Departments > Project Lead the Way: The Engineering Program

    Project Lead the Way:
    The Engineering Program

    Program Coordinator: Gale Wolf

    Our Teachers

    Contact Staff

    • Gale Wolf
    • David Baker
    • Sean Gowen
    • Jason Greenberg
    • Mark Bradley

    Project Lead the Way is a national program forming partnerships among Public schools, Higher education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our education systems. First developed in the '80's, PLTW is now offered in over 45 states and the District of Columbia.

    PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses, which, when combined with college prep math and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college

    Benefits for students

    The Engineering Program courses are affiliated with Project Lead the Way. Further information regarding Project Lead the Way can be obtained from their website. Project Lead the Way allows students the opportunity to gain college credit if they maintain an 85% average in the course, pass the final exam and register for the credit.

    Courses Offered at Rockville

    • Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) - A course that teaches problem-solving skills using the engineering design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using hand sketching and solid modeling computer design.
    • Aerospace Engineering - The major focus of the Aerospace Engineering TM (AE) course is to expose students to the world of aeronautics, flight, and engineering. Students will be introduced to the Project Lead The Way® activity-based, project-based, and problem-based learning through exploring the world of aerospace engineering. Students should have experience in physics, mathematics, and technology education. They will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of aerospace problems. The entire curriculum sequence will include experiences from the diverse fields of Aeronautics, Aerospace EngineeringTM, and related areas of study. Lessons will engage students in engineering design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering.
    • Principles of Engineering (POE) - 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 (DE) - 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.
    • Introduction to Engineering Design - 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 and are guided by a community mentor. 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.

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