Pathway To Engineering
The PLTW Pathway To Engineering (PTE) program is a sequence of courses which follows a proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. Throughout PTE, students learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency, and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. They discover the answers to questions such as: “How are things made?” and “What processes go into creating these products?” Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software used by Intel and Lockheed Martin. Students apply biological and engineering concepts related to biomechanics – they think robotics. They design, test, and actually construct circuits and devices including smart phones, and tablets. They work collaboratively on a culminating capstone project. This is STEM education, and it is at the heart of today’s high-tech, high-skill global economy.PTE courses complement traditional mathematics and science courses. The program is designed to prepare students to pursue a post-secondary education and careers in STEM-related fields.Foundation Courses
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Designed for freshmen or sophomores, the major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Principles Of Engineering (POE)
Designed for sophomores or juniors, this survey course exposes students to major concepts they will encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions.
Specialization Courses offered at Saint Paul’s
Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
Students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture and apply their knowledge to the design and development of residential and commercial properties and structures. In addition, students use 3D design software to design and document solutions for major course projects. Students communicate and present solutions to their peers and members of a professional community of engineers and architects. This course is designed for juniors and seniors.
Digital Electronics (DE)
Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technical documentation. This course is designed for sophomore, juniors, and seniors.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
In this capstone course, students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. Finally, student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. This course is appropriate for seniors.
