Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a leading STEM education program providing curriculum for middle and high school students. It aims to prepare students for STEM careers which are in high demand. PLTW uses hands-on, project based learning with rigorous and relevant curriculum designed by teachers and industry experts. It offers programs in engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science to develop students' problem-solving skills. PLTW has seen growth in participation and positive outcomes for students pursuing STEM degrees and careers.

1. #NAFNext2014

2. Project Lead The Way
A K-12 STEM Program
Of Study
Dr. Glade Montgomery
Vice President, East Region
Project Lead The Way
National Academy Foundation

3. Project Lead The Way is the nation’s
leading provider of science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM)
curriculum for middle and high school
students.

4. Our mission is to prepare
students for the global economy.

5. Why PLTW? Why now?
By 2018…
– STEM jobs will grow by 17 percent (US Dept. of
Commerce)
– 1.2 million STEM jobs will go unfilled
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6. 6
Preparing Students For the Global
Economy

7. World-Class Curriculum
Our curriculum is
designed and consistently
reviewed and improved
by:
• PLTW teachers
• University educators
• Industry experts
• School administrators
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8. World-Class Curriculum
• All PLTW curriculum is
activities-, project-,
problem-based.
• PLTW curriculum aligns
with Common Core and
Next Generation
Science Standards.
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9. Project Lead The Way
Curriculum framework
• Activities—Build skills and knowledge
• Projects—Practice skills and apply knowledge

10. Project Lead The Way
Curriculum framework
• Problems—Open-ended, real world, teamwork

11. 11
High-quality professional
development prepares
teachers to get students engaged in STEM.

12. High-quality professional
development for teachers
• Three phases:
– Readiness training
– Core training
– Ongoing training
• Conducted in partnership with more than 51
colleges and universities across the country.
• More than 3,500 teachers trained in summer
2013.
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13. An Engaged Network
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14. ENGINEERING PROGRAM
Project Lead The Way
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15. Engineering
Applying science
engineering,, math, and
technology
to solve complex, authentic
problems in a real-world
context

16. Engineering Course Structure
Foundation
• Introduction to
Engineering
Design
• Principles of
Engineering
Specialization
• Aerospace
Engineering
• Biotechnical
Engineering
• Civil Engineering &
Architecture
• Computer
Integrated
Manufacturing
• Computer Science
and Software
Engineering
• Digital Electronics
Capstone
Engineering Design
& Development

17. Engineering Course Sequencing
Intro to
Engineering
Design
Principles of
Engineering
Aerospace
Engineering
Biotechnical
Engineering
Civil Engineering &
Architecture
Computer
Integrated
Manufacturing
Digital Electronics
-----------------
Computer Science &
Software Engineering
Engineering Design &
Development

18. Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING
Principles of Engineering
(POE)
• Exploration of
technology systems and
engineering processes
• Survey of engineering
careers
• Design problems
Introduction to
Engineering Design (IED)
• Design process
• Research & analysis
• Teamwork
• Communication
methods
• Technical
documentation

19. Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING
Biotechnical
Engineering (BE)
• Forensics
• Biomechanics
• Biofuels
• Biomedical
devices
Aerospace
Engineering (AE)
• Evolution of Flight
• Physics of Flight
• Aerospace Design
• Space Travel
• Orbital Mechanics
• Remote Systems

20. Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING
Civil Engineering and
Architecture (CEA)
• Residential and
commercial design
• Site planning
• Structural calculations
Computer Integrated
Manufacturing (CIM)
• Manufacturing process
• Automation
• Computer numeric
control

21. Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING
Digital Electronics
• Electronic device control
• Digital system design
• Troubleshooting skills
Computer Science and
Software Engineering
• Develop programming
expertise
• Explore workings of the
internet
• App development
• Cybersecurity
Engineering Design and
Development (EDD)
• Engineering capstone course
• Apply knowledge and
experience from previous courses

22. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM
Project Lead The Way
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23. Biomedical Sciences Course
Sequence
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Principles of
Biomedical
Sciences
(PBS)
Human Body
Systems
(HBS)
Medical
Interventions
(MI)
CAPSTONE:
Biomedical
Innovation
(BI)

