Above: North High School Juniors and Seniors in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science and Software Engineering class teamed up with second grade students at Huntley Elementary to incorporate newly-developed knowledge and skills related to mobile app development.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized Pre-K – 12 STEM curriculum that provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers.  

The AASD has been associated with PLTW engineering courses since 2000.

PLTW pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science engage students in hands-on activities, projects, and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves.

PLTW Launch

• Badger Elementary
• Berry Elementary
• Columbus Elementary
• Edison Elementary
• Ferber Elementary
• Franklin Elementary
• Fox River Academy
• Horizons Elementary
• Houdini Elementary
• Huntley Elementary
• Jefferson Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• McKinley Elementary
• Richmond Elementary
• Stephen Foster Elementary Charter

PLTW Launch’s 24 interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge. 
 
Each PLTW Launch module engages students in cross-disciplinary activities that spark a lifelong love of learning and build knowledge and skills in areas including computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.

In addition, each module empowers students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. 

• Einstein Middle
• Kaleidoscope Academy
• Madison Middle
• Wilson Middle

During this transitional time, PLTW Gateway’s 10 units empower students to lead their own discovery. The hands-on program boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension.

And as students engage in PLTW’s activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they see range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond. 

• East High
• North High

The program’s interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators.

Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

• East High (Tesla)
• North High
• West High

From launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers.

The program’ s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.  

Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. 

Thanks to Bemis for their support