Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering
One year, 1 hour per day | Grade levels 9-12
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What is PLTW Engineering?
A set of courses meant to expose students to the world of engineering and its more than 40 different career paths that exist within it. The course will work to help students see how they can be an impact for change in the world through learning and using engineering skills and thought processes. The course will help students become familiar with the engineering design process. Students will work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using industry standard sketches and current 3D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions to real world problems.
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For more info visit www.pltw.org
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Courses Offered:
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) (weighted course)
Pre-Requisite: None, 2 semester course, Grades: 9-12
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This is an introductory class where students become familiar with the engineering design process. Students work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using industry standard sketches and current 3D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions. Students apply their knowledge through hands-on projects and document their work with the use of an engineering notebook.
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Dual Credit Offered*: Ivy Tech (up to 6 credits)
(Learn more about Dual Credit)
• DESN 101 Intro To Design Technology (3cr)
• DESN 113 2d Computer-aided Design (3cr)
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*Courses are subject to change. See instructor for most updated list.
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Principles of Engineering (POE) (weighted course)
Pre-Requisite: IED, 2 semester course, Grades: 10-12
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Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
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Digital Electronics (DE) (weighted course)
Pre-Requisite: IED & POE, 2 semester course, Grades: 11-12
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Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, high definition televisions, etc. Students learn the digital circuit design process to create circuits and present solutions that can improve people’s lives.
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Robotics (not PLTW)
2 semester course, Grades: 10-12
Students will be introduced to concepts in designing, building and using a variety of sensors to programming robotics.
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Explore concepts in robotics and programming.
Design robots to complete a series of tasks.
Program robots using sensors to make decisions and drive autonomously through a series of challenges.
Job Opportunities:
• Engineering – Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical, Petroleum, and many more • Scientist • Research & Design
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Get Involved:
Join our Career-Technical Student Organization - TSA!
Participate in the Robotics Club!
Learn leadership skills, compete in events, earn scholarships, and much more!
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$$$ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
Check out the IN CTE Career Guide​​​​ and see the in-demand occupations in Indiana!
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Related Courses at JEL
I help students as the PLTW teacher at JEL. I got my degree from Purdue and got certified as a teacher from Calumet College of St. Joseph. It is so rewarding to see students have a lightbulb moment or enjoy my class. Outside of school I read with Dean Koontz being my current favorite author. Oscar Wilde, Tolkien, Dumas, and Dostoyevsky being my favorite classic authors.