The PLTW Pathway to Engineering Program is a curriculum that is designed to encompass all four years of high school.  Foundation courses are supplemented by a number of electives to create seven rigorous, relevant, reality-based courses.  Activities are hands-on and project-based.  Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software that’s used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar.  They explore aerodynamics, astronautics and space, life sciences, & NASA.  They apply biological and engineering concepts related to biomechanics – think robotics.  Students design, test, and actually construct circuits and devices such as smart phones and tablets, and work collaboratively on a culminating capstone project.  Some PLTW students have even received US patents. 

 

PLTW courses may count as dual credit for those individuals pursuing further education.  These courses receive (except for IED 5281/5282) one additional grade bump in all G.P.A. calculations.  Ivy Tech requires students interested in dual credit to apply online during the first few weeks of class.  They must also submit a completed and signed Ivy Tech High School-Based Dual Credit Application Course Enrollment Form.  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. 

 

PLTW courses eligible for Dual Credit include the foundation and specialization courses of IED, POE, CEA, DE, and CIM.  The capstone course of EDD and AE are not eligible for Dual Credit.

 

However, those not intending to pursue further formal education will benefit greatly from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. 

 

Foundation Courses for all students in this pathway:

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

 

Specialization Courses for all students in this pathway:

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

 

Capstone Course for all students in this pathway:

Engineering design & Development (EDD)

• Any Freshman enrolled in or having passed Algebra I should take IED and follow pathway

• Students desiring dual credit for CEA and DE must have taken IED & POE

• Any sophomore having passed Algebra I should take POE and any combination of IED, CIM, AE, DE and/or CEA

• Any junior having passed Algebra I should take any combination of AE, CEA, CIM, and/or DE

• Any senior having passed Algebra I is eligible to take any combination of DE, CIM, EDD, AE, and/or CEA

 

​

​

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

​

​

​

​