Project Lead The Way Inc. (PLTW) is a national program forming partnerships among Public Schools, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system. The program is partially funded by Charitable Venture Foundation, a private foundation located in Clifton Park, New York. PLTW has a support staff of experienced technology educators and college and university partners to support schools as they implement PLTW curricula. All curriculum is free to schools participating in the PLTW network.
PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.
The courses are:
- Introduction To Engineering Design (Design and Drawing For Production, NYS)
- Digital Electronics
- Principles of Engineering
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Engineering Design And Development
In addition, PLTW has developed an exciting Middle School Technology Curriculum: Gateway To Technology. This project-based, cutting edge curriculum is 40 weeks in length and is divided into four 10-week units: Design and Modeling; The Magic of Electrons; The Science of Technology; Automation and Robotics. Designed for all students, the units address national standards in math, science and technology. One of the goals is to increase interest and awareness of female and minority students in technology and related careers. Gateway To Technology will also encourage increasing numbers of students to elect the high school program.
Extensive information, including sample curriculum, is available on the Project Lead The Way web site: http://www.pltw.org/aindex.htm
