STEM Innovations
in MCPS
2014 THROUGH 2019
ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
Achievement for All
June 2019 Learning Benchmarks
…..
At least one thematic career academy implemented in
each urban high school.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics—
known as STEM--education implemented K-12.
Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards
are embedded in instructional delivery.
…..
Why is STEM Education important?
“We need to educate our children for their future, not our past.” Arthur C. Clark
What is the value of STEM?
Students need STEM education for so many important reasons. STEM helps
children learn to understand the world around them as they discover how to
examine, evaluate, and use information. They are inspired to wonder,
question, think for themselves, be creative and to take initiative and direct
their own futures and learning.
STEM education provides opportunities for students to work collaboratively
with others, observe and appreciate each other’s strengths and accept what
each individual has to offer.
With STEM students also learn to work through challenges, to persevere and
not give up. Failure as a process of learning is also important for children to
learn so they become resilient in their endeavors.
from North Tama County Community Schools
What is STEM Education?
STEM IS THE INTEGRATION OF
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS
INTO A NEW TRANS-DISCIPLINARY
SUBJECT IN SCHOOLS
What is STEM Education?
STEM is the integration of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics content as a vehicle to develop 21st Century skills.
While STEM can be considered a conduit to career pathways at
the secondary level, it is also a philosophy for implementing best
practices and student-directed learning at all levels.
The heart of STEM education is authentic learning and student
empowerment, where students take action in their lives and
communities based on their learning.
STEM practices integrate constructivism, inquiry, and problembased learning.
What is STEM Education?
STEM education integrates an inquiry approach to science
instruction, provides opportunities to enhance student success,
engagement, self-esteem, and a desire to communicate.
The process begins with students’ interests, curiosities, and
experiences. Students ask questions that spark investigations
and research to answer those questions.
Students gather data, observe results, and draw conclusions as
documentation of their findings.
Inquiry promotes critical thinking skills, high levels of
responsibility for learning, and a passion for writing about and
sharing what has been discovered.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
WHY Project Lead The Way?
Historically, science and math have been taught in
isolation. The project-based aspects of the Project Lead
The Way curriculum give students a chance to apply what
they know, identify a problem, find unique solutions, and
lead their own learning, rather than be passive recipients of
information in a question-and-answer, right-or-wrong
learning environment.
When students understand how their education is relevant
to their lives and future careers, they get excited, and that
is why PLTW students are successful.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
PLTW programs are developed using the following approach and
guiding tenets:
Collaboration: PLTW seeks ongoing input and feedback from students,
teachers, administrators, and subject matter experts. Its work is also informed
by current research and experts in academics and industry.
Research/Evidence-Based: The format for PLTW follows Wiggins and
McTighe’s approach, Understanding by Design®, to develop a cohesive and
coherent instructional path for students.
Problem-Based: PLTW designs activity-based, project-based, and problembased experiences to prepare students to solve problems. This approach
creates scaffolding for student learning and provides the rigor and relevance
that engages and empowers all of our students.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
PLTW courses are aligned with Common Core State
Standards in math and English Language Arts, Next
Generation Science Standards, and other national and state
standards.
Yet, PLTW programs are flexible and customizable so that
our schools can meet local curricular and community needs.
PLTW courses are designed to complement math and science
courses offered by a school and in some instances are used as
the core curriculum.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
ELEMENTARY
Project Lead The Way
LAUNCH
STEM Innovations in MCPS
65% of scientists and
graduate students in a
2010 study stated that
their interest in science
began before middle
school….
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH
in MCPS Elementary Schools
PLTW LAUNCH introduces young minds to the wonders of
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
Engaging students at a young age builds confidence, grows interest, and puts
them on course for strong accomplishments in middle school, high
school, and beyond.
With LAUNCH kindergarten through fifth grade, students become problem
solvers. They use structured approaches, like the engineering design process,
and employ critical thinking. They also apply STEM knowledge, skills, and
habits of mind, learning that it is OK to take risks and make mistakes.
Perseverance is the key.
As teachers and students learn and discover together, education becomes far
more engaging. Launch was designed to offer maximum flexibility and work
in a variety of settings and scenarios, meaning that each school can create an
implementation model that works in its community.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
2013-14
Project Lead The Way Launch
Pilot Site—one of 48 in the nation
Summer
2014
Project Lead The Way Launch
Training at UM—Initiated with PK-20 Grant
2014-15
Project Lead the Way Launch
Implementation at all grade levels
K-5.