24. Units
1. The Mystery
2. Diabetes
3. Sickle Cell Disease
4. Heart Disease
5. Infectious Disease
6. Post Mortem
Principles of Biomedical Sciences
(PBS)
24PBS HBS MI BI

25. Human Body Systems (HBS)
25PBS HBS MI BI
Units
1. Identity
2. Communication
3. Power
4. Movement
5. Protection
6. Homeostasis

26. Medical Interventions (MI)
26PBS HBS MI BI
Units
1. How to Fight Infection
2. How to Screen What
is in Your Genes
3. How to Prevail When
Organs Fail
4. Medical interventions
of the future

27. Biomedical Innovation (BI)
Capstone
Sample problems
include
Designing an effective ER - 24 days
Design of a medical innovation - 16
days
Combat a public health issue -18
days
Forensic Autopsy -12 days
Independent project - 23+ days
27PBS HBS MI BI

28. COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
Project Lead The Way
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29. •Introductory Course
• Introduction to Computer Science (ICS, 0.5 year)*
•Foundation Courses
• Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE, 1 year)
• Computer Science Applications (CSA, 1 year)*
•Specialization Courses
• Simulation and Modeling (SAM, 0.5 year)*
• Artificial Intelligence (AI, 0.5 year)*
• Cybersecurity (SEC, 0.5 year)*
•Capstone Course
• Computational Problem Solving (CPS, 1 year)*
*In Development
Computer Science Program Sequence

30. Project Lead The Way
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer
Science
• Interactive story
creating in Scratch
• Teamwork to create
simple apps for mobile
devices
• Data analysis
• Computing across
careers
Computer Science and
Software Engineering
• College Board’s 2013 CS
Principles framework
• Python language used
to incorporate multiple
platforms
• Career paths that utilize
computing

31. Project Lead The Way
Computer Science
Computer Science
Applications
• Use of Java and other
industry-standard tools
• Program production
that integrate mobile
devices
• Prepares students for
the College Board’s AP
CS-A test
Simulation & Modeling
• Simulation of social,
physical, & biological
systems
• Statistical application
and data analysis to
understand systems and
predict behavior
• Collaboration,
professional writing, &
scientific method

32. Project Lead The Way
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
• Development of
artificially intelligent
systems including
automated vehicles and
computer vision
Cybersecurity
• Sharing of computer
resources while
protecting privacy
• Closing vulnerabilities
• Ethical computing
behavior

33. Project Lead The Way
Computer Science
Computational Problem
Solving
Capstone Course
• Students work in teams
to deliver a software
solution to real-world
problems
• Problems can come
from community or
industry clients

34. GATEWAY PROGRAM
Project Lead The Way
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35. Gateway
9 week units designed for grades 6-8
Specialized Units
Design & Modeling
Automation & Robotics
Medical Detectives
Flight & Space
Science of Technology
Energy and the
Environment
Green Architecture
Magic of Electrons
Foundation Units

36. • Design & Modeling
– Apply design process to solve problems
– Work in teams to design a hobby organizer, furniture,
new playground
– Use Autodesk® design software to create virtual
image of designs and produce a portfolio of solutions
• Automation & Robotics
– Learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer,
machine automation, and computer control systems
– Use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and
program real-world objects
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Gateway foundation units

37. • Energy and the Environment
– Design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing
energy consumption through energy efficiency and sustainability
• Flight and Space
– Explore the science behind aeronautics; design, build, and test an airfoil
• Green Architecture
– Study dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability; design affordable
housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software
• Magic of Electrons
– Delve into electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices; learn
knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity
• Medical Detective
– Analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at
a “crime scene”; learn how to measure and interpret vital signs and diagnose diseases
• Science of Technology
– Apply concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to activities and projects
including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and designing, building, and
testing a new product
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Gateway specialization units

