Poolesville HS- Index | Poolesville HS

Advanced Engineering Academy

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a national program designed to increase the number and quality of engineers graduating from the education system in America. PLTW has developed a four year program that when combined with mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering and technology prior to entering college. The PLTW program at Poolesville High School has received an Outstanding Program of Excellence Award for the State of Maryland.

Staff

Paul Dethlefsen, IED & ES Teacher

David Hill, IED & DE Teacher

Johny Sozi, POE Teacher

Terry Young, POE & EDD Teacher

News

Parents and Community Members - we are always looking for volunteers to help with our partnership team that supports PLTW in many ways: clubs, guest speakers, mentoring, job shadowing, internships, etc. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Mr. Terry Young, the PLTW Coordinator at PHS, by email: Terry_W_Young@mcpsmd.org or by phone: 240-740-2400.

Course Descriptions

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. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software and use an engineering notebook to document their work

Principles of Engineering

Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, the strength of structure and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. This course helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes helps students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people.

Digital Electronics

From smartphones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students explore the foundations of computing by engaging in circuit design processes to create combinational and sequential logic. They are exposed to circuit design tools that electrical engineers use in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices.

Environmental Sustainability

In Environmental Sustainability, students investigate and design solutions in response to real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply, and renewable energy. Applying their knowledge through hands-on activities and simulations, students research and design potential solutions to these true-to-life challenges.

Engineering Design and Development

The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in this course. Students apply principles developed in the four preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. They work in teams as they identify a real-world challenge and then research, design, construct a solution (prototype) to an open-ended engineering problem, test the solution, and ultimately present their unique solution.