Updated: July 22, 2024
At PLTW, we understand the importance of preparing students for the real world. That's why we continuously update our curriculum to help your students see the relevance of what they're learning and how it can lead to a successful career.
Whether it is your first year, 40th year, or somewhere in between, our team at PLTW is excited to support you throughout this school year. Below are key updates you need to know as you plan for the 2024-25 school year.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to exceptional teaching and learning. Together, we are making an impact on the lives of nearly 2.5 million U.S. students, helping every student in every grade thrive in a STEM-driven world.
Math Connections for Grades 3-5
- All 3rd - 5th grade PLTW Launch modules now include optional Math Performance Tasks. These components help educators highlight connections to math as well as understand where math skills are applied in STEM learning experiences. Math Performance Tasks are also available in multiple K-2 modules.
Structure and Function: Exploring Design (Kindergarten)
- In this module, a new version of Jack and the Beanstalk by Project Lead The Way, Inc. has been added to the equipment kit. This version of Jack and the Beanstalk also includes an audiobook for students to access and enjoy.
Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions (Grade 3)
- In this module, VEX® GO Kit with Storage Case has been added to the equipment kit. Downloadable build instructions using VEX GO kits have been added for the inclined plane, lever, and pulley builds.
- If you have PLTW VEX® IQ kits you ordered for PLTW Launch, you may continue to use those instead of the VEX GO Kits. Both VEX GO and VEX IQ are fully supported for this module.
Update: Spatial Sense and Coding
- The VEX® 123 interactive robot is now included in the module kit, replacing the robotic mouse. The module includes dual support for the interactive robot— VEX® 123 and the robotic mouse.
Major Update: Automation and Robotics
In the updated Automation and Robotics unit, students follow build guides to incrementally build a mobile robot throughout Activities 1.1 – 1.5. Since the updated unit was first published in May 2023, there were two versions of each build guide available for students: One for schools using the VEX EXP platform and one for schools using the VEX V5 platform. There are now three versions.
Schools who purchased the previous Gateway VEX Cortex kit and upgraded to the VEX EXP platform reported that they did not have all of the materials necessary to successfully complete the EXP Builds. To accommodate these schools, we added a third version of each build guide to the curriculum: EXP Blended.
Therefore, each time students are directed to gather parts and follow a build guide in Activities 1.1 – 1.5, they will follow the EXP version, the EXP Blended version, or the V5 version. Each teacher will need to assess their VEX equipment to determine which version to use with students. If you are unsure of which version to use with your students, use the Determining Your Build Guide interactive.
Computer Science for Innovators & Makers:
Equipment and Supplies Update
In response to your feedback, an update was published on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 that involves the addition of a small, fixed resistor. The resistor is used in Activity 2.1: Need Input and will improve the performance of the pressure sensor, the photocell resistor, and the flex sensor. PLTW received feedback that these sensors have been producing unreliable results when used with the micro:bit. To improve functionality and ensure reliable results, a 47K Ohm fixed resistor is needed in series with the sensors when used with the micro:bit. The curriculum now includes directions that utilize these resistors.
Schools that have not already received their kits will receive the new resistor in their delivery. However, schools that already received their kit or purchased one in the past will need to purchase it from the PLTW Store in myPLTW.
Diagrams of each setup are included below:
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Pressure Sensor Setup:
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Photocell Resistor Setup:
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How to purchase the 47K Ohm Fixed Resistor:
100 packs of the 47K Ohm fixed resistor are available for purchase through the PLTW Store in myPLTW. To purchase these from the Store, select Optional for PLTW Programs from the filter options and click Update Filters.
Mentorship Opportunities with Microsoft
Microsoft's Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program partners industry professionals with classroom teachers to strengthen computer science education in high schools.
Key benefits:
- Access to experienced CS professionals
- Customized curriculum support
- Professional development opportunities
- Potential for increased student engagement and success
Learn more about how TEALS can complement your existing PLTW Computer Science courses and help build a robust CS program in your school visit Microsoft.com/TEALS to learn more, or Request for a TEALS team member to contact you with additional information.
College Credit, Scholarships, and More
By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.
PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Computer Science program, Cybersecurity has been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more.
Update: Computer Science Essentials
This summer, we enhanced the Self-Driving Vehicle (SDV) in the Computer Science Essentials program. The SDV will now feature the advanced VEX AI Camera, replacing the current VEX Vision Sensor.
Key improvements:
- The VEX AI Camera offers superior object and color detection capabilities.
- This upgrade will significantly expand the SDV's potential in your classroom.
- The new camera is compatible with both VEX V5 and EXP brains.
For educators wishing to upgrade existing SDVs:
- The VEX AI Camera will be available for separate purchase in the PLTW Store.
