Overview
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is reenergizing STEM education at middle
schools and high schools throughout the
country, providing students with 21st century
skills.
Innovation Zone
=
The PLTW Innovation Zone (aka the
classroom) is an engaging and thoughtprovoking space, where students develop
critical thinking skills through hands-on
project-based learning, preparing them to
take on real-world challenges.
Innovation Zone
Innovation Zone Characteristics
• Cutting-edge technology, equipment and materials
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving rather than lectures
• Relevant subject matter
• Invested teachers
• A-G Approved
Innovation Zone
Innovation Zones Are Idea Factories
• Discovering a new “patented” biofuel process
• Designing alternate housing projects
• Testing cutting edge wind turbines
• Programming robotics
• Conducting DNA gel electrophoresis.
September 29, 2011
Engineering Pathways to Success
Rendee Dore’
PLTW Regional Center Coordinator
San Jose State University
College of Engineering
Engineering Pathways to Success
Initiative
• Not enough U.S./California talent to fill
engineering needs and fuel innovation
engine
• Not enough students are exposed to
engineering in high school
• Students not motivated/not prepared to
study engineering
Engineering Pathways to Success
• A partnership between San Jose State University, the
corporate sector, and schools and districts
• Produce more “home-grown” engineers to drive
innovation economy
• There are 325,000 public high school students in 11county Bay Area
• 50% are underrepresented minorities (non-white,
non-Asian)
• Increase the number, diversity and
preparedness of students in the 11county Bay Area who enter and
successfully complete baccalaureate
engineering programs
• Improve and activate integrated
pathways from middle school to college
graduation with engineering degrees
PLTW California State University Regional Centers
 San Jose State University , Dr. Emily Allen, Associate Dean, College
of Engineering
 Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Cordelia Ontiveros, Associate Dean, College
of Engineering
 Cal State East Bay, Dr. Oscar Wambuguh, Professor Biomedical
 San Diego State University, Dr. Bruce Westermo, Associate Dean,
College of Engineering
 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Stacey Breitenbach, Assistant Dean,
College of Engineering
 Cal State San Bernardino, Dr. Joseph Scarcella, Professor of
Education
 Cal State Chico , Teresita Curiel, College of Engineering, Computer
Science & Construction Management
 Cal State Bakersfield
Inclusivity
• Strong partnerships with colleges,
corporations and philanthropic
organizations ensure coursework is
relevant and classes are equipped with
up to date technology and equipment
• PLTW Program support
• A sustainable curriculum
• The program is continually energized
with new talent and fresh thinking
Middle School
Gateway To Technology
Gateway To Technology MS
• Design and Modeling
– Solid modeling software introduces students to the
design process.
• Automation and Robotics
– Students trace the history, development, and
influence of automation and robotics.
• Energy and the Environment
– Students investigate the importance of energy in our
lives and the impact that using energy has on the
environment.
• Flight and Space
– Aeronautics, propulsion, and rocketry.
• Science of Technology
– Impact of science on technology throughout history.
• Magic of Electrons
– Students unravel the mystery of digital circuitry.
High School
Pathway To Engineering
Pathway To Engineering HS
• Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
– 3D computer modeling software; study of the
design process
• Principles of Engineering (POE)
– Exploration of technology systems and
engineering processes
• Digital Electronics (DE)
– Use of computer simulation to learn the logic of
electronics
Pathway To Engineering HS
• Aerospace Engineering (AE)
– Aerodynamics, astronautics, space-life sciences, and systems engineering
• Biotechnical Engineering (BE)
– Biomechanics, genetic engineering, and forensics.
• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
– Students collaborate on the development of community-based building
projects
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
– Robotics and automated manufacturing; production of 3-D designs.
• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
– Teams of students, guided by community mentors, research, design, and
construct solutions to engineering problems.
High School
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences HS
• Principles of the Biomedical Sciences
(PBS)
– Study of human body systems and health
conditions
• Human Body Systems (HBS)
– Exploring science in action, students build organs
and tissues on a skeletal manikin and play the
role of biomedical professionals to solve medical
mysteries.
