PROJECT LEAD THE WAY
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Education

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) prepares students to be the most innovative and productive leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and to make meaningful, pioneering contributions to our world. PLTW partners with high schools and colleges across the United States to provide a rigorous, relevant STEM education. Through an engaging, hands-on curriculum, PLTW encourages the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creative and innovative reasoning and a love of learning. The PLTW high school STEM education program provides students with a foundation and proven path to college and career success in STEM-related fields. STEM education is at the heart of today’s high-tech, high-skill global economy.

For America to remain economically competitive, our next generation of leaders must develop the critical-reasoning and problem-solving skills that will help make them the most productive in the world. PLTW sparks the ingenuity, creativity and innovation within all of our students. A student does not have to take the entire 4-year program. Further information on Project Lead The Way can be obtained by calling the Practical Arts Supervisor at CHS and/or visiting the website: www.pltw.org.

Introduction to Engineering Design (PLTW)
5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
IED provides students with opportunities to be creative and to apply their decision-making and problem-solving skills to design problems. Students use powerful computer hardware and software (AutoDesk Inventor) to develop 3-D models or solid renderings of objects. Using a Computer Aided Design System, students learn the product design process through creating, analyzing, rendering and producing a model. The techniques learned, and equipment used, are state of the art and are currently being used by engineers throughout the United States. This is a course that is part of the Project Lead The Way program (see above).

Digital Electronics Engineering (PLTW)
5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Digital Electronics Engineering is a course in applied digital logic, a key element of careers in engineering and engineering technology. The use of digital circuits is increasing so rapidly that it's hard to imagine the limits. Students are introduced to the digital circuits found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. Students study the application of digital logic and how digital devices are used to control automated equipment. Students use industry-standard computer software in testing and analyzing digital circuitry. They design circuits to solve problems, and use appropriate components to build their designs. Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design or recommendation of the department. This is a course that is part of the Project Lead The Way program (see above).

Principles of Engineering (PLTW)
5 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
This course is intended to introduce the student to the field of engineering and all the aspects related to engineering. Students will start by looking at the educational path that leads to a career in engineering. The path of solving technical problems, from design and development, to manufacturing and testing will be covered. Most of this will be achieved by students working through the process. Because of the nature of some engineering challenges, there will be some elements of physics, vector math, and statistics involved. Students will work extensively with computer technology, as well as word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software. Prerequisite: Digital Electronics Engineering or recommendation of the department. This is a course that is part of the Project Lead The Way program (see above).

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (PLTW)
5 credits
Grades 11, 12
CIM is a course that applies principles of robotics and automation. It builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design, and Design and Drawing for Production. Students use CNC equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing, and design analysis are included. Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering or recommendation of the department. This is a course that is part of the Project Lead The Way program (see above).

Engineering Design and Development (PLTW)
5 credits
Grade 12
This is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. It is completed in a concentrated study format and 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.
Prerequisite: Successful work in previous PLTW coursework and recommendation of the department. This is a course that is part of the Project Lead The Way program (see above).