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PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when
combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses
in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and
discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to
entering college.
The courses are:
- Introduction to Engineering Design
- Digital Electronics
- Principles of Engineering
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Biotechnical Engineering (in development)
- Aerospace Technology (in development)
- Engineering Design and Development
Introduction at this level will attract more students to
engineering, and will allow students, while still in high
school, to determine if engineering is the career they desire.
Students participating in PLTW courses are better prepared
for college engineering programs and more likely to be successful,
thus reducing the attrition rate in these college programs,
which currently exceeds 50% nationally.
A critical component of the Project Lead The Way program
is its comprehensive teacher training model. The curriculum
these teachers are required to teach utilizes cutting edge
technology and software requiring specialized training. Ongoing
training supports the teachers as they implement the program
and provides for continuous improvement of skills.
Understanding that another key to success is awareness, PLTW
makes a concerted effort to inform school counselors through
counselor conferences, brochures and videotapes about the
benefits of the program, as well as the wide array of technology
jobs and careers available to students who enter the field
upon graduation from high school and college.
In addition, PLTW has developed an exciting Middle School
Technology Curriculum: Gateway To Technology. This project-based,
cutting edge curriculum is 40 weeks in length and is divided
into four 10-week units from the following: Design and Modeling;
The Magic of Electrons; The Science of Technology; Automation
and Robotics; three new units in development: Environmental
Engineering, Energy and the Environment, and Aerospace Technology.
Designed for all students, the units address national standards
in math, science and technology. One of the goals is to increase
interest and awareness of female and minority students in
technology and related careers. Gateway To Technology will
also encourage increasing numbers of students to elect the
high school program.
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