In today's world, the concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) are increasingly important in many careers. According to a list of the top 100 jobs of 2016, as identified by US News & World Reports, 24 of the top 25 careers all have tie-ins to classes that students can be introduced to through Project Lead the Way (either in middle school or high school)*. In 2015, the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, MO, was ranked as the 3rd best engineering university in the country (higher than MIT at 6th), according to USA Today's College site**. Missouri S&T reported that the number of incoming Freshman who have taken Project Lead the Way classes is growing.
So what exactly is Project Lead the Way? In its simplest explanation, it is an engineering program. But it expands on just teaching about engineering by having students engage in engineering through projects. At Truman Middle School, students taking PLTW in both 7th and 8th grade will learn about robotics, the engineering design process, 3D modeling, electronics, and computer science. The skills can then be carried on to high school, where they can continue with more in-depth Project Lead the Way classes. PLTW classes are on a two year cycle. Which topics students learn about will depend on which year we are in. During the 2023-24 school year, we are on Year 2. During the 2024-25 school year, we will be on Year 1.
If building things with your hands, exploring your creativity to develop solutions to problems, and using technology sound like fun, then you should consider taking a Project Lead the Way class.
-- Year 1 Information
-- Year 2 Information
-- Class Syllabus
*Source
**Source
So what exactly is Project Lead the Way? In its simplest explanation, it is an engineering program. But it expands on just teaching about engineering by having students engage in engineering through projects. At Truman Middle School, students taking PLTW in both 7th and 8th grade will learn about robotics, the engineering design process, 3D modeling, electronics, and computer science. The skills can then be carried on to high school, where they can continue with more in-depth Project Lead the Way classes. PLTW classes are on a two year cycle. Which topics students learn about will depend on which year we are in. During the 2023-24 school year, we are on Year 2. During the 2024-25 school year, we will be on Year 1.
If building things with your hands, exploring your creativity to develop solutions to problems, and using technology sound like fun, then you should consider taking a Project Lead the Way class.
-- Year 1 Information
-- Year 2 Information
-- Class Syllabus
*Source
**Source