1. PLTW Launch
sySTEMnow Conference
October 31, 2017

2. What is PLTW?
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the nation’s leading provider of K-12 STEM programs. PLTW’s world-class, activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate partners, help students develop the skills they need to be successful in post-secondary education and beyond.

3. World Class-Curriculum
Engineering,
Computer Science, &
Biomedical
Science
College,
Career, and
Beyond
Launch
Gateway
(Elementary)
(Middle School)
(High School)
All PLTW Curriculum is activities-, project-, problem-based (APB).

4. PLTW Launch (K-5)
Studies show that students decide as early as 2nd or 3rd grade whether they like, and think they are good at, math and science. PLTW Launch™ is designed to capture students’ interest in math and science and spark a lifelong passion. Students use touch technology, robotics, and everyday materials to explore topics such as energy, light and sound, motion and stability, and gravity. With PLTW Launch, students will leave elementary school with a passion for and confidence in the STEM subjects, ready to continue their learning in middle school, high school, and beyond.

5. PLTW Launch Activity-, project-, problem-based
Aligned to Common Core Math, Science, and English Standards, as well as Next Generation Science Standards
Allows for flexibility and customization
Designed for Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Allows for differentiation in each grade level
Two modules per grade level of Engineering
One module of Biomedical Science (being piloted this year)
One module of Computer Science (being piloted this year)
Each module is approximately 10 hours
Integrates formative and summative assessments
Utilizes technology at every grade level

6. PLTW Launch Engineering Modules
Section
Title
Aligned to Standards
K.1
K.2
Structure and Function: Exploring Design
Pushes and Pulls
Kindergarten
1.1
1.2
Light and Sound
Light: Observing, Sun, Moon, and Stars
1st Grade
2.1
2.2
Materials Science: Properties of Matter
Materials Science: Form and Function
2nd Grade
3.1
3.2
Stability and Motion: Science of Flight
Stability and Motion: Forces & Interactions
3rd Grade
4.1
4.2
Energy: Collisions
Energy: Conversion
4th Grade
5.1
5.2
Robotics and Automation
Robotics and Automation: Challenge
5th Grade

7. PLTW Launch Biomedical Science Modules
Section
Title
Aligned to Standards
K.3
Structure and Function: Human Body
Kindergarten
1.3
Health and Wellness
1st Grade
2.3
Animal Adaptations
2nd Grade
3.3
Variation of Traits
3rd Grade
4.3
Input/Output: Computer Systems
4th Grade
5.3
Infection: Detection
5th Grade

8. PLTW Launch Computer Science Modules
Section
Title
Aligned to Standards
K.4
Animals and Algorithms
Kindergarten
1.4
Animated Storytelling
1st Grade
2.4
Grids and Games
2nd Grade
3.4
Technology Toolbox
3rd Grade
4.4
Input/Output: Human Brain
4th Grade
5.4
Infection: Modeling and Simulation
5th Grade

9. Let’s continue the conversation...
PLTW Professional Development Training: MSOE is a premier training site for PLTW teachers across the country. Each summer over 450 teachers are trained on campus in all PLTW areas.
PLTW State Conference – February 11 – 12, 2018
Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Territory
For more information:
Paul Borens
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Affiliate Director/Director of STEM
Elizabeth McLean
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Associate Director of STEM

10. Any
Questions?

11. School District of Janesville
Our Journey with EiE
School District of Janesville

12. Introductions Dana Simmons - Principal
Paul Stengel - Program Support Teacher

13. EiE Overview
Every unit uses a field of engineering as a unifying theme
Units can stand alone. You can use EiE units in any order
Lessons are flexible—they can be adapted for different grades/abilities
Lessons are scaffolded—they build logically to the final engineering design challenge
All activities use simple, inexpensive materials
Activities appeal to ALL students—including girls and members of minority groups

14. “Five E” Learning Cycle
Engagement: Students are drawn to a challenge because it’s interesting and captures their imaginations.
Exploration: Students start to explore science and engineering principles through activities where they encounter problems or ask questions.
Explanation: Students describe what they think is happening. They’re ready to learn from their teacher AND their peers.
Elaboration: Students apply what they’ve learned to the engineering design challenge.
Evaluation: Students reflect on what they have learned.

15. 20 Units

16. Engineering Design Process
1:40-1:45
Discuss the engineering design process.
Show them the poster that is in the kits.

17. Typical EiE Unit 4 Lessons
Each lesson ranges in time between hour long sessions
Total of 2 weeks per unit

18. Lesson Format Lesson 1: Students read or listen to the story.
Lesson 2: Students engage in activities to learn more about the work done by engineers in the focus field.
2:00-2:10
5 minutes to look through the story and discuss with their group the components, story line, and vocabulary.
5 minutes to look through lesson 1.

19. Lessons 3-4
Lesson 3: Children collect and analyze data to help build on their background knowledge and prepare them for Lesson 4.
Lesson 4: Engineering Design Challenge
Students follow the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to solve an engineering problem.
2:10-2:15

20. Materials in a Unit

21. Timeline of our Journey
In 2012 Lincoln applied for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant. The application focused on providing the students with STEM Education. The search for programs lead us to Engineering is Elementary.
During the 2012/13 school year, a Trimester Guide was developed to mirror the standards/science themes covered during the school day.
At the time, EiE was in Lincoln’s CLC program and the Challenge Program. Kits existed around the district, but there was no anchor.

22. Journey Cont’d 2013 EiE was introduced into our Summer School Program
Rotation schedule was needed to be developed
In May 2014, 6 School District of Janesville employees, attended the EiE Training to become trainers.
From May 2014 to now, the School District of Janesville established an alignment after adopting the NGSS.
Each grade level (1st - 5th) received one EiE unit for the school year. This is aligned to the NGSS and pacing for the School District of Janesville.

23. Current State in Janesville
Summer School Program
Embedded in our Science Curriculum
Currently in year 2
Professional Development

24. Q & A Time