Engineering - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Project Lead The Way promoting engineering and engineering technology courses for high school students?

There is a critical shortage of engineers and engineering technologists entering the field at a time when technology is reinventing itself every few years.

What are the High School courses in the PLTW Engineering program?

Currently, there are 7 courses in the PLTW High School Engineering Program (See Our Curriculum for descriptions):

What is the PLTW Middle School program?

Gateway To Technology consists of nine-week stand-alone units that can be implemented in grades 6 – 8, as determined by each school. The curriculum exposes students to a broad overview of the field of technology. (See the Engineering Curriculum for descriptions) The units are as follows:

• Design and Modeling
• The Magic of Electrons
• The Science of Technology
• Automation and Robotics
• Flight and Space

Which students would benefit from enrolling in an Engineering course?

Any student who is enrolled in a college preparatory math course is eligible for the PLTW Engineering program. Students who also have an interest in science and math should be encouraged to consider the program as a means of career exploration. Those who find the engineering program of interest can complete all 5 courses in the sequence to become fully prepared for a 2 or 4 year college program in engineering or engineering technology. Others will find out in high school that engineering is not for them and will have time to prepare for another career path.