At PLTW, we know that great teaching starts with great planning. That’s why we’ve created this Curriculum Planning Guide help you succeed every step of the way.
You’ll find everything you need to align your instruction with real-world learning experiences that prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Whether you're just getting started or have decades of experience, this guide is designed to support you every step of the way.
Set your classroom up for success from day one with these four essential steps. Whether you're continuing your PLTW journey or just getting started, these resources will guide you through a smooth and confident start to the year.
Pro Tip: Utilize the “Optional” filter in the PLTW Store to find a curated selection of tables, workbenches, seating options, and other classroom essentials. To use, find the filter on the left side of the page and select Optional for PLTW Programs, then click "Update Filters".
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available 7 a.m. to midnight ET, seven days a week. Contact us at 877.335.7589 or solutioncenter@pltw.org.
All students and teachers have now transitioned to the enhanced myPLTW platform in the 2025-26 school year. To get started, download the Enhanced myPLTW Experience Checklist or review the instructions and resources listed below.
We’re excited to share several enhancements coming to PLTW Launch—all designed to make your planning smoother, your pacing clearer, and your teaching experience even more engaging.
Here’s what’s new for you:
These updates make it easier to reinforce literacy and math connections, deliver hands‑on learning, and keep students motivated.
If you’d like to explore these enhancements, contact your PLTW representative to learn more.
Thanks to strong feedback from the PLTW network, the VEX Testbed, removed in a previous rewrite, is returning to Robotics and Automation. It will appear as an optional activity with added guidance to support smooth facilitation. The activity is available now in English, with a Spanish version coming soon.
We’re excited to introduce RosieCode, a new block coding experience that will replace Scratch in PLTW Launch.
Named for the popular Grids and Games activity Rosie’s Runtime, RosieCode is built from Scratch’s open-source code, so you and your students can continue coding in a seamless, familiar way without logins or public community features.
All code and data are saved directly to each device, supporting student data privacy. When RosieCode debuts, it will automatically take the place of Scratch in the PLTW Launch curriculum.
Updates to the PLTW Launch modules listed below for the 2026-27 school year:
Additional details will be released in the upcoming weeks. This updated curriculum will be available in May.
Rostering takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require creating any new accounts. It also helps us make informed planning decisions and ensures your class is included this fall. View instructions.
PLTW is moving to a digital-only format for Spanish-language PLTW Launch Logs. Educators will still be able to download and print the Spanish version through myPLTW, but bound booklets will no longer be available in the PLTW Store once supplies run out. Visit PLTW Store to shop now.
You can now order mini stand-up versions of the PLTW Launch characters to add a visual element to your learning space. These 10.5" cutouts are available as finished items or as free downloadable files you can print locally on the material of your choice. View options and order.
Need to show how your curriculum aligns with state standards? Visit our Standards Connections page for the latest resources. We’ve recently added new Module Overviews, Standards Guides, and Scope and Sequence documents for more than a dozen states to support your planning and reporting needs.
Introducing Building for the Future—a reimagined Green Architecture unit aligned with industry trends and designed to broaden students’ exposure to construction-related careers, including skilled trades and design professions. Students will build foundational skills relevant to both college pathways and the workforce.
For the 2026-27 school year, both Green Architecture and Building for the Future will be available. In July 2027, Building for the Future will fully replace Green Architecture.
Highlights include:
PLTW Core Training for Building for the Future will launch in May 2026. If you’re already certified in Green Architecture, your credential will automatically transfer. Please note: Green Architecture will not be offered in Winter/Spring PLTW Core Training.
Ready to explore how this innovative unit can benefit your school community? Request the Unit Outline and connect with your PLTW representative to learn more about the unique advantages Building for the Future brings to your students.
Energy and the Environment (EE), Green Architecture (GS), Magic of Electrons (ME), and Science of Technology (ST) were refreshed with enhancements to provide a better learning experience for both students and teachers.
Lessons A and B, in EE, GA, ME, and ST, have been replaced with a new Lesson AB. The new Lesson AB consists of two activities: Activity AB.1 Instant Design Challenge and Activity AB.2 Gateway Career Center. These optional activities lay the groundwork for students to use the design process in problem-solving and to engage in career awareness and exploration.
For detailed information about changes and enhancements, please refer to the Curriculum Revisions document available in the Teacher Guide for each unit.
Activities 3.1.5 (Isolation) and 3.1.6 (Gram Staining) have been updated to use Edvotek Kit #460. All corresponding student and teacher resources have been revised to reflect this change, ensuring a smoother and more consistent lab experience.
PLTW is excited to begin a comprehensive revision of our Cybersecurity course to better prepare students for the rapidly evolving careers of the future. This update will continue to align the curriculum with the latest NICE and CSTA learning standards, incorporate emerging industry practices, and integrate new tools and concepts related to AI.
