PLTW Pathway

The Project Lead the Way program is specifically for high school age students and includes the following series of classes: 

Year 1: Principles of Biomedical Sciences- This first year is designed to grab students' attention and interest in the biomedical sciences through their investigation of the mysterious death of Anna Garcia. This course is a survey of many different areas of the biomedical sciences, from forensics and crime scene investigation, to the molecular biology of diabetes, to understanding the cardiovascular system, to the genetics and heredity of sickle cell anemia, to the microscopic identification of bacteria and infectious agents. 

Year 2: Human Body Systems- Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration, and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. 

Year 3: Medical Interventions - Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices and diagnostics. 

Year 4: Biomedical Innovation- In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution. 

PLTW contributes to a strong, positive impact on mathematics and science achievement. PLTW has a positive influence on students' career interest and likelihood to continue their education. PLTW offers a pathway to prepare and motivate students to enter careers in science and engineering.