The descriptions of the PLTW Launch modules include modules that are
available in the 2014 release. Twelve additional PLTW Launch modules are in
development to be released in 2015.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Kindergarten 1
Structure and Function: Exploring Design
Students will discover the design process and how engineers
influence their lives. Identifying products around them that were
designed by an engineer, asking questions that engineers might ask
as they designed the product, and determining the structure and
function of items represent student exploration of structure and
function. Working in small groups, students will design, build, and
test a structure from available materials to withstand a force.
Students apply newly acquired knowledge and skills as they utilize
the design process to design, sketch, build, test, and reflect on a
new tool design.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
Kindergarten 2
Structure and Function: Pushes and Pulls
As students investigate different pushes and pulls on the
motion of an object, they will develop knowledge and skills
related to forces of differing strengths and directions. The
exploration will include pushes and pulls found in their
everyday world. The students will be challenged to refine a
design and successfully solve a problem. Students will reflect
on the effect of modifying the strength or direction of a force.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
First Grade 1.1
Light and Sound
Students will investigate light and sound, including vibration
from sound waves and the effect of different materials on the
path of a beam of light. After students develop
understandings of light and sound, they will be challenged to
design a model to solve a design problem. The students will
use the design process to sketch, build, test, and reflect on a
device that uses light or sound to communicate over a
distance.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
First Grade 1.2
Light: Observing the Sun, Moon, and Stars
After observing the sun, moon, and stars, students will
identify and describe patterns in their recorded data.
Students will build upon their knowledge of light to design,
build, test, and reflect on a device designed to solve a
problem related to the patterns of the sun. After evaluating
their design, students will share their findings and ideas for
ways to improve the device based on the testing data.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Kate Farnes…PLTW Master Professional Developer…
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
Second Grade 2.1
Materials Science: Properties of Matter
In this exploration of materials science, students will investigate
and classify different kinds of materials by their observable
properties, including color, texture, and heat conduction. After
analyzing data from materials testing, the students will apply their
knowledge and skills to determine the best material to solve a
design problem. Students will analyze how well the model solved
the problem and determine improvements that could be made to
their design.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
Second Grade 2.2
Materials Science: Form and Function
Students will research the variety of ways animals disperse seeds and
pollinate plants. Students will expand their understanding of properties of
matter as they consider the form and function involved in seed dispersal
and pollination. Students gain understanding of form and function and
how each concept informs design. The design problem requires students
to apply their knowledge and skills to design, build, and test a device that
mimics one of the ways animals either disperse seeds or pollinate plants.
Students will reflect on the efficiency of their design and how it was
informed by nature.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
Third Grade 3.1
Stability and Motion: Science of Flight
Students are engaged in developing an understanding of the forces
involved in flight as well as Newton’s Laws of Motion. Discovering
computer-aided design, students use basic descriptive geometry as
a component of design. Students apply their knowledge and skills
to design, build, and test an experimental model glider to explore
forces that affect flight. In addition they will modify their glider
design as they solve a real-world problem.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Third Grade 3.2
Stability and Motion: Forces and Interaction
Students will explore simple machines such as wheel and axles,
levers, the inclined plane and more as they investigate the effects of
balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
Additionally, magnetic interactions between two objects not in
contact with each other will be explored through a hands-on
project. Finally, students apply their knowledge of mechanisms and
magnetic interactions as part of a solution to a design problem.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
 Third Grade animal rescue design problem….
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Fourth Grade 4.1
Energy: Collisions
Student exploration of mechanisms will include investigations of
how mechanisms change energy by transferring direction, speed,
type of movement, and force. Students discover a variety of ways
that potential energy can be stored and released as kinetic energy.
Citing evidence, students explain the relationship between the
speed of an object and the energy of that object. They also predict
the transfer of energy as a result of a collision between two objects.