As part of this Cyber revision, we are working closely with the College Board to align with the new AP Cybersecurity exam and pursue official endorsement. Our shared goal is to expand opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, college level study in this dynamic field. The updated course is planned for release in August 2027, in advance of school year 27-28.
Trinket recently announced plans to shut down in August 2026. Trinket is the platform embedded within CS courses and other courses that allows students to practice coding. PLTW is engaged directly with Trinket and we are collaborating on a solution that will maintain service. Our goal is to minimize disruption for schools and teachers for the next school year (26-27), and we’ll communicate instructions and support resources as soon as they are available.
The new, one-semester Principles of AI course is available for implementation in the 2026-27 school year. Developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure alignment with near-future careers and workplace expectations, this CSTA-approved course teaches responsible use, data literacy, prompt creation, and model building through the hands-on problem solving you trust PLTW to deliver.
The Principles of AI course can be implemented individually or as part of the PLTW pathway. Connect with your PLTW representative to learn more or request the course outline here.
We’re excited to share that the new Advanced Manufacturing course, launching in Fall 2026, will incorporate the VEX CTE Workcell.
The VEX CTE Workcell allows students build and code a working manufacturing cell with a 6-axis arm, conveyors, sensors, and pneumatics to run real factory workflows like sorting and palletizing.
The estimated initial investment in durable equipment, including the VEX CTE Workcell, is $25,000-$30,000. A complete equipment and supplies list will be available in January.
For more information, reach out to your PLTW representative or visit our website.
An updated version of Unit 4 in Digital Electronics is on the way for the 2026-2027 school year, featuring a renewed focus on the Arduino platform and the return of several well-loved activities, projects, and problems.
The updated unit will be available Dec. 19, 2025 to align with Spring and Summer Core Training sessions, giving educators ample time to prepare for full implementation for the 2026-27 school year.
This refreshed approach is designed to better align with modern classroom experiences and instructional needs—bringing back impactful learning opportunities based on educator feedback and advancements in technology. If you have any questions, please contact your PLTW representative.
Please note: The current DE Unit 4 using Pi-Top will continue to be fully supported in the curriculum.
Autodesk recently announced that Fusion will receive a significant UI update on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. This update is designed to help users create parts and assemblies in a more modern, streamlined workflow while keeping the traditional Fusion design experience available.
To prepare for this change, please review the resources provided by Autodesk to explore what’s new and decide which interface is the best fit for your classroom needs and teaching style.
Autodesk and Certiport have partnered with PLTW to expand student access to the Autodesk Certified User (ACU): Fusion exam. This collaboration is designed to help more students validate their CAD skills and gain industry-recognized credentials. This document outlines the steps for educator certification, exam preparation, and best practices for supporting student success.
The A1A Teacher Lookup Tool just got a major upgrade! In addition to Common Core State Standards, you can now search and align lessons with:
This expansion means you can seamlessly integrate A1A lessons with your state's specific requirements, making lesson planning more efficient and ensuring comprehensive standards coverage.
Domain Rangers transforms algebra into an ecosystem-building adventure! In this immersive game, students become engineers, restoring polluted underwater habitats using algebraic problem-solving. Adjusting slopes and y-intercepts creates immediate, visible impact, making abstract math come to life.
Students collect resources, apply functions, and collaborate or compete in single or multiplayer projects, reinforcing key algebraic principles in an exciting way. Explore Domain Rangers.
Beginning May 1, 2026, PLTW will offer two assessment options for high school courses to better support classroom flexibility while maintaining a nationally standardized option when needed.
Two options available:
No action is required at this time. More resources to support this change will be available soon. To learn more about the new PLTW assessment options, please review our FAQs.
Download the 2025-26 EoC Administration Manual to review everything you need to know before, during, and after the exams.
If you have specific questions, please contact your PLTW representative or reach out to the PLTW Solution Center at 877.335.7589 or solutioncenter@pltw.org.
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. Learn more or view the qualifying courses by program listed below:
PLTW Capstone now spans all three of our high school pathways: PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, and PLTW 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:
For more details, please refer to our FAQ Document.
PLTW Core Training is designed for flexibility and impact, these online sessions equip educators with the skills, confidence, and resources to bring real-world STEM learning to life.
View our 2025-26 Winter & Spring Training Schedule.
Need help registering? Access our step-by-step tutorial.
Start a new PLTW program or expand your existing program with one easy application!
Download our PLTW Grants Application Guide to learn more or visit the PLTW Grant Opportunities to see full details on each competition.
For nearly 30 years, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has prepared PreK–12 students for careers, college, and life by equipping them with the STEM knowledge, credential preparation, transferable skills, and confidence to succeed. Our hands-on, real-world learning, deep industry partnerships and clear, scaffolded curriculum guide students from early career curiosity to postsecondary readiness. With strong professional development taught by a national network of more than 116,000 trained teachers in 12,200+ schools across all 50 states, PLTW enables schools to design scalable, future-focused programs that inspire students, empower educators, and connect learning to life after graduation. Learn more.