- Our student course materials and Teacher Guide will continue to support the VEX Vision Sensor (for both V5 and EXP) through June 2026.
Update: Computer Science Principles
We've made some significant updates to Activity 2.2.3 Demystifying Data Transmission in our Computer Science Principles course:
AWS Academy Cloud9 Removal:
- The AWS Academy Cloud9 version of this activity has been removed from the course.
- AWS Academy is no longer a requirement for Computer Science Principles.
New Accessibility Options:
- We've introduced online tools as alternatives for students who don't have access to the Terminal.
- This change ensures all students can participate fully in the activity, regardless of their available resources.
Improvements: Computer Science A
We're made several improvements to our Computer Science A course:
Enhanced GUI Compatibility:
- All GUI programs have been scaled to work seamlessly with online IDEs.
Streamlined Loop Activities:
- Activities 2.4.1 (while loop) and 2.4.2 (for loop) have been simplified for better comprehension.
Optimized Activity 2.4.3:
- This activity has been condensed, with two programs moved to the Teacher Guide under Differentiation Opportunities.
New Image App Project:
- College Board's Steganography Lab has been replaced with a new Image App project that doesn't rely on binary math.
- The original Steganography Lab will remain available in the Teacher Guide.
Improved Sorting Algorithm Resources:
- New Selection Sort and Insertion Sort videos have been added to Activity 3.7.6.
- A new slideshow for the Merge Sort has been created for Activity 4.10.2.
College Board is updating the AP CSA Framework for the 2025-2026 school year.
- As a result, we plan to update our CSA course to maintain alignment to the new AP CSA framework, effective fall of 2025. We will also make sure to maintain alignment with the Oracle Java Certification, allowing your students to continue to benefit from the optional unit available in the course. This update will not require any additional equipment or supplies.
PLTW CSA Optional Java Certification Unit
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new optional addition to the PLTW Computer Science A (CSA) student course: the Java Certification unit.
The Java Certification unit is a supplement to the content covered in AP CSA Chapters 1-4. The activities discuss additional topics that are included in Oracle Certified Associate certification. After completing AP CSA Chapters 1- 4 and this unit, students should be qualified to take the Java SE 8 Programmer 1 Exam. Students who pass the exam will receive the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification.
The unit is now live in the PLTW CSA student course and can be found just below Chapter 4. It is optional and intended for students who are interested in taking the certification exam. The unit has been specifically designed to be self-paced and student-driven; all answers are provided within the student course and do not require any teacher feedback.
To view the Java Certification alignment for the CSA course, click here. We’ve also compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document with additional details.
Cybersecurity
The Cyber Lab Console has been updated and added to your Site page in myPLTW.
Key Enhancements:
- Advanced Lab Scheduling:
- Teachers can now schedule labs in advance, dramatically reducing spin-up time.
- Improved Student Access:
- Students will experience significantly reduced wait times when accessing labs.
- In many cases, wait times have been eliminated.
- Enhanced Teacher Controls:
- Teachers now have greater control over starting and relaunching labs.
Principles of Engineering: Important Updates
PLTW’s updated Principles of Engineering (POE) curriculum was published on Dec. 22, 2023, with significant updates based on valuable feedback from our network. During this update, we provided access to both the Legacy POE course and the updated POE course. As of July 1, 2024, the Legacy POE course is no longer available.
The POE Update, revised Course Outline and Course Resume detail these changes. Support resources also include a February webinar and updated PLTW Core Training materials.
Q&A Document: Read Answers Here
College Credit, Scholarships, and More
By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.
PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Engineering program, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Principles of Engineering have been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more.
Aerospace Engineering
AGI STK, software exclusively used in the PLTW Engineering AE course, was recently purchased by ANSYS software.
Due to this, schools now need to transition to ANSYS STK version 12.5 or newer following new licensing procedures and guidelines.
All schools will need to use a licensing server in their school or use on a machine in their lab, as standalone licensing is no longer available. The Installation Guide on our software page has been updated to reflect the new software installation and server installation. If you have questions, contact the PLTW Solution Center.
Digital Electronics
The Digital Electronics (DE) course has been updated for the 2024-25 school year. These changes, which we shared with our Master Teachers at the MasterMinds event earlier this year, were guided by the valuable feedback we received from the DE Network last fall.
Key Highlights of the Update:
- Technology and Equipment Optimization:
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- We're collaborating with Master Teachers and National Instruments and Digilent to update the technology used in the course.
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- The current myDigital Protoboard and NI myDAQ will be replaced by the myDigital Canvas Board and Analog Discovery 3, as the NI myDAQ is being discontinued from production.
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- The PLTW-S7 FPGA module will continue to be used.
