Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology

Program Overview:

The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science program of study engages high school students in computational thinking and prepares a computationally aware and capable workforce.  PLTW Computer Science empowers students to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them.  The program’s interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. This program is comprised of four courses. 

• Computer Science Essentials
• Computer Science Principles
• Computer Science A
• Cybersecurity

Students who take the Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A courses can also sit for the Advanced Placement Computer Science exams for one or both of the courses.

Students are Expected to:

1. Apply computational thinking to solve problems;
2. Use Python to create apps and produce simulations;
3. Design and implement user interfaces and Web-based databases;
4. Create and share solutions and computing resources to protect and secure privacy; and
5. Work in teams to complete challenging, self-directed projects.

Program Overview:  

Programs Of Study Sheet

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a CTE instructional program that incorporates the national standards of The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Science Standards and the International Technology Education Association.  The program prepares students for further education and careers in engineering and engineering technology. There are eight courses in the PLTW program.  The CTE program consists of five courses that are divided into three groups:  Foundation (POE, IED and DE); Pathway (CIM, CEA, AE or BE), and Capstone (EDD).  Students are expected to:

1. Develop thinking skills by solving real-world engineering problems (POE);
2. Produce, analyze, and evaluate models of project solutions using computer software (IED);
3. Test and analyze digital circuitry using industry-standard computer software (DE);
4. Work in teams to complete challenging, self-directed projects. Mentored by engineers, students design and build solutions to authentic engineering problems (EED); and
5. Depending on the pathway course, students are expected to:
   • Solve design problems using three-dimensional computer software. Students assess solutions, modify designs, and use prototyping equipment to produce 3-D models (CIM);
   • Produce architectural designs using computer software and work in teams to develop project planning skills (CEA);
   • Apply scientific and engineering concepts to design materials and processes that directly measure, repair, improve, and extend systems in different environments (AE); or
   • Solve problems in bio-engineering and related areas such as bio-medical, bio-molecular and biotechnology using knowledge and skills in biology, physics, technology and mathematics (BE).