Do you possess a strong analytical aptitude? Are you mathematically inclined? Would you like to make a difference in the world?
The Engineering: Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Academy program is a national program in which students are introduced to the scope, rigor and disciplines of engineering through specialized coursework combined with traditional mathematics and science courses. The academy focuses on principles of engineering, digital electronics, computer-integrated manufacturing and a capstone course in which students design and build solutions to authentic engineering problems. Students will learn the many aspects of engineering.
Location
Your current school
Depending on interest and enrollment, this academy may be offered at your home school. Contact your school's guidance counselor for more information.
Grades
9-12
Related Academies
Electives
Students seeking postsecondary education are advised to take at least two years of World Language. Students seeking degrees in Engineering are also advised to enroll in Physics and Chemistry
Prerequisites
Engineering Academy students must enter the program in the ninth grade. Ninth grade students should take Introduction to Engineering Design and must be concurrently enrolled in Algebra I as a minimum level mathematics course.
Certifications
Students prepare to earn Autodesk 360 Fusion certification.
College Credit
Students who have taken high school engineering courses and/or received transcripted college credit have demonstrated their commitment to a rigorous, challenging program. They are prime candidates for a college or university engineering program. Students are encouraged to interview with the head of college programs to discuss what they have learned in high school and what college courses would be appropriate.
Successful Academy Students:
- Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.
- Maintain a C average in mathematics.
In the senior year PLTW Engineering Design and Development course, 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 mentoring engineer. 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.
Suggested Course Schedule
| Grade Level | Course 1 | Course 2 | Course 3 | Course 4 | Course 5 | Course 6 | Course 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninth Grade | English required | Mathematics required | Science required | Social Studies required | Fitness & Health required | World Language | PLTW Engineering Design - G/T (Technology Education Graduation Credit) |
| Tenth Grade | English required | Mathematics required | Science required | Social Studies required | World Language | Fine Arts available | PLTW Principles of Engineering - G/T |
| Eleventh Grade | English required | Mathematics required | Science required | Social Studies required | Elective available | PLTW Digital Electronics - G/T | PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing - G/T |
| Twelfth Grade | English required | Mathematics required | Science Elective available | Elective available | Elective available | Elective available | PLTW Engineering Design and Development - G/T |