formerly University of Missouri-Rolla

High School Courses

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers a dynamic high school program that provides students with real-world learning and hands-on experience. Students interested in engineering, biomechanics, aeronautics, and other applied math and science arenas will discover PLTW is an exciting portal into these industries.  PLTW’s premier high school program, Pathway To Engineering™, is a four-year course of study integrated into the students’ core curriculum. The combination of traditional math and science courses with innovative Pathway To Engineering courses prepares students for college majors in engineering and E/T fields and offers them the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

Pathway To Engineering™ courses engage high school students through a combination of activities-based, project-based, and problem-based (APPB) learning. APPB learning not only creates an environment for applying engineering concepts to real problems, but also prepares students to solve problems, participate as part of a team, lead teams, speak to a public audience, conduct research, understand real-world impacts, analyze data, and learn outside the classroom.


Courses:

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
  Principles of Engineering - A course that 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. The course is a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that provides access to tools, machines and materials for individual and small group projects.
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. 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 project planning, site planning, building design, and documentation and presentation.
 

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.

  Aerospace Engineering - The Aerospace Engineering curriculum introduces students to the world of aeronautics, flight and engineering.
  Biotechnical Engineering - Biotechnical Engineering applies and develops secondary level knowledge and skills in biology, physics, technology and mathematics. It will include experiences from the diverse fields of bio-technology, bio-engineering, bio-medical engineering and bio-molecular engineering.
  Digital Electronics - Teaches applied logic through work with electronic circuitry, which students also construct and test for functionality.

 

 

Middle School Course

The middle school program, Gateway to Technology, is a math, science and technology exploratory program consisting of five, nine-week independent units taught in grades 6-8. Two more courses are under development. Each school decides how it wishes to offer a minimum of four units in these grades. In most schools, all students participate in the program. The units are:
  • Design and Modeling

  • The Magic of Electrons

  • The Science of Technology

  • Automation and Robotics

  • Aerospace Technology

  • Environmental Engineering (in development)

  • Energy and the Environment (in development)