Engineering            STEM

Why are Engineering and Computer Coding our focus?  

Both Engineering and Computer fields are among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S and our global economy.

We use Project Lead the Way's Gateway unit studies to focus on three areas:

    1. Design and Modeling - through the design process students develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives and are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned by designing a solution to a real world problem.
    2. Automation, and Robotics - covering the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. Students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems.
    3. Computer Science - students discover the principles of this fast-growing field by focusing on creativity and an iterative design process as they create their own basic apps using MIT App Inventor.   They learn the fundamentals of the stimulating career path of computer science and eventually venture into text-based programming through Python and, in the final problem, develop an app to crowdsource and analyze data on a topic of their interest. 

Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

Teachers are trained in transformative methods that result in student empowerment, confidence, and bold problem-solving.

 Our curriculum successfully:

        • Integrates math, science, and technology content and skills.
        • Introduces mechanics, electrical circuits, and applied mathematical reasoning that are all too often stumbling blocks for middle school students.
        • Initiates complex, strategic problem-solving and higher-order thinking.

PTAA students connect learning with real world challenges and are taught to use knowledge and creativity to solve problems in a collaborative manner, an approach that most closely simulates and prepares students for authentic present and future careers. They learn how to listen, communicate, compromise, and work in a group. Building a strong foundation for high school, college, careers, and our evolving world.

Click here to read more about Project Lead The Way.

To explore the PLTW website, click on the Related Link on the left hand side of this page.

All PLTW pathways align to Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts and Next Generation Science Standards

Additionally, our computer science pathway aligns to Computer Science Teachers Association standards; our engineering pathway aligns to International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Standards for Technological Literacy