The definition of engineering is the application (use) of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people.

              -“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster

Engineering Essentials is a full-year course designed to be a high school student’s first exposure to the PLTW Engineering program and is appropriate for students in grades 9-12. In Engineering Essentials, students explore the work of engineers and their role in the design and development of solutions to real-world problems. The course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable across multiple engineering disciplines and empowers them to build technical skills through the use of a variety of engineering tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3-D solid modeling software (CAD), Google Sheets, and prototyping equipment. Students learn and apply the engineering design process to develop mechanical, electronic, process, environmental, and logistical solutions to relevant problems across a variety of industry sectors. Using PLTW’s activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional approach, students advance from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that provide opportunities to develop planning and technical documentation skills, as well as in-demand, transportable skills, such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and ethical reasoning.

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) (10-12, concurrent with geometry or above) is a high school level specialization course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In CEA students are introduced to important aspects of building and site design and development. They apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architectural design software. Utilizing activity-project-problem-based (APB) projects, students will progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Students will design and build a model of a residential home. Skills learned in this class will prepare students for careers in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, foreman, landscape architecture, water resources, and other construction design and build fields.