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.
PLTW is introducing a series of enhancements to PLTW Launch for the 2026–27 school year, designed to enrich student outcomes, streamline pacing, and make teaching even more engaging. These updates strengthen alignment across subjects, simplify planning, and reduce prep time—while keeping hands-on learning at the center of every experience.
Key improvements include stronger NGSS alignment, refined APB flow for easier pacing, and embedded Liftoff PD videos to build confidence quickly. Supply changes are minimal to support a smooth transition. To learn more, contact your PLTW Team Member.
RosieCode—PLTW’s version of Scratch launching for the 2026–27 school year—addresses data privacy concerns while maintaining the experience and functionality students love. Simply roster your students, and you’re ready to go. RosieCode will be available beginning July 2026.
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.
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.
Four Gateway units—Energy and the Environment (EE), Green Architecture (GA), Magic of Electrons (ME), and Science of Technology (ST)—have been refreshed to improve the student and teacher experience.
Lessons A and B have been replaced with a new optional Lesson AB, which contains two activities:
For full details on individual unit enhancements, see the Curriculum Revisions document in the Teacher Guide.
PLTW is developing an updated version of the Medical Interventions (MI) course, launching in May 2027 for use in the 2027–28 school year. This reimagined course will better reflect today’s rapidly evolving biomedical field while building on the strong foundation educators know and trust—creating a more relevant, future‑focused learning experience for students.
Key planning milestones:
Schools currently teaching Biomedical Science courses are expected to reuse much of their existing durable equipment. Current MI programs can also anticipate continuing to use most durable items, with new consumable kits and some additional equipment supporting the updated curriculum.
More information is available in the FAQ, with further updates to come.
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 Cybersecurity students now have the opportunity to pursue the CompTIA Security+ certification, an industry-recognized credential that validates essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills and supports students as they prepare for future pathways in the field.
To help students succeed, this opportunity includes access to CertMaster learning resources, practice tools, and an exam voucher—providing structured support throughout the certification preparation process. Together, these resources are designed to build confidence, reinforce learning, and help students demonstrate their readiness for next steps in cybersecurity education and careers.
Additional information and implementation details are available in the PLTW Cybersecurity Teacher Guide. You can also learn more by visiting the Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRC) page.
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.
PLTW is introducing new AI literacy resources across Launch, Gateway, and High School programs to support educators and students as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of learning and everyday life. These resources are designed to build foundational understanding, encourage responsible use, and provide practical tools educators can integrate into instruction—meeting students at the right level and preparing them for what’s ahead.
New teacher-facing resources help elementary educators introduce AI concepts in age-appropriate ways. The guidance supports early understanding without overcomplicating the topic, helping teachers foster curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful conversations about what AI is, how it’s used, and why responsible use matters.
Gateway now includes dedicated student-facing AI literacy resources alongside enhanced Teacher Guide support. Topics include how AI works, how to use it effectively, how to evaluate AI-generated content, and ethical considerations. These resources help educators build foundational AI literacy while reinforcing critical thinking, academic integrity, and responsible use through practical, classroom-ready activities.
AI literacy resources are now integrated across high school pathways, supported by teacher guidance and instructional materials. These tools help educators facilitate deeper discussions around accuracy, bias, privacy, and responsible decision-making, while giving students opportunities to think critically about AI’s role in school, careers, and beyond.
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.
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 regularly conducts Voice of the Customer (VOC) surveys with students, teachers, and administrators to better understand their experiences and needs. These surveys help inform decisions about updates and investments in PLTW’s programs, curriculum, and services.
Schools selected to participate will receive email invitations with details about the survey, including caregiver notification resources (for student surveys) and instructions for opting out when applicable. Teacher and administrator surveys are also sent directly to randomly selected participants.
If you receive an invitation to take part in a student or educator survey, we encourage you to participate—your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of PLTW.
If you have any questions about the surveys or the process, please contact the PLTW Research Team at research@pltw.org.
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.