As students solve the problem for this module, they will apply their
knowledge and skills related to energy transfer in collisions to
develop a vehicle restraint system.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Fourth Grade 4.2
Energy: Conversion
As students learn about forms of energy, they identify the
conversion of energy between forms and the energy transfer
required to move energy from place to place. Students will identify
and explain how energy can be converted to meet a human need or
want. After exploring energy conversion and transfer, students
apply scientific ideas about the conversion of energy to solve a
simple design problem. The problem requires students to design a
system that is able to store energy and then convert the energy to a
usable form as it is released.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @
Hawthorne Elementary
Fifth Grade 5.1
Robotics and Automation
Student exploration of robotics will include ways that robots are
used in today's world and the impact of their use on society and the
environment. Students will learn about a variety of robotic
components as they build and test mobile robots that may be
controlled remotely. The design problem provides an opportunity
for students to apply their robotic skills and knowledge to solve a
real-world problem related to environmental disaster cleanup.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ Hawthorne
Elementary
Fifth Grade 5.2
Robotics and Automation: Challenge
Students will expand their understanding of robotics as they
explore mechanical design and computer programming. The focus
for this module centers on developing skills needed to build and
program autonomous robots. Students develop programming skills
in a variety of platforms, including tablet applications and browserbased programming environments. Finally, students apply the
robotic knowledge and skills they have developed to build and
program an autonomous robot to solve a real-world design
problem.
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ MCPS
Elementary Schools
2014-15
Chief Charlo
3rd grade and 4th grade
Russell
K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Paxson
1st grade and 4th grade
Lowell
K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Project Lead The Way LAUNCH @ MCPS
Elementary Schools
What’s next for elementary?
Complete grade levels at Chief Charlo, Paxson and
Lowell. Initiate PLTW at Cold Springs, Lewis &Clark,
and Franklin. Add new modules for all schools.
At this time, Rattlesnake is addressing science
standards through a site developed, place based,
environmental focus.
STEM INNOVATIONS in MCPS
Middle School
Project Lead The Way
GATEWAY
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY
in MCPS Middle Schools
GATEWAY Engages students' NATURAL CURIOSITY AND
IMAGINATION…..
Middle school is the perfect time for students to explore
and learn that there is more than one way to reach a
solution. PLTW Gateway provides engineering and
biomedical science curriculum for middle school students
that challenges, inspires, and offers schools variety and
flexibility. Students get rigorous and relevant experiences
through activity-based, project-based, and problem-based
learning. They use industry-leading technology to solve
problems while gaining skills in communication,
collaboration, critical-thinking, and creativity.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15 continuing
Exploratories
Design and Modeling
6th and 7th grade
Automation and Robotics
8th grade
2014-15
Science of Technology
Science Curriculum
8th grade
(new 2014-15)
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15--Continuing
6th&7th grades
Design and Modeling
Students apply the design process to solve problems and
understand the influence of creativity and innovation in
their lives. They work in teams to design a playground
and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their
engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk® design
software, students create a virtual image of their designs
and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative
solutions.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C.S. Porter Middle School
Design and modeling….
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY@
C.S. Porter Middle School
Design and Modeling….
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
Beginning….
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C.S. Porter Middle School
Middle….
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
End…..Using the 3-D Printer
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15--Continuing
8th Grade
Automation and Robotics
Students trace the history, development, and influence
of automation and robotics as they learn about
mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine
automation, and computer control systems. Students use
the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and
program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll
booths, and robotic arms.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C.S. Porter Middle School
Accurate measurement required…..
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
C. S. Porter Middle School
2014-15
8th Grade Science
Science of Technology
Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today,
and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics,
chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and
projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an
oil spill, and discovering the properties of nanomaterials.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15--continuing
Exploratories
Introduction to Engineering
6th grade
Design and Modeling
7th grade
Medical Detectives
7th grade (new 2014-15)
Green Architecture
8th grade (new 2014-15)
Automation and Robotics
8th grade
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2013-14, continuing
6th Grade
Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to engineering uses the introductory lessons
for Design and Modeling and then looks into the various
fields of engineering utilizing engineers from the
community. By teaching Introduction to Engineering in 6th
grade students get further in Design and Modeling in 7th
grade.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15--continuing
7th Grade
Design and Modeling
Students apply the design process to solve problems and
understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their
lives. They work in teams to design a playground and
furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering
notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students
create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio
to showcase their innovative solutions.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2014-15 continuing
7th Grade
Medical Detectives
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as
they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease
and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They
solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and
labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital
signs, and learn how the systems of the human body
work together to maintain health.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2014-15
8th Grade
Green Architecture
Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green”
choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this
concept to the fields of architecture and construction by
exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural
sustainability as they design affordable housing units
using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
Green architecture…..
