• Any interested student enrolled in or having passed Algebra I should take IED first and then follow the pathway.

• More than one advanced course can be taken at the same time.

• All courses in the pathway have no homework.

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Welcome to the PLTW Engineering section.  Within the PLTW Engineering Pathway, students have a variety of options to choose from and choices can become a little overwhelming.  Therefore, the following information is designed to help guide you in choosing classes in the PLTW Engineering Pathway. 

 

In PLTW Engineering, students engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same industry-leading technology and software as are used in the world’s top companies.  Students are immersed in design as they investigate topics such as sustainability, mechatronics, forces, structures, aerodynamics, digital electronics and circuit design, manufacturing, and the environment, which gives them an opportunity to learn about different engineering disciplines before beginning post-secondary education or careers. 

 

PLTW Engineering is more than just another high school engineering program.  It is about applying engineering, science, math and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context.  Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not on getting the “right” answer.  They learn how to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) knowledge, skills and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation.  PLTW students have said that PLTW Engineering influenced their post-secondary decisions and helped shape their future.  Even for students who do not plan to pursue engineering after high school, the PLTW Engineering program provides opportunities to develop highly transferable skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are relevant for any coursework or career.

 

If you have an interest in taking a beginning course within PLTW Engineering Pathway, you may want to look at one of our Foundation Courses.  Our pathway starts with general engineering concepts and later focuses on a particular career area and gives you a more specialized curriculum the further you travel into the pathway.  This will give you the opportunity to see what the PLTW Engineering Pathway consists of and what options are available. 

 

Foundation Courses for all students in this pathway

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Principles of Engineering (POE)

 

If you want to delve deeper into PLTW Engineering Pathway content or you have a career choice you would like to pursue, you may want to look at one of our Specialization Courses.

 

Specialization Courses for all students in this pathway

 Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Digital Electronics (DE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and   Aerospace Engineering (AE)

 

Finally, we have a Capstone Course for individuals who want to go beyond what is normally done in the classroom and find their own creative solutions to problems.

 

Capstone Course for all students in this pathway

Capstone Course: Engineering Design & Development (EDD)

 

Dual Credit and Extra point for GPA calculation

Ivy Tech requires students interested in dual credit to apply online (to Ivy Tech) during the first few weeks of class.  Students must earn a passing grade in the course, including all prerequisite requirements and assessments.  College credit will be awarded upon notification from Ivy Tech that the student has earned the required grade.  CHS PLTW students are not charged tuition and may earn up to 15 college credits.  The following courses in BOLD are worth 3 college credits.  The courses that are UNDERLINED have one extra grade bump for GPA calculation purposes. 

 

Grade 9-10

• Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

 

Grade 10-11

• Principles of Engineering (POE)

 

Grade 11-12

• Aerospace Engineering (AE)

• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

• Digital Electronics (DE)

 

Grade 12

• Engineering Design & Development (EDD)

 

Industry Recognized Certifications

• Autodesk Inventor User

• Autodesk Inventor Certified Associate

• Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional

 

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Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) PLTW (Gr. 9-10) 2 semesters                          5281/5282

Students use 3D solid modeling design software to design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. (4812)

Recommendation: Student must be enrolled in or have passed Algebra I

Note: Eligible for Ivy Tech dual credit

Note: No additional grade bump in GPA

Note: This course is required as a prerequisite for dual credit in POE and CEA

 

 

Principles of Engineering (POE) PLTW (Gr. 10-11) 2 semesters                                       5351/5352

This survey course of engineering exposes students to some of the major concepts they’ll encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study.  Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of course concepts.  Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges.  Students also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community.  (4814)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I

Note: Eligible for Ivy Tech dual credit if dual credit was received for IED

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note:  Counts as quantitative reasoning course

 

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Aerospace Engineering (AE) PLTW (Gr. 11-12) 2 semesters                                            5311/5312

The major focus is to expose students to the world of aeronautics, flight and engineering through the fields of aerospace engineering and related areas of study. Lessons engage students in engineering design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Students work in teams utilizing hands-on activities, projects and problems and are exposed to various situations faced by aerospace engineers. Students use 3D design software to help design solutions to proposed problems. Students design intelligent vehicles to learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. (4816)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note: Not eligible for dual credit

Note: Counts as quantitative reasoning course

 

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Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA) PLTW (Gr. 11-12) 2 semesters                            5361/5362

The major focus is completing long-term projects that involve the development of property sites. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to design and develop a property.  The course provides teachers and students freedom to develop the property as a simulation or for students to model the experiences that civil engineers and architects face. Students work in teams, exploring hands-on activities and projects to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture.  In addition, students use 3D design software to help them design solutions to solve major course projects.  Students learn to document their project, solve problems and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture. (4820)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I

Note: Eligible for Ivy Tech dual credit if dual credit was received for IED

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note: Counts as quantitative reasoning course

 

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Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) PLTW (Gr. 11-12) 2 semesters                       5391/5392

Computer Integrated Manufacturing applies principles of rapid prototyping, robotics, and automation.  This course builds upon the computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction of Engineering Design (IED).  Students use computer controlled rapid prototyping and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment to solve problems by constructing actual models of their three-dimensional designs.  Students are introduced to the fundamentals of robotics and how this equipment is used in an automated manufacturing environment.  Students evaluate their design solutions using various techniques of analysis and make appropriate modifications before producing their prototypes. (4810)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note:  Counts as quantitative reasoning course

 

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Digital Electronics (DE) PLTW (Gr. 11-12) 2 semesters                                                    5371/5372

This is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals.  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 is to expose students to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards and technical documentation. (4826)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I

Note: Eligible for Ivy Tech dual credit

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note:  Counts as quantitative reasoning course

 

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Engineering Design & Development (EDD) PLTW (Gr. 12) 2 semesters                           5381/5382

This capstone course allows students to design a solution to a technical problem of their choosing. They have the chance to eliminate one of the “Don’t you hate it when…” statements of the world. This is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design, test, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. The product development life cycle and a design process are used to guide and help the team to reach a solution to the problem. The team presents and defends their solution to a panel of outside reviewers at the conclusion of the course.  The course allows students to apply all the skills and knowledge learned in previous Project Lead the Way courses.  The use of 3D design software helps students design solutions to the problem their team has chosen. This course also engages students in time management and teamwork skills, a valuable skill set for students in the future.  (4828)

Recommendation: Student has already passed Algebra I & IED

Note: Receives 1 grade bump in GPA

Note: Not eligible for dual credit

Note:  Counts as quantitative reasoning course

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