Our mission is to prepare students for the global economy.
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Essential Question:
How do we prepare students to have the right skills and the right interests to fill those 1.2 million STEM jobs* needed to help close the U.S. skills gap ?
* By 2018
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S T E M ?
•
A word/acronym whose meaning is greater than the sum of its components – Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math.
• A problem, project/activity-based teaching and learning methodology that makes connections across disciplines and grade levels.
• A proven way inspire innovative thinking and problem solving.
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Why the
in STEM?
Students Connect with the Engineering Design Process
PLTW
Launch (K-5)
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PLTW Gateway (M.S.)
Biomed & Engineering (H.S.)
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PLTW EDD
(Engineering
Capstone Course)

How do we close the STEM gap?
…through rigorous, relevant learning.
Dedicated, passionate teachers
Real-world problem solving
Hands-on learning
Openended problems
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K-5
PLTW IS A K-12 Solution
Five STEM programs of study for K-12 students.
Middle School High School Careers
Launch Gateway
Biomedical
Science
Computer
Science
Engineering
Postsecondary
Education
Certificate, 2 Yr., 4 Yr., and Graduate
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Proven PLTW model
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World-Class Curriculum
• All PLTW curriculum is activities-, project-, problem-based.
• PLTW curriculum aligns with Common Core and Next Generation
Science Standards.
• Continuously reviewed and improved.
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PLTW LAUNCH (K-5)
AMAZING DISCOVERIES START HERE
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percent of scientists and graduate students in a 2010 study stated that their interest in science began before middle school
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Launch curriculum
• Allows for flexibility and customization
– Designed for Kindergarten to 5 th grade
– Four modules per grade. Each module is ~10 hours
• Integrates formative and summative assessments
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2013-14 PLTW Launch modules
Section Title
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
5.1
5.2
K.1
K.2
1.1
1.2
2.1
2.2
Structure and Function
Structure and Function: Pushes and Pulls
Light and Sound
Light: Observing Earth, Sun, Moon, and Stars
Materials Science: Properties of Matter
Materials Science: Form and function
Motion and Stability: Science of Flight
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Energy: Collisions
Energy: Conversion
Robotics and Automation
Robotics and Automation: Challenge
Standards alignment
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
1 st grade
1 st grade
2 nd grade
2 nd grade
3 rd grade
3 rd grade
4 th grade
4 th grade
5 th grade
5 th grade
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Animal rescue design problem
Aligned to 3 rd grade standards (Forces & Interactions)
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Project Lead The Way
GATEWAY
(MIDDLE SCHOOL)
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Project-based learning gives students:
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• Hands-on, rigorous, relevant, real-world experiences
• The chance to use scientific sensors, Vex &
ROBOTC, industry software (Revit, Inventor)
• Opportunities to be creative and solve problems
• The realization that there isn’t just one right answer
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Gateway 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
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Gateway 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
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Flexibility
• Implement Gateway in the best way to fit your school
– Gateway units as 9 week, trimester, or semester courses?
– Full school implementation or elective?
– Everyday? Every other day? Block schedule?
– Multiple grade-level implementations?
– Implemented through Science, Tech Ed., or Computer
Applications classes.
– Every course offered every year? One or more courses offered in each grade level?
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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
PROGRAM
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Experience a BMS classroom
Where students learn content in context through:
• Case-based scenarios
• Hands-on learning
• Activities, projects, and problems
• Real world application
• Open-ended problems
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Teacher serves as facilitator, student is director of learning…
… and the classroom becomes a collaboration space
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Biomedical Sciences Course Sequence
Principles of the
Biomedical
Sciences
(PBS)
Human Body
Systems
(HBS)
Medical
Interventions
(MI)
CAPSTONE:
Biomedical
Innovation
(BI)
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Project Lead The Way
ENGINEERING
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Pathway To Engineering (PTE)
Applying engineering, science, math, and technology to solve complex, authentic problems in a real-world context
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PTE Course Sequencing
Intro to
Engineering
Design
Principles of
Engineering
Aerospace
Engineering
Biological
Engineering
Fall 2014
Civil Engineering &
Architecture
Computer
Integrated
Manufacturing
Digital Electronics
Engineering Design &
Development
(Capstone Course)
Computer Science
Fall 2014
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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
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EDD students develop automated window to save energy
Students receive the Innovative Engineering Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers &
Professional Engineers in Industry
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High-quality professional development prepares teachers to get students engaged in STEM .
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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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An engaged network of partners
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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.
 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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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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Be a part of the solution.
Bring PLTW to your school or community.
Mentor PLTW students.
Join a school partnership team.
Financially support PLTW program implementation.
Voice your endorsement of PLTW.
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Let’s continue the conversation.
For more information visit pltw.org
or contact school support at SchoolSupport@pltw.org.
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