PLTW OverviewTwo high school curricular programs that are usually only

partially implemented (i.e. three courses are offered):

PATHWAY TO ENGINEERING

• 2 Foundational courses

• 5 Specialization courses

• 1 Capstone course

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM

• 4-course sequence to prepare students to pursue health sciences

Biomedical Sciences Program

• Principles of the Biomedical Scienceso Health conditions & treatment options

[d - Biological Lab Science (pending)]

• Human Body Systemso Structure & function of organs & tissues

[d - Biological Lab Science (pending)]

• Medical Interventionso Disease prevention, diagnosis & treatment

• Biomedical Innovationo Capstone course – independent project

Pathway to Engineering – Foundations

• Introduction to Engineering Designo Computer aided design

[g – Elective: Interdisciplinary; f – Visual Arts]

• Principles of Engineeringo Intro to engineering careers & skills

[g – Elective: Interdisciplinary]

• Digital Electronicso Computer simulated circuits

[g – Elective: Math]

Pathway to Engineering - Specialization & Capstone

• Aerospace Engineering[g – Elective: Interdisciplinary]

• Biotechnical Engineering[g – Elective: Biological Science]

• Civil Engineering & Architecture[g – Elective: Interdisciplinary]

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing

[g – Elective: Other]

• Engineering Design & Development[d – Lab Science: Interdisciplinary]

SIMPLIFIED STUDENT SCHEDULESIMPLIFIED STUDENT SCHEDULE

Guaranteed Admissions – an example

• Complete four PLTW courses with a “B” or better

• Complete CSU a-g requirements

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA

• Pass Entry Level Placement Tests

•Take the SAT or ACT

Local PLTW Schools

PLTW PROGRAM REQUIREMENTSTraining & Support

• Two-week / class teacher training

• PLTW Virtual Academyo Continued trainingo Detailed manualso Videos of lessonso Discussion forums

Costs• Participation fee• Teacher training• Equipment

o Computer softwareo Activity kitso Consumables

Alternatives to PLTW• Engineering by Design

• Elective courses culminate in capstone project• Three “Pathway Extensions” with themes:

• General Science & Engineering • Robotics & Automation• Game Art & Design

• The Infinity Project• Engineering Design

• Four-module elective class • Electrical, mechanical, biomedical, and environmental engineering

• Engineering Math• Engineering-related math applications

Engineering by Design (EbD)

Infinity Project – Engineering Design modules:

Engineering Our Digital Future – explores the fundamentals of engineering and technology in the information and communications age.The Challenge of Roving Callisto – focuses on engineering principals necessary to create & design a robot to roam the surface of one of Jupiter’s moons. Engineering Earth – utilizes science, technology, and math to support human needs and develop ecological solutions.The Human Machine – links biology, physics, chemistry, and math together to investigate and improve the human condition.

Next Steps…• Fall 2011-2012

• Visit STEM schools • Decide on program offerings• Ensure that technology labs are built into SCHS• Establish funding

• Spring 2012• Register for program• Identify elective teachers• Purchase equipment, software & supplies

• Summer 2013• Teachers attend training institute

• Fall 2013• Blast off!