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- To address the recent challenges in sourcing chips, we are developing and offering a new chips set (IC Kit).
- Equipment Availability and Ordering:
- New equipment is now available in the myPLTW Store.
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- Shipments will start in Spring 2024.
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- The myDAQ and Protoboard will remain available as optional items in the Store.
- Ongoing Support for Current Technology
- Support for the current technology (myDAQ, Protoboard, TTL chips IC Kit) will continue through the 2025-26 school year.
- CHIPS Act and Career Focus
- There is an emphasis on careers in microelectronics and semiconductor workforce preparation.
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- This update aligns with the CHIPS and Science Act, offering potential local funding opportunities for schools adopting Digital Electronics.
- This update aligns with the CHIPS and Science Act, offering potential local funding opportunities for schools adopting Digital Electronics.
- Updated Teacher Guide
- The Teacher Guide will be updated to support the integration of the new technology and will also be restructured to include Lesson Quick Guides and Resources for each Activity, Project, and Problem.
- The Teacher Guide will be updated to support the integration of the new technology and will also be restructured to include Lesson Quick Guides and Resources for each Activity, Project, and Problem.
- Core Training
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- All updates will be covered in the 2024 Online Core Training.
- Supporting the updates
- In several locations there are specific updates to support new equipment. Please note the following locations of modifications to the procedure steps in the Student Course.
College Credit, Scholarships, and More
By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.
PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Biomedical Science program, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Principles of Biomedical Science have been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more
Update: COVID-19 Module Sunsetting
In spring 2020, PLTW introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic module to bridge real-world events with the PLTW Biomedical Science classroom. This module immersed students in pandemic management strategies, infectious disease responses, and SARS-CoV-2 virology. It also fostered discussions on the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of global health crises.
As of July 2024, the PLTW Biomedical Science (BMS) pathway has integrated key elements of the COVID-19 module into its updated curriculum. While the standalone module has been retired, its most relevant and valuable content has been woven into appropriate sections of the revised program, ensuring students continue to benefit from these critical insights in a more streamlined, context-appropriate manner.
PLTW Capstone
The PLTW Capstone course represents an exciting evolution of our Engineering Design and Development (EDD) program. We've transformed EDD into a more inclusive and interdisciplinary experience. This PLTW Capstone course now spans all three of our high school pathways: Engineering, Biomedical Science, and Computer Science, offering a truly integrated approach to project-based learning.
PLTW Capstone also helps to represent a natural progression in our curriculum, offering students a more authentic, collaborative experience. We encourage all PLTW educators to consider incorporating this course into your teaching plans.
Key Features:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Students from any pathway can tackle real-world challenges, mirroring professional collaboration.
- Expanded Accessibility: Open to all PLTW educators, not just those from EDD or Biomedical Innovations backgrounds.
- Comprehensive Training: Core Training is available to equip all instructors with the necessary skills to implement this course.
For more details, please refer to our FAQ Document.
PLTW Core Training and Professional Development Suite
PLTW Core Training and Professional Development Suite trainings run year-round, and classes are continually added. We offer training opportunities to enhance your skills and instructional approaches for the classroom. Explore professional development opportunities.
PLTW Grants
We are pleased to share these competitive PLTW grant opportunities for schools in partner-selected communities across the country made possible by Ameren, Boston Scientific, John Deere, Lockheed Martin, and Verizon.
Ameren is PLTW’s newest philanthropic partner, whose $140,000 commitment will support PLTW grants to new and existing PLTW programs in Ameren service territories in Illinois and Missouri.
Explore these grant opportunities and others made possible by Burns & McDonnell, Chevron, and Tesla/Nevada DOE. We will continue to post additional grant opportunities supported by more partners throughout the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Visit the PLTW website to learn more about these new opportunities to further support STEM education.
PLTW Summit
PLTW is proud to announce the next PLTW Summit is scheduled October 3-5, 2024 in San Diego, CA. PLTW Summit is offered every two years in the fall and is a great opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn alongside educators from across the country.
Stay tuned for more information on the Events website for more details.
PLTW provides PreK-12 schools, teachers, and students with hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM-based curriculum that uniquely prepares students for life and their future careers. PLTW rejuvenates teachers, providing world-class experiences that keep them on the forefront of how to prepare students for the demands of tomorrow. PLTW:
- Has provided professional development opportunities to more than 80,000 teachers giving them the support and resources needed to inspire students
- Offers best-in-class teacher training: PLTW Core Training with Master Teachers
- Continuously updates teacher resources that are available on demand
- Facilitates teacher networking opportunities
- Develops curriculum by a team of writers, many of whom are former teachers
Learn more about PLTW on pltw.org.