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Meadow Hill Middle School
2013-14, 2014-15—continuing
8th Grade
Automation and Robotics
Students trace the history, development, and influence of
automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical
systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer
control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to
design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic
lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Washington Middle School
2014-15--continuing
Exploratories
Introduction to Engineering
6th grade
Design and Modeling
7th and 8th grade
Medical Detectives
8th grade
(new 2014-15)
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Washington Middle School
2014-15, continuing
6th grade
Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to engineering uses the introductory lessons
for Design and Modeling and then looks into the various
fields of engineering utilizing engineers from the
community. By teaching Introduction to Engineering in 6th
grade students get further in Design and Modeling in 7th
grade.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Washington Middle School
2014-15, continuing
7th and 8th Grade
Design and Modeling
Students apply the design process to solve problems and
understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their
lives. They work in teams to design a playground and
furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering
notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students
create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio
to showcase their innovative solutions.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @
Washington Middle School
2014-15, continuing
8th Grade
Medical Detectives
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they
analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study
DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical
mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate
how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the
systems of the human body work together to maintain health.
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY @ Washington
Middle School
Medical detectives search for clues….
Project Lead The Way GATEWAY@
MCPS Middle Schools
Foundation Units
Design & Modeling
Automation & Robotics
In place in all three MCPS middle schools.
Specialization Units
Energy & the Environment
Flight & Space
Science of Technology (CSP)
Magic of Electrons
Green Architecture (MHMS)
Medical Detectives (MHMS. WMS)
Each middle school will continue to integrate specialization units.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
High School
Project Lead The Way
Biomedical, Engineering, Computer Science
STEM Innovations in MCPS
Health Science Academy
at
Big Sky High School
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Career Academy
A STEM (Science Technology Engineering
Mathematics) career academy is a great example
of 21st century learning. It is an academic program
that merges real-world experience through
occupational coursework and job skills with the
rigor of college-prep academics. Career academies
have shown to improve student attendance,
grades, college enrollment and successful
completion of post-secondary degrees.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Mission: Provide Relevancy
The Health Science Academy’s mission is to provide
students with an intellectually challenging and relevant
education in a small, supportive environment. Every
student enrolled will not only complete high school,
but will do so with the knowledge and skills to be
successful in a post-secondary educational program.
The academy’s teachers and administrators will work
with parents and community partners to develop
opportunities through which students can become
exceptional and well-rounded scholars and citizens.
The curriculum will be college-preparatory with a
focus on careers in the medical health sciences and in
veterinary/animal science.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Vision: Develop Young Professionals
 The academy is supported by a vision that all
students will develop into thoughtful, responsible
and confident adults who are prepared to excel in
both their post-secondary education and career(s).
 Utilizing local medical centers, health clinics,
educational institutions and businesses as integral
partners, the Academy will motivate students to
continue their education in pursuit of their dreams,
and inspire them to work in and contribute to the
Missoula community.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Biomedical Science
The rigorous and relevant four-course PLTW Biomedical Science (STEM)
sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as
they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology,
and public health.
Students engage in activities such as investigating the death of a fictional person
to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures
and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and
design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.
Each course in the Biomedical Science sequence builds on the skills and
knowledge students gain in the preceding courses. Big Sky offers the three PLTW
Biomedical Science foundation courses over a period of three academic years from
the start of implementation and will also offer the fourth year capstone course.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
2011-12
Planning Year
Staff Training, Externships
2012-13
Year 1
Human Body Systems
Project Lead The Way Biomedical
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Year 1
Human Body Systems
Students examine the interactions of human body systems
as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and
homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build
organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data
acquisition software to monitor body functions such as
muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and
respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical
professionals to solve real-world medical cases.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Human body systems….
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
How about that brain!
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
2013-14
Year 2
Human Body Systems
Principles of Biomedical Science
Project Lead The Way Biomedical
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Year 2
Principles of Biomedical Science
In Principles of Biomedical Science, students explore
concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors
that led to the death of a fictional person. While
investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports,
investigate medical history, and explore medical
treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life.
The activities and projects introduce students to human
physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research
processes while allowing them to design their own
experiments to solve problems.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
2014-15
Year 3
Human Body Systems
Principles of Biomedical Science
Medical Interventions
Project Lead The Way Biomedical
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Year 3
Medical Interventions
Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they
investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen
and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer
treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body
begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are
exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology,
surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and
diagnostics.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
2015-16
Year 4
NEXT YEAR
Human Body Systems
Principles of Biomedical Science
Medical Interventions
Biomedical Innovation
Project Lead The Way Biomedical
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Year 4
Capstone Course—Biomedical Innovation
In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science
sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills
gained from previous courses to design innovative
solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the
21st century. Students address topics ranging from
public health and biomedical engineering to clinical
medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to
work on an independent design project with a mentor or
advisor from UM, one of Missoula’s medical facilities, or
other research opportunity.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Health Science Academy students take a full compliment of
academic courses themed, where possible, to biomedical
topics. The biomedical focus gives students real world
applications for what they are learning in English, math,
social studies and science.
