PLTW Courses Offered
Pre-Engineering Program:
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) 1 credit
Using sketching and 3-D computer modeling software, students learn the design process, and they solve design problems as they develop, analyze, and create product models. IED combines both math and science theory and applies them in the design process. This course fulfills the NYS Fine Arts and DDP requirement. For students considering the pre-engineering Project Lead the Way Certification, this is the first in a sequence of five required classes. It is also the required foundation course for nearly all other Project Lead the Way courses.
Recommended Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Computer Science Principles (CSP) 1 credit
This course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. CSE helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation.
Recommended Grade Level: 11 or 12
Prerequisite: None
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) 1 credit
Civil Engineering and Architecture introduces students to the construction and design of residential and commercial buildings. By utilizing the latest architectural modeling software (Autodesk Revit) and physical models, students can explore architectural styles and apply this knowledge when creating their own building designs. The course includes a tour of the many elements involved in building design and construction including building components and systems, structural design, storm water management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation, energy efficiency, and careers in the design and construction industry.
Recommended Grade Level: 10-11
Prerequisite: IED
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Digital Electronics (DE) 1 credit
Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
Recommended Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: IED
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) 1 credit
Students answer the following questions: How are things made? What processes go into creating products? Is the process for making a water bottle the same as it is for a musical instrument? How do assembly lines work? How has automation changed the face of manufacturing? As students find the answers to these questions, they learn about the history of manufacturing, a sampling of manufacturing processes, robotics, and automation. The course is built around several key concepts, including computer modeling, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) equipment, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, robotics and flexible manufacturing systems.
Recommended Grade Level: 10-11
Prerequisite: IED
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Principles of Engineering (POE) 1 credit
This project-based course builds on the prior knowledge established in previous PLTW classes by giving students an opportunity to design, build, and apply solutions to various engineering problems. It will introduce students to the various engineering concepts they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering program and allow them to explore the range of technical careers present today. The course will simulate a variety of engineering challenges that will require creativity, problem solving skills, and interpersonal communication to solve.
Recommended Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: IED, (Physics, and Algebra II strongly recommended)
Final Assessment: PLTW exam
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) 1 credit
This is a research course that requires students to formulate the solution to an open-ended engineering problem. With skills gained in their previous courses, students create detailed documentation to support their proposed design solution, and build a testable, working prototype. As students prepare for college and careers, they will develop a professional portfolio that includes work from their other PLTW courses.
Recommended Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: IED, POE, DE, CIM or CEA
Final Assessment: Project
Biomedical Science Program:
Principles of Biomedical Science 1 credit
In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine as they take on roles of different medical professionals to solve real-world problems. Over the course of the year, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene to solve a mystery, diagnosing and proposing treatment to patients in a family medical practice, to tracking down and containing a medical outbreak at a local hospital, stabilizing a patient during an emergency, and collaborating with others to design solutions to local and global medical problems.
Recommended Grade Level: 11-12
Human Body Systems 1 credit
This course is designed to allow student to dive deeply into emerging topics connected to the biomedical field through the study of the human body and forensic science. Forensic Science topics will include fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, evidence analysis, toxicology, psychology, blood typing and blood spatter. The Human body portion will dive deep into the structure and function of the body systems including the immune system, musculo-skeletal system, nervous system and others. Classroom activities will include projects, case studies, class discussion/projects, dissections and use of technology. Students who have a strong interest in science or wish to pursue career in science after high school are encouraged to take this course.
Recommended Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Living Environment
Final Assessment: Final Exam/Project
Medical Interventions 1 credit
Medical Interventions (MI) allows students to investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. A “How-To” manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, the course will explore how to prevent and fight infection, how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios students will be exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Each family case scenario will introduce multiple types of interventions, reinforce concepts learned in the previous two courses, and present new content. Interventions may range from simple diagnostic tests to treatment of complex diseases and disorders. These interventions will be showcased across the generations of the family and will provide a look at the past, present, and future of biomedical science. Lifestyle choices and preventive measures are emphasized throughout the course as well as the important role that scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future. Students practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.
Prerequisite: Living Environment
Recommended Grade level: 11-12
Final Assessment: PLTW Exam
Biomedical Innovations
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PLTW Capstone
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