Nimmy Gnanapragasam PhD, PE
Affiliate Director – WA State
Associate Professor in Civil Engineering
Seattle University
Nov 13, 2014

• Demand for STEM and overview of PLTW
• Middle and High school PLTW programs
• Process for implementing PLTW in school

STEM Employment Forecasts are Positive

Workers in STEM Occupations earn more on average than their counterparts in other jobs, regardless of their educational attainment.

AN INCREASINGLY GLOBAL AND
TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY HAS
DRAMATICALLY INCREASED DEMAND FOR
A HIGHLY-SKILLED WORKFORCE.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY BEGAN IN 1997
IN UPSTATE NY AND HAS BECOME
AMERICA’S LEADING PROVIDER OF IN-
SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND
MATHEMATICS.
OUR MISSION IS TO PREPARE STUDENTS
AS HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE FOR
THE GLOBAL ECONOMY.

Program Goals Graduates Attributes
• Communicate effectively • Address impending critical shortage of qualified engineering, engineering technology, science and health professionals
• Effective and efficient problem solving
• Think creatively and critically
•
Practice professional conduct
• Prepare students for rigorous post-secondary education at two and four-year colleges and universities
• Work effectively in teams
• Understand how research is conducted

a) Fundamentals - an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science , and engineering b) Experimentation - an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data c) Design - an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability d) Teamwork - an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams e) Problem Solving - an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

f) Ethics - an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility g) Communication - an ability to communicate effectively h) Global Awareness - the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context i) Life-long Learning - a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning j) Contemporary Issues - a knowledge of contemporary issues k) Modern Tools - an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Program Goals Graduates Attributes
• Communicate effectively • Address impending critical shortage of qualified engineering, engineering technology, science and health professionals
• Effective and efficient problem solving
• Think creatively and critically
•
Practice professional conduct
• Prepare students for rigorous post-secondary education at two and four-year colleges and universities
• Work effectively in teams
• Understand how research is conducted

Middle School
Gateway to
Technology
(GTT)
PLTW programs
High School
Pathway to
Engineering
(PTE)
Elementary
School Program
(Launch)

• Activity, project, and problem-based engineering and biomedical science curriculum for middle school students that
• Challenges
• Inspires
• Offers variety and flexibility

Grades six through eight
• Independent, nine-week unit
• Explores:
• Aerospace
• Energy
• The Environment
• Modeling
• Robotics
• Technology
• And other STEM-related topics

Gateway To Technology units
9 week units designed for grades 6-8
Foundation Units Specialized Units
Design & Modeling
Automation & Robotics
Medical Detectives
Flight & Space
Science of Technology
Energy and the
Environment
Green Architecture
Magic of Electrons

GTT foundation units
• 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

GTT specialization units
• Energy and the Environment
• Flight and Space
• Green Architecture
• Magic of Electrons
• Medical Detective
• Science of Technology

GTT specialization units
• 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

GTT specialization units
• 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

Design and Modeling
• Lessons
– 1: What is Engineering?
• 10 days
– 2: Design Process
• 5 days
– 3: Measurement
• 5 days
– 4: Sketching and Dimensioning Techniques
• 6 days
– 5: Designing for Production
• 22 days

Automation and Robotics
• Lessons
• 1: What is Automation and Robotics?
• 7 days
• 2: Mechanical Systems
• 12 days
• 3: Automated Systems
• 26 days

Inspiring, challenging, and flexible
How do Gateway To Technology students use the engineering design process to solve a problem?
Students tackle the
Playground Problem from the foundation unit Design &
Modeling

Students use the design process to research, design, and model a playground

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

Flexibility
• Implement GTT in the best way to fit your school
– GTT units as 9 week or semester courses?
– Full school implementation or elective?
– Every class every year?

Grades nine through twelve
• Explores the engineering design process
• Links STEM principles to relevant problem-solving activities

PTE Course Structure
Foundation
• Introduction to
Engineering
Design
• Principles of
Engineering
Specialization
• Aerospace
Engineering
• Biotechnical
Engineering
• Civil Engineering
& Architecture
• Computer
Integrated
Manufacturing
• Digital Electronics
Capstone
Engineering Design
& Development

PTE Course Sequencing
Aerospace
Engineering
Intro to
Engineering
Design
Principles of
Engineering
Biotechnical
Engineering
Civil Engineering
& Architecture
Computer
Integrated
Manufacturing
Digital Electronics
Engineering Design &
Development

PTE: Foundation Courses
• Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
– Introduces the design process and how engineers use it to solve problems
• Principles of Engineering (POE)
– Covers basic concepts in engineering and exposes students to a wide variety of engineering fields

