Engineering Design Pathway (PLTW)
Have you ever tried to design something new or make a visual representation of an idea you wanted to share with your friends and wondered how you could communicate your idea? Or, have you ever wondered how someone designed that new MP3 player, sleek new phone or game system? Then Engineering Design is the pathway for you. Students can expect to study engineering as part of an integrated creative STEM curriculum. STEM is an applied integrated approach using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics as tools to create product, whether it is a house, car, cell phone or robot.
BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS PATHWAYTop of Page
The Engineering Pathway gives the students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of concepts through activity, project, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB learning challenges the students to continually develop or improve their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and problem solving skills based upon engineering concepts. The students will dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They will work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software and document their work in an engineering notebook. Throughout the Engineering Pathway courses, students will use the same industry-leading technology and software as the world’s top companies. The exciting and challenging fields of engineering come alive in the ‘’PTE program", which is design to prepare students for careers or post-secondary study in STEM fields.
SUMMARY OF COURSESTop of Page
Engineering Design
This is the first course in the Project Lead the Way (PTLW) pathway to high-skill, high-wage careers in applied science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will study the design process and learn how to use the same industry-leading 3D computer modeling design software and 3D printer that’s used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar. This course is UC/CSU A-G approved.
Principals of Engineering
This Project Lead the Way foundation course is a high school-level survey course of engineering. The course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and the high tech career. POE course gives the students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. This course is UC/CSU A-G approved.
Digital Electronics
This course is based on the principles and laws of traditional electronics and electrical theory. Digital Electronics and embedded micro-computers are in every product that is either plugged into a wall or operated by batteries, and is therefore a technology that all people are exposed to in their daily lives. Students will begin with a study of basic electrical theory then move on to learn the basic principles and theories of digital circuits on Multisim. Students develop solutions to solve the problems posed by essential and key questions in each unit and section overview. Projects include race cars and Digital multi meters. This course is UC/CSU A-G approved.
Engineering Design and Development
This PLTW capstone course is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the three preceding courses and are guided by a community mentor. The student will develop the necessary technical skills to communicate ideas in an understandable, efficient, and accurate manner. The course covers common mechanical terms, components, and systems as related to mechanical engineering. This course is UC/CSU A-G approved.

PATHWAY COURSESTop of Page
GRADE | COURSES |
9,10 | Engineering Design |
9,10 | Principals of Engineering |
10,11,12 | Digital Electronics |
11, 12 | Engineering Design and Development |
In order for a student to maximize their industry readiness and to receive a CTE pathway graduation cord, they will need to complete all courses within the pathway. | |
Classes must be taken in sequential order. | |
CTSO: SkillsUSA | |
HONORS: | |
INTERNSHIP: West Sacramento Home Run (eligible at 16 years of age and completion of 2 courses in a pathway) |
POTENTIAL CAREERSTop of Page
High School Diploma | 2 Year College Degree | 4 Year College Degree |
Junior Drafter | CAD Designer | Design Engineer |
CAD Technician | CAD Draftsperson | Mechanical Engineer |
Construction Apprentice | Technical Operator | Aerospace Engineer |
Draft Apprentice | 3D Animation | Materials Engineer |
Computer Equipment Installer | Surveyor | Automation Engineer |
Engineering Aide | Electrical Engineering Tech | Hydraulic Engineer |
Plan Checker | Manufacturing Engineer | |
Estimator | Electrical Engineer | |
Lab Technician | Nuclear Engineer | |
Journeymen Electrician | Civil Engineer | |
Architectural Drafter | Structural Engineer | |
Civil Engineering Technician | Computer Hardware Engineer |
