The PLTW Pathway to Engineering (PTE) program is a sequence of courses, which follows a proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning.
Throughout PTE, students learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. They discover the answers to questions like how are things made and what design processes go into creating products? Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software (Inventor by AutoDesk) used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin and Pixar. The course covers topics such as: • The Role of an Engineer • The Design Process • Product Design • Product Analysis & Improvement 
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Classes held at Downey High School campus
PTE courses complement traditional mathematics and science courses and can serve as the foundation for STEM-centered or specialized academies. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM). The program is designed to prepare students to pursue a post-secondary education and careers in STEM-related fields.
Foundation Courses: • Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Designed for 9th or 10th grade students, the major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. • Principles of Engineering (POE) Designed for 10th or 11th grade students, this survey course exposes students to major concepts they’ll encounter in a post- secondary engineering course of study. 
Each year students will have the opportunity to compete in the
Skills USA Regional and State competition for Introductory Drafting. In addition students will create architectural home models that will be entered in the Building Industry Association's Home Model Building Contest. |
