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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering

Affiliated with the Rochester Institute of Technology, PLTW Engineering is a dual enrollment program that applies science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. Students learn and develop highly transferable STEM skills based on the engineering design process using industry-leading technology and software. Through problems that engage and challenge, PLTW courses explore a broad range of engineering disciplines, including 3D design and modeling, robotics and automation, mechatronics, civil engineering and architecture, digital electronics and circuit design, and computer integrated manufacturing.

 

Course Overviews:

PLTW DDP Information Overview

  • PLTW DESIGN & DRAWING for PRODUCTION/
    INTRODUCTION to ENGINEERING DESIGN 
    1 Unit 40 weeks (7800) Grades 9-12   
    Offered in conjunction with Project Lead the Way and Rochester Institute of Technology, Design & Drawing for Production also known as Introduction to Engineering Design is a course where students learn how the engineering design process is used in industry to manufacture a product using three-dimensional solid models.  Students will learn advanced solid modeling using state of the art computer-aided design (CAD) software including Inventor, Fusion 360, or OnShape.  They will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course.  CNC Technologies including 3D Ultimaker printers, a Gantry Shopbot router, an Intelitek Milling machine, and a Trotec Laser Cutter/Engraver will bring the products to life for student testing and analysis. 

    This course meets the Arts I credit requirement for high school graduation.

    Students may elect to receive three credits from Rochester Institute of Technology by taking an exam at the conclusion of the course.  (Optional RIT registration fee – approximately $225.00.)

PLTW CIM Information Overview

  • PLTW COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING 
    1 Unit 40 weeks (7802) Grades 10-12   
    Offered in conjunction with Project Lead the Way and Rochester Institute of Technology, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is the applied study of the principles of rapid prototyping, robotics, and automation. This course builds upon the computer solid modeling skills developed in PLTW Design & Drawing for Production. Students will use computer-controlled rapid prototyping and CNC equipment to solve problems by constructing actual models of their three dimensional designs. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of robotics and how this equipment is used in an automated manufacturing environment. Students will evaluate their design solutions using various techniques of analysis, and make appropriate modifications before producing their prototypes. Students apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a capstone project to build a manufacturing system. CNC Technologies including 3D Ultimaker printers, a Gantry Shopbot router, an Intelitek Milling machine, and a Trotec Laser Cutter/Engraver will bring the products to life for student testing and analysis.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I 

  • Students may elect to receive three credits from Rochester Institute of Technology by taking an exam at the conclusion of the course.  (Optional RIT registration fee – approximately $225.00.)

PLTW CEA Information Overview

  • PLTW CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
    1 Unit 40 weeks (7804)  Grades 10-12    
    Offered in conjunction with Project Lead the Way and Rochester Institute of Technology, this course provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing their interrelationship and dependence.  Students learn the fundamentals of building design, site design, and project development. They apply STEM practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architectural design software. Students will develop skill in engineering calculations, technical representation, and documentation of design solutions according to accepted technical standards.  CNC Technologies including 3D Ultimaker printers, a Gantry Shopbot router, an Intelitek Milling machine, and a Trotec Laser Cutter/Engraver will bring models to life for student testing and analysis.

    Students may elect to receive three credits from Rochester Institute of Technology by taking an exam at the conclusion of the course.  (Optional RIT registration fee – approximately $225.00.)
          

PLTW POE Information Overview

  • PLTW PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING 
    1 Unit 40 weeks (7408) Grades 11-12   
    Offered in conjunction with Project Lead the Way and Rochester Institute of Technology, Principles of Engineering uses a hands-on laboratory approach to engage and challenge students to explore a broad range of engineering topics, including energy and power, the strength of materials and structures, automation and control systems, and statistics and kinematics. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. CNC Technologies including 3D Ultimaker printers, a Gantry Shopbot router, an Intelitek Milling machine, and a Trotec Laser Cutter/Engraver will bring models to life for student testing and analysis.

    Prerequisites: Algebra II, and 2 years of Regents Science

    Students may elect to receive three credits from Rochester Institute of Technology by taking an exam at the conclusion of the course.  (Optional RIT registration fee – approximately $225.00.)

 

PLTW Digital Electronics Information Overview

  • PLTW DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
    1 Unit 40 weeks (7304)  Grades 9-12   
    Offered in conjunction with Project Lead the Way and Rochester Institute of Technology, Digital Electronics is a course in applied logic that encompasses the application of electronic circuits and devices.  State-of-the art computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to actually constructing them in order to test and analyze. The projects are traditional, such as those found in watches, digital cameras, and calculators to combinational logic using SSI chips to small subsystem implementation in programmable devices, such as small robots, in which you will learn how machines "think." You will also learn a systematic approach that engineers use to design the electronics that is used every day. Project-based learning  emphasizes the exploration of  concepts throughout the course.

    This is an entry-level course and there are no prerequisites.

    Students may elect to receive three credits from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) by taking an exam at the conclusion of the course (optional RIT registration fee – approximately $225.00)



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