This course introduces students to the design process. Students primarily learn how to use the professional design program, Auto Desk Inventor. Auto Desk Inventor is a state-of-the-art 3-D modeling software program that allows students to create professional-looking drawings and presentations. Students will use Inventor to complete various open-ended projects such as designing a puzzle cube.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing bridges the gap between design and prototype. Students create projects on the computer using software programs such as Autodesk Inventor, EdgeCAM, RoboPro, RoboCELL, Adobe Illustrator, and more. Students are able to create their prototypes by learning to use a Laser Engraver, CNC 3-Axis Mill, Rapid Prototyping Machine, Robotic Arms, a 3-D Scanner, and other prototyping methods. This course exposes students to technologies that are on the cutting edge, and are simply unparalleled in any other atmosphere.

This course provides an overview of engineering and engineering technology. Students will develop problem-solving skills by tackling real-world engineering problems. This course provides a hands-on approach to science, math, and technology. Through theory and practical hands-on experience, students will become familiar with the multifaceted career of engineering.

Digital Electronics is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. In contrast to analog electronics, where information is represented by a continuously varying voltage, digital signals are represented by two discreet voltages or logic levels.  This distinction allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world electronics.  Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras, high definition televisions, etc.  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.

Aerospace Engineering exposes students to the world of aeronautics, flight, and engineering. Lessons engage students in engineering design problems such as, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Students work hands on to build and test their solutions to these design problems. In addition, they utilize 3D design software to to help simulate their concepts.

Civil Engineering and Architecture introduces students to the interdependent fields of civil engineering and architecture; students learn project planning, site planning, and building design.  As in all PLTW classes this is a project based course and incorporates many hands-on individual and team activities including; surveying, soil testing, model building and CAD drafting and design. Areas of study include; hydrology, green building technology/ sustainable design, transportation, and structural design and stress analysis. Students use the latest software versions of Autodesk Revit, Autocad, Civil 3D, MD Solids and Googleearth. With the latest government funding of infrastructure improvements, Civil Engineering is an exploding field of opportunity and this class will give you an excellent exposure to it.

This course allows students a once in a lifetime opportunity to work freely on a research and development project. Students define a problem and work in teams to create a fully functional prototype to solve the problem. Students use the design process; as well as, knowledge and experience they have gained from other Project Lead the Way courses to complete their year-long assignments.

This course introduces students to the tools, machines, materials, and processes used in the construction industry. Activities include learning the proper and safe use of tools and machines, solving construction-related problems, building scale models, estimating materials and costs, and building structures such as storage sheds, decks, and/or playhouses. Topics of study may include site preparation and layout, masonry, framing, plumbing, and electrical systems.

This course expands on the introductory Digital Multimedia course by allowing students to customize course requirements to their own particular interests once required projects are completed.
Areas of specialization may include digital video production, computer-based 2-D and 3-D design
and animation, advanced multimedia development.

This course is an introduction to the world of capturing, manipulating, and displaying images.
Students will use digital cameras and will be exposed to a variety of computer software applications including Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Imageready, and Dreamweaver.

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in the first level course, developing those skills in further depth. Students will work on relevant, independent projects and develop advanced skills in specific areas of concentration. The main goal of the course is to explore careers and/or further education and eventually develop a digital portfolio of the year’s work.

This is a course where students have the opportunity to build on previous learned skills in a combined audio-video production format. Students will use all professional-grade equipment in the Digital Multimedia lab to produce various audio and video projects. A major portion of the class will focus on advanced post production techniques using Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Garage Band, and Motion software. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of video and computer design competitions throughout the year.

This course focuses on all aspects of web site design and creation. This is a hands-on computer laboratory course where students will learn how to use a variety of software design and graphics programs including Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, and Adobe Photoshop. All students will have the opportunity to develop and maintain a minimum of three interactive websites.