Introduction to Engineering Design Overview
IED Units
• Design Process
• Technical Sketching and Drawing
• Measurement and Statistics
• Modeling Skills
• Geometry of Design
• Reverse Engineering
• Documentation
• Advanced Computer Modeling
• Design Team
• Design Challenges

Principles of Engineering Overview
POE Units
• Energy and Power
• Materials and Structures
• Control Systems
• Statistics & Ballistics
Projects
 Solar Hydrogen System
 Truss Design
 Pneumatic Brake Design
 Self Propelled Vehicle

PTE: Specialization Courses
• Aerospace Engineering (AE)
– Learn the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight through projects such as designing an airfoil, propulsion system, rocket and glider
• Biotechnical Engineering (BE)
– Engage in design problems related to biomechanics, cardiovascular engineering, genetic engineering, tissue engineering, biomedical devices, forensics and bioethics
• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
– Discover the design and construction industry while designing both residential and commercial projects using
Autodesk® 3D-architectural design software

PTE: Specialization Courses
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
– Explore designing products for manufacturability, manufacturing processes, CNC machining, factory system modeling, automation, and robotics
• Digital Electronics (DE)
– Learn the fundamentals of combinational and sequential logic circuit design and create fully-functioning digital circuits
• Computer Science and Software Engineering

Aerospace Engineering Overview
• Introduction to Aerospace
• Aerospace Design
• Space
• Alternative Applications
• Airfoil Simulation
• Rocket Engine Testing
• Glider Design
• Space Junk Mitigation

Civil Engineering & Architecture Overview
CEA Units
• Overview of Civil Engineering
& Architecture
• Residential Design
• Commercial Applications
• Commercial Building Systems
Projects
• Green Utility Shed
• Keystone Library Renovation

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Overview
CIM Units
• Principles of Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Processes
• Elements of Automation
• Integration of
Manufacturing Elements
Projects
• Freight Elevator
• Container Design
• Autonomous Pick and Place

Digital Electronics Overview
DE Units
– Fundamentals of Analog and
Digital Electronics
– Combinational Logic
– Sequential Logic
– Microcontrollers
Projects
– Board Game Counter
– Date of Birth Problem
– Elevator Door

Pathway To Engineering: Capstone Course
• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
– Research, design, and construct solutions to engineering problems
• Components
– Project Management
– Researching a Problem
– Designing a Solution
– Creating a Prototype and Testing Plan
– Evaluation and Reflection on the Design Process
– Presentation of the Design Process
– Going Beyond Engineering Design and Development

Middle School
Design and Modeling
Link between MS and HS courses
High School
Introduction to Engineering Design
Automation and Robotics Principles of Engineering
Flight and Space Aerospace Engineering
Science and Technology Principles of Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Computer Integ. Manufacturing
Magic of Electrons
Green Architecture
Energy and Env.
Digital Electronics
Civil Engineering and Architecture

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

Getting Started and Process of Implementation
Signing contract with PLTW https://www.pltw.org/get-involved/register-pltw schoolrelations@pltw.org
• Getting started document
• Info needed for registration – document
• Look at cost to implement the program

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

▪ Teacher qualification varies from state to state
▪ One/Two week core training in summer at SU (boot camp)
▪ Middle school unit: one week long training
DM, AR
GA, EE, FS, ME, ST, MD – selected sites
▪ High school course: two week long training
▪ Cost ($2250 for registration, $750 for on-campus accommodation – for two week training)
▪ Scholarships available through OSPI

Core Training (cont..)
▪ Self-Assessment
▪ Register for Core Training through PLTW national
▪ Complete required Pre-Core Training modules
Takes atleast 20 hours to complete
▪ 1 and 2-week Core Training – PLTW teachers are required to complete before teaching a PLTW course

Professional Development support for teachers
▪ Virtual Academy for Teachers, provides detailed materials for each lesson in every PLTW course; many videos of PLTW
Master Teachers teaching actual PLTW lessons; and, collaboration tools, including forums for teachers to use to ask questions, to update each other on changes, and to discuss PLTW lessons.
▪ Off campus training on individual units, as requested
▪ On or Off campus refresher training, as requested

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

▪ Purchasing Equipments and software downloads http://www.pltw.org/program-support/2013-2014purchasing-manual
▪ Student/parent buy-in
▪ For sustainability, do not rely on one teacher for all
PLTW classes

Steps Involved in Implementation
Attend an informational session
Signing contract with PLTW
Teacher selection and Core Training
Implementing program in school
Certification Process and Articulation

pltw@seattleu.edu
; schoolrelations@pltw.org