Project Lead The Way 

Pennsylvania
Pathway To Engineering - High School Program Overview

Revised 12/8/2006

The High School Program is a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering prior to entering college.  When a high school agrees to implement the program, they must implement a minimum of four courses in a four year period.  The first three courses must be  Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics .  Students may then take any other Specialty Course, or Engineering Design and Development.  To determine estimated costs for any course, download our High School Inventory Guide.

Foundation Courses (student must take Introduction to Engineering Design,  Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics):

Introduction to Engineering Design - A course that teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software. I

Principles of Engineering - A course that helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.

Digital Electronics - A course in applied logic that encompasses the application of electronic circuits and devices. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices.

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Specialization Courses (student selects a minimum of one or Engineering Design & Development):

Computer Integrated Manufacturing - A course that applies principles of robotics and automation.  The course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design, and Principles of Engineering. Students use CNC equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing, and design analysis are included.

Civil Engineering and Architecture - This course provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state of the art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as:

  • The Roles of Civil Engineers and Architects

  • Project Planning

  • Site Planning

  • Building Design

  • Project Documentation and Presentation

Aerospace Engineering  - Through hands-on engineering projects developed with NASA, students learn about aerodynamics, astronautics, space-life sciences, and systems engineering (which includes the study of intelligent vehicles like the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity).
 

Biotechnical Engineering  - Relevant projects from the diverse fields of bio-technology, bio-engineering, bio-medical engineering, and bio-molecular engineering enable students to apply and concurrently develop secondary-level knowledge and skills in biology, physics, technology, and mathematics.

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Capstone Project

Engineering Design and Development - An engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses.  They must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year.