GATEWAY PROGRAMProject Lead The Way

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WHAT IS STEM?

Why?

STEM Education is TRANSFORMING StudentLearning.

The Problem

AN INCREASINGLY GLOBAL AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY HAS DRAMATICALLY INCREASED DEMAND FOR A HIGHLY-SKILLED WORKFORCE.

Engaging students early in STEM opens career doors for a larger, more diverse group

Source: Microsoft

In a 2010 study, the majority (65%) of participating scientists and

In a 2010 study, the majority (65%) of participating scientists and graduate students stated that their interest in science began before middle school –sa

Exciting experiences in STEM at an early age help spark a lifelong passion

Sources: R. Tai, C. Q. Liu, A. V. Maltese, and X. T. Fan. (2006). Planning for Early Careers in Science. Science 312(5777):1143–1144.A. V. Maltese and R. H. Tai. (2010). Eyeballs in the Fridge: Sources of Early Interest in Science. International Journal of Science Education 32:669–685.

PLTW offers a comprehensive Kindergarten to Career solution

Elementary School

Program

Launching in 2014

Middle School Program

Gateway To Technology

High School Programs

Pathway To Engineering &

Biomedical Sciences

College, career,

and beyond

Gateway To TechnologyActivity, project, and problem-based engineering and biomedical science curriculum for middle school students that

• Challenges

• Inspires

• Offers variety and flexibility

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• Hands-on, rigorous, relevant, real-world experiences

• The chance to use scientific sensors, Vex & ROBOTC, industry software (Revit, Inventor)

• Opportunities to be creative and solve problems

• The realization that there isn’t just one right answer

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Project-based learning gives students:

GTT grows student interest in PLTW’s advanced programs and

STEM careersGateway To Technology Unit Pathway To Engineering and Biomedical Sciences PLTW Courses

Automation and Robotics Principles of EngineeringComputer Integrated ManufacturingComputer Science/Software Engineering

Design and Modeling Introduction to Engineering Design

Energy and the Environment Biotechnical EngineeringPrinciples of Engineering

Flight and Space Aerospace Engineering

Green Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture

Medical Detectives Principles of the Biomedical SciencesHuman Body SystemsMedical InterventionsBiomedical Innovation

Magic of Electrons Digital Electronics

Science of Technology Biotechnical EngineeringIntroduction to Engineering DesignPrinciples of Engineering

GTT is challenging

Communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity

Students acquire knowledge and skills

By providing more success

to more students

GTT is inspirational

Gateway To Technology units9 week units designed for grades 6-8

Specialized Units

Design & Modeling

Medical Detectives

Automation & Robotics

Flight & SpaceScience of Technology

Energy and the Environment

Green ArchitectureMagic of Electrons

Foundation Units

Inspiring, challenging, and flexible

How do Gateway To Technology students use the engineering design process to solve a problem?

Students tackle the Playground Problem from the foundation unit Design & Modeling

Students use the design process to research, design, and model a playground

• Discuss playgrounds with community or school representative

• Visit and “play” on an existing playground

• Justify need for new or modified equipment playground

Define the problem

• Generate concepts– Brainstorm ideas/themes– Interview younger students– Sketch favorite piece of

equipment– How to innovate?– Sketch new piece of

equipment

• Conduct research– Safety– Size requirements– Materials– Longevity of use– Proper placement in

playground

Generate concepts and conduct research

• Sketch in engineering notebook

• Create decision Matrix• Use Inventor to develop 3D

CAD drawings

Develop a solution

Student work in Inventor

• Build scaled model of playground design

• Requires new skillset and allows range of students to excel

Construct and test model

• Evaluate the fun factor and safety factor

• Assess material usage

Evaluate solution

Present solution

• Includes full team of students • Explain problem, constraints,

research, design, testing, and more to playground committee

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Proven PLTW model

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Proven PLTW model

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Proven PLTW model

Flexibility

• Implement GTT in the best way to fit your school– GTT units as 9 week or semester

courses?– Full school implementation or elective?– Every class every year?

HOW TO GET

IT DONE!

STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

FALL/SPRING• Visit the www.PLTW.org Web site to learn more. • Contact your PLTW State Leader or Regional Director regarding state education guidelines. • Locate and visit a PLTW school to learn first-hand how PLTW is implemented and sustained. • Share marketing materials to increase awareness. • Select a School District Delegate. • Complete the online registration form and receive the PLTW STEM Agreement. • Review the Purchasing Manual for equipment and supply needs. • Sign up for a Counselor Conference.

STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

SPRING• Return the signed PLTW STEM Agreement to the PLTW national office. • Identify teachers who meet the recommendations set forth by PLTW in the PLTW STEM Agreement. • Add teachers to the PLTW Extranet. • Have teachers register for a Core Training session. • Purchase software, supplies and equipment through the PLTW Purchasing Manual.

APPENDIX

Ken Verburg, Director of School Engagementkverburg@PLTW.org

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