The PLTW high school engineering curricular program, Pathway To Engineering, is a program of study integrated into the students’ core curriculum. The combination of traditional math and science courses with innovative Pathway To Engineering courses prepares students for college majors in engineering and engineering technology fields. The following are the minimum implementation requirements.
All PLTW courses require concurrent enrollment in (or satisfactory prior completion of) appropriate grade level math and science courses. Grade level courses should be those that support a student’s requirements towards college readiness.
PLTW is a rigorous and innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education curricular program. PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum promotes critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving skills in students. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success. PLTW Foundation courses that will be implemented at EAHS for the 2015-16′ school year will include: Students will be able to receive up to 9 college credits upon completion of 4 PLTW courses.
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED): 1 credit. 9th/10th grade
Designed for 9th or 10th grade students, the major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Principles of Engineering (POE): 1 credit. 10th/11th grade
Designed for 10th or 11th grade students, this survey course exposes students to major concepts they’ll encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions.
Digital Electronics (DE): 1 credit. 11th/12th grade
Digital Electronics is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. In contrast to analog electronics, where information is represented by a continuously varying voltage, digital signals are represented by two discreet voltages or logic levels. This distinction allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world electronics. Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, high definition televisions, etc. The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA): 1 credit. 11th/12th grade
Civil Engineering and Architecture is the study of the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects. The course includes an introduction to many of the varied factors involved in building design and construction including building components and systems, structural design, storm water management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation, energy efficiency, and careers in the design and construction industry. The major focus of the CEA course is to expose students to the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): 1 credit. 11th/12th grade
How are things made? What processes go into creating objects? Is the process for making a water bottle the same as it is for a musical instrument? How do assembly lines work? How has automation changed the face of manufacturing? These are just a few of the questions that are answered in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing course. As you find the answers to these questions, you will learn about the history of manufacturing, a sampling of manufacturing processes, robotics, and automation.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD): 1 credit. 12th grade
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the PLTW high school engineering program. It is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology.
Applied Technology: 1 credit.
This 9th grade course will provide students with a valuable hands-on experience in four areas of the Technology Education program. Students will spend one marking period in each of four labs: Drafting, Graphic Communications, Manufacturing and Energy, Power & Transportation. This course will provide an excellent foundation for students planning to take additional courses in Technology Education. The course offers a variety of hands-on activities which encourage students to develop good work habits and problem-solving skills. Safety procedures will be taught and emphasized. Students will complete a portfolio notebook representing all work completed during the course.
Graphic Communications: 1 credit.
This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of graphic communication processes. The course begins with an introduction to desktop publishing and its role in the graphic communication industry. It will also include advanced photo editing techniques in the realm of digital photography. The software that is utilized in this course will be Adobe InDesign, Adobe PhotoShop, iMovie and GarageBand. This course will also have a strong focus on iPad integration into the course curriculum. The course is hands-on and project oriented.
Rover Grafix: 1 credit.
This course is designed to offer students an in-depth study of the graphic communications industry while in a simulated business environment. A mock company, (ROVER GRAFIX) serves the Easton Area School District community. Group projects will be used extensively. Students will layout, design and produce a variety of printed materials including tickets and programs for special events, letterheads, tablets, business cards and brochures. The course is hands-on and project oriented.
Honors Computer Aided Drafting & Design: 1 credit.
This course is designed for the student whose post high school plans include the study or employment in all fields of engineering, architecture, drafting or interior design. The course will include: advanced geometric construction, engineering drawing applications, AutoCAD drafting techniques and complete detailed architectural house plans. The student will learn problem-solving techniques encountered in the specialized fields of drafting and design. AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor and Revit Architecture are the software programs that students will be using. The students will study advanced methods, processes and techniques used in engineering drawing and architecture. Students will also have the option of joining the local chapter of our Easton Area High School Technology Student Association (TSA).
Energy, Power, and Transportation (EPT): 1 credit.
In this course students will explore applications of energy and power conservation devices and systems, along with the transportation of goods and services. The class will gain insight into various modes of transportation and use of energy through the study of electricity, magnetic levitation, flight principles, gearing principles, and simple circuit technology. These technologies are extremely vital to today’s world, students in this class will design solutions to various problems and realize the impacts these technologies have on society.