Health Science Academy students participate in sports and
a wide variety of activities beyond the academy.
The Agriculture Center at Big Sky offers unique
opportunities to Health Science Academy students who
enjoy working with animals or want to pursue some type of
veterinary career.
Health Science Academy @
Big Sky High School
Occupation Examples—Health Science--Big Sky Pathways
Athletic Trainer, Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant,
Dental Assistant/Hygienist, Dental Lab Technician, EMT/Paramedic, Home
Health Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, Massage Therapist,
Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist/Assistant, Radiologic
Technician, Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Audiologist,
Chiropractor, Dentist, Dietician, Exercise Physiologist, Nurse Practitioner,
Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Physician (MD/DO), Physician’s
Assistant, Surgical Tech, Speech Language Pathologist, Mammographer,
Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Medical Librarian/Cybrarian, Radiologist,
Phlebotomist, Medical Technologist/Clinical, Laboratory Scientist,
Nutritionist, Pathologist, Veterinarian—
And, when combined with other interests, the sky’s the limit.....
Medical Billing, Health Reporter, Hospital Architect, Medical Attorney
STEM Innovations in MCPS
Engineering
at
Sentinel High School
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING
in MCPS High Schools
Advance students' ability to innovate, think critically, and collaborate
to solve problems…..
PLTW Engineering is a unique high school engineering program. It
is about applying engineering, science, math, and technology to solve
complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. Students focus
on the process of defining and solving a problem, not on getting the
"right" answer. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and
habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation.
PLTW Engineering influences students’ post-secondary decisions and
helps shape their future. Even for students who do not plan to pursue
engineering after high school, the PLTW Engineering program
provides opportunities to develop highly transferable skills in
collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are
relevant for any coursework or career.
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
2014-15
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Students dig deep into the engineering design process,
applying math, science, and engineering standards to
hands-on projects. They work both individually and in
teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using
3D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook
to document their work.
Project Lead The Way Engineering
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
Looking at things from several angles…..
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
Seeing from many
different angles…..
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
Getting from this….
Project Lead The Way ENGINEERING @
Sentinel High School
To this….
Project Lead The Way Engineering @
Sentinel High School
Possibly in 2015-16
Principles Of Engineering
Through problems that engage and challenge, students
explore a broad range of engineering topics, including
mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and
automation. Students develop skills in problem solving,
research, and design while learning strategies for design
process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
Project Lead The Way Engineering
Project Lead The Way ENGIUNEERING @
Sentinel High School
Possible Options for the Future
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Digital Electronics
• Capstone: Engineering Design and Development
Project Lead The Way Engineering
Project Lead The Way COMPUTER SCIENCE/
ENGINEERING @ Sentinel High School
2014-15
Computer Science and Applications
CSA focuses on integrating technologies across multiple
platforms and networks, including the Internet. Students
collaborate to produce programs that integrate mobile
devices and leverage those devices for distributed collection
and data processing. Students analyze, adapt, and improve
each other's programs while working primarily in Java™ and
other industry-standard tools. This course prepares students
for the College Board’s Advanced Placement CS-A test and
aligns with CSTA Level 3C Standards.
Project Lead The Way COMPUTER SCIENCE/
ENGINEERING @ Sentinel High School
Possible Options for the Future
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Simulation and Modeling
• Artificial Intelligence (.5 yr.)
• Cybersecurity (.5 yr.)
• Capstone: Computational Problem Solving
Project Lead The Way Engineering
STEM Innovations in MCPS
Engineering Academy
at
Big Sky High School
Project Lead The Way Engineering Academy @
Big Sky High School
2014-15
Planning Stages
Training for staff
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Principles of Engineering
Will become a component of International
Baccalaureate Career Certificate (IBCC)
Project Lead The Way Engineering
STEM Innovations in MCPS
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Inspiring, Imaginative, Innovative....
is the essence of i3 Missoula.
In May of 2013, 150 high school students applied for 30 student
positions in the inaugural i3 Missoula summer program.