38. Gateway grows student interest in PLTW’s advanced
programs and STEM careers
Gateway To Technology Unit Pathway To Engineering and Biomedical Sciences
PLTW Courses
Automation and Robotics Principles of Engineering
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Computer Science/Software Engineering
Design and Modeling Introduction to Engineering Design
Energy and the Environment Biotechnical Engineering
Principles of Engineering
Flight and Space Aerospace Engineering
Green Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture
Medical Detectives Principles of the Biomedical Sciences
Human Body Systems
Medical Interventions
Biomedical Innovation
Magic of Electrons Digital Electronics
Science of Technology Biotechnical Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Design
Principles of Engineering

39. PLTW LAUNCH
Project Lead The Way
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40. 65
percent of
scientists and
graduate students
in a 2010 study
stated that their
interest in science
began before
middle school
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41. PLTW Elementary Pilot Modules
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Working title Aligned to grade standards
• Structure and Function Kindergarten
• Pushes and Pulls Kindergarten
• Waves: Light and Sound 1st grade
• Observing the Earth, Sun, Moon, and Stars 1st grade
• Matter and Materials Science 2nd grade
• Engineering Design: Dispersing Seeds 2nd grade
• Motion and Stability: Science of Flight 3rd grade
• Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions 3rd grade
• Energy: Collisions 4th grade
• Energy: Conversion 4th grade
• Robotics: The Power of Automation 5th grade
• Robotics: Challenge 5th grade

42. So, does it work?
YES.
PLTW students achieve significantly higher
scores in reading, mathematics, and science,
and in some cases, have the opportunity to
receive college credit.
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43. So, does it work?
PLTW alumni study
engineering and
technology in greater
numbers than the
national average, with a
higher retention rate in
college engineering,
science, and related
programs than non-PLTW
students.
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44. So, does it work?
“We need to cultivate, nurture that
(STEM) interest early, and that’s
what Project Lead The Way
does…It does it with the nuts and
bolts of teaching.”
-William Bennett, U.S. Secretary of
Education, 1985-1988
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“If I had to say what got our
name out there as a school,
it would be Project lead the
way. I don’t understand why
schools would not use
Project Lead The Way. The
curriculum is there. The
training is there. It’s
extensive It’s detailed. The
success we’ve had here at
Toppenish is in large part
due to our relationship with
Project Lead The Way.
-Trevor Greene, former
Principal, Toppenish High
School, Washington
“We’ve been very impressed by both
the quality of the materials and the
training they’re able to provide to
educators.”
—Tim Fliss, Vice President of Human
Resources, Bemis Company

45. PLTW Students More Prepared for Higher Education
Dr. James Van Overschelde, Texas State University
Spring 2013 American Journal of Engineering Education
• Dr. Van Overschelde collected and analyzed six years of
longitudinally-linked student data to compare thousands of PLTW
students to their non-PLTW peers.
• PLTW enrollment in Texas has increased by over 400% over the last
five years: Hispanic by over 500%; females nearly 600%; and low-
income students by 650%.
• PLTW students are more prepared for and attended Texas higher
education institutions at a higher rate.
• PLTW students scored higher on the state’s mathematics
assessment
• For those students who did not enroll in college, the median wage
for PLTW students was 13.6%.
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46. We continue to improve. Every
day.
PLTW follows a continuous improvement
model.
Teachers can expect to see improvements in
course material each year.
New, future-reaching programs and delivery
models are constantly in development.
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47. Project Lead The Way
PLTW’s Distinguishing Characteristics
• World-class curriculum
• High-quality teacher training
• Activity, Project, Problem-based (APPB) learning
• Student end-of-course assessments
• College credit and scholarship opportunities
• Technical and curriculum support
• Expansive partner network

48. America’s STEM Solution
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In 2014-’15: Over 8,100 programs
More than 6,900 schools
more than 11,000teachers trained
100’sof partners

49. Let’s continue the conversation
Dr. Glade Montgomery, Vice President East Region
gmontgomery@pltw.org
For more information visit pltw.org or contact
school support at SchoolSupport@pltw.org.
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