college credit exam are eligible for college credit through RIT at a reduced rate.

Acceptance into the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program is based on the following criteria:

  • Eighth grade students passing Algebra I
  • Eighth grade students passing Math 8 with a grade of 85 or better

To continue in the PLTW program, students must successfully complete all PLTW classes that they have previously been enrolled in.

Course Offerings

Design and Drawing for Productions
1 Credit

A high school level interdisciplinary course that meets both Technology Education and Visual Arts Learning Standards and is intended to be implemented as an introduction to a universal graphic language through which students can express their ideas with creativity, clarity and exactness. Encourages visual problem-solving using a common graphic language to describe forms in the human-made environment. To enable the student to analyze, creatively design and critically evaluate these forms.

 

PLTW Design and Drawing for Productions
1 Credit

A course that teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed, and communicated using solid modeling computer-design software. In New York state, the course is also called Design and Drawing for Production and follows the syllabus developed by the State Education Department. The course is divided into 10 units:

  1. Design Process
  2. Technical Sketching and Drawing
  3. Measurement and Statistics
  4. Modeling Skills
  5. Geometry of Design
  6. Reverse Engineering
  7. Documentation
  8. Advanced Computer Modeling
  9. Design Team
  10. Design Challenges


Digital Electronics
1 Credit

Digital Electronics 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. Students are introduced to the digital circuits found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and other devices.

This course is divided into 4 units: (Units may not appear in the order given below)

  • Unit 1 - Foundations in Electronics
  • Unit 2 - Combinational Logic
  • Unit 3 - Sequential Logic
  • Unit 4 - Controlling Real World Systems
     

Principles of Engineering
1 Credit

Principles of Engineering is a course that 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. The course is a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that provides access to tools, machines, and materials for individual and small group projects.

This course is divided into 4 units: (Units may not appear in the order given below)

  • Unit 1 - Energy and Power
  • Unit 2 - Materials and Structures
  • Unit 3 - Control Systems
  • Unit 4 - Statistics and Kinematics


Civil Engineering and Architecture
1 Credit

Ever think about building a house, a store, or a restaurant, and wondered how to go about it? Then Civil Engineering and Architecture is the course for you. The major focus of the course is a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site. As you learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, you will apply what you learn to the design and development of this property. There is flexibility for you and your teacher in developing the property as a simulation or as a real-world experience that civil engineers and architects experience when developing property. The course covers the following:

This course is divided into 4 units:

  • Unit 1 - Overview of Civil Engineering and Architecture
  • Unit 2 - Residential Design
  • Unit 3 - Commercial Applications
  • Unit 4 - Commercial Building Systems

In addition, you will use AutoDesk Rivet, which is a state-of-the-art 3D design software package from AutoDesk, to help you design solutions to solve your major course project. You will learn about documenting your project, solving problems, and communicating your solutions to other students and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture.
 

Engineering Design and Development
1 Credit

An engineering research course in which 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.

This course is divided into 6 units:

  • Unit 1 - Research
  • Unit 2 - Design
  • Unit 3 - Prototype and Test
  • Unit 4 - Evaluation of Project and Process
  • Unit 5 - Reflection and Presenting the Design Process
  • Unit 6 - Going Beyond EDD