PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer an adopt a problem-solving mindset. The program’s course engages students in compelling, real-world challenges that not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. In addition to their foundation courses, students enrolled in the PLTW Engineering pathway complete one year in a specialized engineering discipline during their junior or senior year. Ours at Owings Mills High is Aerospace Engineering.
Course Sequence
Introduction to Engineering Design-
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product. Students also learn how to use a professional grade 3-d modeling software called Autodesk Inventor. Students have a chance to earn a Industry Certification for the professional grade software Autodesk Inventor.
Principles of Engineering-
Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, strength of structure and materials, and automation, and then apply what they know to take on challenges like designing a self-powered car.
Aerospace Engineering-
Students explore the physics of flight and bring what they’re learning to life through hands-on projects like designing a glider and creating a program for an autonomous space rover.
Engineering Design and Development (Capstone)-
Students identify a real-world challenge and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their unique solutions to a panel of engineers.
*Digital Electronics- Students explore the foundations of computing by engaging in circuit design processes to create combinational logic and sequential logic (memory) as electrical engineers do in industry.
*Optional Elective- Students can take in addition to other course but isn’t required