What is Project Lead the Way?
Project Lead the Way is a non-profit organization that provides STEM courses and development for elementary, middle and high school students across the U.S. There's also a development training in place for teachers. Instead of providing students with reading and tests, the students are given real-world challenges to overcome. This problem-solving enhances critical thinking, communication among the students and the art of collaboration.
Elementary Program
Students in K-5 are able to explore their true nature as curious learners. The discovery process and learning experience feels like play and encourages hands-on learning. It encourages creative problem solving and collaboration at an early age since it's geared specifically for their age.
Middle School
At this age, students are figuring out the world around them as well as how they'll fit into that world. They're learning their passions too. It's at this time that students should be exposed to the world of STEM learning. When students are involved in activities that revolve around engineering, computer science or biomedical topics, they are able to see how it relates to the real world.
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High School
HS PLTW Engineering
Each of these programs for the high school student will give them real scenarios to solve from figuring out how to clean contaminated water to launching a space exploration project. These challenges will help them go from books to actual hands-on learning.
PLTW Biomedical Science
Students in this program are learning on the same tools used by professionals in the field of biomedical science. They're able to work on the same challenges that professionals face as well. Professionals in the field today are discovery new treatments for diseases and learning about healthy choices as it relates to keeping the body disease free.
PLTW Computer Science
This is the age where children are beginning to see beyond their school years. They begin to plan their future, which will normally revolve around what they'd like as a career. In this course, they'll learn how to influence the world of technology instead of being influenced by it. This includes learning computational thinking and working towards solutions to real world problems. They might learn how to design an app or figure out how to create an online portal.
Professional Development
While PLTW is funded through the Kern Family Foundation in Wisconsin and some surrounding states. Foundations like the Conrad Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation have provided funding in other states.
In New York, South Carolina, Iowa and Indiana, PLTW had funding provided by the government. Schools pay a flat fee for participation that covers all access to the curriculum, course software, technical support and instruction for teachers of that school. The program is available to public and private schools.
PLTW is a program that teaches children as early as K-5 hands-on learning in STEM topics that will lead them to a deeper understanding of the world as well as their place in it. It encourages a career in the STEM fields, which are needed in our society. The program is available in all states and any district whether they are urban or rural. Teachers are able to take advantage of a program that will instruct them on the best way to teach a STEM course.
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