Students were guided by three teachers and spent four weeks
on the University of Montana campus where they had the
opportunity to engage in highly creative and collaborative
problem solving and solution seeking. Working in teams, the
students developed a project that would identify an issue in the
community and produce a solution to be presented to the
Missoula City Council. The intended outcome: The projects
become a reality and ultimately benefit the community.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
i3 Missoula
I3 Summer 2013….The resulting projects included:
River Gears - a low-head water turbine, using the river’s current to produce
electricity without harming the ecosystem.
Green Roofs - a living roof model to be placed on MCPS buildings and city
offices to increase their energy efficiency, and lower their carbon foot print.
Trailhead Vending - a unique solar-powered, outdoor vending machine offering
unique non-consumable outdoor safety items.
Bioga - identified the need for low-cost renewable energy sources, and created
a working model of a biogas digester.
Greenholes - successfully tested a new type of pothole-filler, which utilizes recycled
glass.
Teen Jobs R Us created a website for students 12-15 looking for jobs, allowing
them to connect with local Missoulians in need of help.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
i3 Missoula
i3’s second successful summer included the following projects:
Montana Safety Net— to increase awareness of mental health issues and provide
information about treatment and resources within Montana
Solar Street Lights--build a solar powered LED street lamp
Missoula AIR--use old appliances painted by up-and-coming artists appeal to the eye and
recycling interests of Missoula
Green Stops—use solar power and recycled glass to create “green” bus stops
i3T3--Teen Town Talks--create a video campaign to highlight the under/misrepresented
topics in Missoula
Teen Council-help better the community through a teen aspect.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
i3 Missoula
2014-15
The spirit of i3 Missoula is currently embodied in lunch
clubs at each Missoula high school.
Students are coming together with teaching staff/mentors
to discuss topics of interest and find ways to support
community focused, collaborative, innovative projects.
The possibility of an i3 course continues in discussion with
high school principals and staffs.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
Middle School Robotics Teams
Robotics teams are actively involving students in preparation for First Lego League
(FLL) competition at C.S. Porter, Meadow Hill and Washington Middle Schools.
In early fall, FLL releases a Challenge, which is based on a real-world scientific topic.
Each Challenge has three parts: the Robot Game, the Project, and the FLL Core
Values. Teams of 10 members, with a teacher/coach participate in the Challenge by
programming an autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing field (Robot
Game), developing a solution to a problem they have identified (Project), all guided by
the First Lego League Core Values. Teams then attend the official tournament in
Bozeman—which is an exciting, family focused event.
Past Challenges have been based on topics such as nanotechnology, climate, quality of
life for the handicapped population, and transportation. By designing Challenges
around such topics, robotics team members are exposed to potential career paths
within a chosen Challenge topic, as well as solidifying the STEM principles that
naturally come from participating in the program. Team members also learn valuable
life and employment skills which will benefit them no matter which career path they
choose.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
High School Robotics Team
Our high school robotics team consists of
approximately 30 high school students who
attend Big Sky, Hellgate, and Sentinel High
Schools. The team accepts students from high
schools in the Missoula area as well as SeeleySwan High School. Approximately 5-10 adult
mentors work with students on a variety of
skills necessary to create a fully functioning
120 pound competition robot.
STEM Innovations in MCPS
High School Robotics Team
“It’s What We Do…”
The Missoula Robotics team is made up of diverse students from
around the Missoula school district. Over the past three years the team
has grown exponentially and with the increasing support of the outer
community, the Missoula Robotics team is now bigger than ever.
An assortment of students--future mathematicians, scientists and
engineers--have teamed up to create something together – a robot.
Building a robot from start to finish is a complex challenge. When the
project began, differences in conceptualization caused set backs, but
also led to new ideas. The team experience has fostered friendships
that will carry on into the future, long past high school.
The Missoula Robotics’ team, like other robotics teams around the
world, has helped to shape students’ personalities and taught students
to set work towards and achieve their own goals. The problems and
situations that the team members have faced and will face in the future
are excellent preparation for future careers in many different fields,
including engineering and design.
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STEM Innovations in MCPS
High School Robotics Team
As part of the robotics team, students learn to work together, an
important skill when entering the outside world. They also learn
ways to express their ideas to the team and provide positive
criticism of the ideas of others. All this is combined with hands on
work with electrical and mechanical systems and metal working.
The Robotics team has finished three years of robotics and hopes
to continue participating in the competitions annually. Students
need this kind of opportunity to build their confidence and
abilities.
From the High School Robotics Team website http://www.mrt3216.org