Project Lead the Way

Project Lead The Way Engineering programs offer students an array of advantages, from career readiness and hands-on experience to college preparatory-level classes, labs and creative exercises. PLTW students succeed in the classroom and in life.

Our programs are designed to appeal to all students, from those already interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related fields, to those whose experience in the sciences and math has been less comprehensive or who find themselves uninterested in traditional STEM curricula.

PLTW classes are hands-on, based in real-world experience and fun for students. We set the highest standards for rigorous, focused and engaging study, as well as develop students’ innovative, collaborative, cooperative and problem-solving skills.

• PLTW graduates are 5 to 10 times more likely than non-PLTW graduates to study postsecondary engineering and technology.
• 95 percent of PLTW seniors say they’re excited and prepared for college and careers
• 97 percent of PLTW seniors intend to pursue four-year degrees

Project Lead the Way courses are open to students from the West Central Region of Illinois, including Quincy Notre Dame High School.

Mark Pfleiger is the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center Director.

COLLEGE CREDIT FOR PLTW COURSES

The University of Iowa college of Engineering is an affiliate institution for PROJECT LEAD THE WAY.  QAVTC has many PLTW classes that students can enroll in.  The University of Iowa offers college credit for 8 Project Lead The Way Classes.  Students do not need to attend the University of Iowa to receive the college credit.  It is University of Iowa transcript credit that may be transferred to other colleges.  For more information on which classes qualify and how to enroll in this program, please click the link below.  If you have additional questions regarding this program, please email PLTW@uiowa.edu.

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

Sr. High: VED221

Prerequisites: None

Eligible Students: 10th or 11th Graders

In this course, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.

Principles of Engineering (POE)

Sr. High:VPE221

Prerequisites: IED

Eligible Students: 10th, 11th or 12th Graders.

This is a survey course of engineering that exposes students to some of the major concepts that they encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of course concepts. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to their peers and members of the profession.

Digital Electronics (DE)

Sr. High: VDE221

Prerequisites: IED

Eligible Students: 11th or 12th Graders

This course is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high definition televisions. The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards and technical. documentation.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

Sr. High: VCE221

Prerequisite: POE

Eligible Students: 11th or 12th Graders

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) applies principles of robotics and automation in manufacturing through computer control. The course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in the Introduction to Engineering Design course. Students use Computer Numerical Control (CND) equipment to produce actual models based on three dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in manufacturing and design analysis are included. Additional course content includes principles of manufacturing and manufacturing processes.