• Medical Interventions (MI)
– Investigation of interventions involved in the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Biomedical Innovation (BI)
– Students design innovative solutions for the
health challenges of the 21st century
Program Approval for UC/CSU Requirements
• D approval
– Engineering Research and Development
• F approval
– Introduction to Design
• G approval
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Introduction to Engineering Design
Principles of Engineering
Digital Electronics
Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering/ Architecture
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Biotech Engineering
Engineering Design and Development
PLTW Growth in California
Schools
Over 300 Schools
300
230 Schools
250
200
160 Schools
150
100
50
5 Schools
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
PLTW Growth in Bay Area Schools
80
70
60
50
40
30
37 Schools
23 Schools
20
10
3 Schools
3 Schools
7 Schools
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Ethnic demographics for
comparison to Bay Area PLTW
classes
45%
African American
Asian
40%
Hispanic/ Latino
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
% of US Population
% of California
Population
% of Santa Clara
County
% of Total PLTW
Sample
% of US Engineering
Professionals
Gender demographics for comparison
to Bay Area PLTW classes
90%
80%
Male
Female
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
% of US Population
% of California
Population
% of Santa Clara
County
% of Total PLTW
Sample
% of US
Engineering
Professionals
Bay Area PLTW Schools: 2010-11
School Site
American High School
Dublin High School
James Logan High School
Livermore High School
Oakland High School
Antioch High School
Clayton Valley High School
Mount Diablo High School
California High School
Richmond High School
George Washington High School
Burton High School
Westmont High School
Independence High School
Gunn High School
Bret Harte Middle School
Burnett Middle School
Leland High School
San Jose High Academy
Valley Christian Junior High
Vallejo High School
Alisal High School
Watsonville High School
School District
Freemont Unified
Dublin Unified
New Haven Unified
Livermore Valley Joint Unified
Oakland Unified
Antioch Unified
Mount Diablo Unified
San Ramon Valley Unified
West Contra Costa Unified
San Francisco Unified
Campbell Union
East Side Union
Palo Alto Unified
San Jose Unified
Private School
Vallejo City Unified
Salinas Union
Pajaro Valley Unified
County
Alameda
Contra Costa
San Francisco
Santa Clara
Solano
Monterey
New Bay Area PLTW Schools: 2011-12
School Site
Christensen Middle School
School District
County
Livermore Valley Joint Unified
East Avenue Middle School
Livermore Valley Joint Unified
Fallon Middle School
Dublin Unified
Concord High School
Mount Diablo Unified
Northgate High School
Mount Diablo Unified
Riverview Middle School
Mount Diablo Unified
Pinole Valley High School
West Contra Costa Unified
Helms Middle School
West Contra Costa Unified
Woodside High School
Sequoia Union
San Mateo
Fremont High School
Fremont Union High School
Santa Clara
Yerba Buena High School
East Side Union
Valley Christian High School
Private
Fairfield High School
Fairfield –Suisun Unified
Solano Middle School
Vallejo City Unified
Contra Costa
Solano
Upcoming PLTW Events
• October 7, 2011 PLTW General Counselor Workshop
• January 5, 2012 PLTW Showcase,
Intro. to PLTW Meeting
• April PLTW Competition
• May: Best Practices for PLTW Fall 2012 Implementers
• June 17 – 29 SJSU Center PLTW Summer Teacher
Institute
• During the year – Ad hoc PLTW instructor meetings
ARUBA Networks
Inclusivity
The Facts
• 350,000 students in more than 4,000
schools in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia
• Over 13,000 teachers trained
• More than 100 University relationships,
including Duke University, University of
Minnesota, California State University
• Partnerships with Fortune 100 and 500
companies, and forward-thinking
philanthropic organizations, including
Autodesk, Intel, General Electric and Kern
Family Foundation
PLTW DELIVERS RESULTS
Better results in college
97% of participating seniors intend to pursue a 4-year
degree or higher (vs. 67% nationally)
90% of PLTW alumni have higher retention rates in college
STEM programs
Increases participation in STEM majors
95% HS seniors say they are preparing for STEM jobs
57% intend to attend graduate school
80% plan to study engineering, technology or computer
science in college
5 times more likely to graduate from college in STEM majors
Summary
Join Us In Helping To Lead The Way
• Vision: To ignite the spark of ingenuity, creativity and
imagination within students
• Helping America and Silicon Valley succeed in the
increasingly high-tech and high-skill global economy
• Develop STEM pathways in SV schools
• Visit www.pltw.org or www.pltwca.org (CA)
to learn more
Local PLTW Programs:
John Denevan
San Jose High School
PLTW Program Coordinator
PLTW San Jose Unified School District Delegate
Steve Motter
Burnett Middle School
GTT Instructor