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Canandaigua City School District

One Community, Transforming Lives

Project Lead the Way

Project Lead the Way


Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering prior to entering college. However, even those not intending to pursue further formal education will benefit greatly from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. * College credit is offered through Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.)

  • Full Year | 1 Credit | Grades 9-12

    Possible: 3 credits from R.I.T.
    Cost: Approximately $240

    This course is the starting point for all drafting students. By working through a variety of technical drawing problems and product design activities, students will master the output of 2-D drawings while creating 3-D solid models on the computer. Students will leave this class with a basic understanding of the manufactured world and the important communication role that designers and drafters have. Students use powerful computer hardware and software (Inventor) to develop 3-D models or solid renderings of objects. Students will complete hands on activities such as; underwater submersibles and mini robots. This course is a must for anyone interested in engineering, design, manufacturing or other technical careers. DDP may be used for one unit of credit in Visual Arts or Technology Education and fulfills the Art/Music graduation requirement.

  • Full Year | 1 Credit | Grades 10-12

    Possible: 3 credits from R.I.T.
    Cost: Approximately $240

    This is a course that helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes helps students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change. PLTW courses emphasize math and require a solid math background. Students will complete hands on activities such as; balsa wood bridges, catapults, machining on a metal lathe, and much more. Principles of Engineering may be used as a third year of math or science with counselor approval.

  • Full Year | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12

    Course runs every other year (even September years)
    Possible: 3 credits from R.I.T.
    Prerequisite: DDP and POE
    Cost: Approximately $240

    Throughout this course, students will find themselves immersed in a real world setting that applies principles of robotics and automation. Students will expand their skills of solid modeling using Autodesk Inventor to program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment. This equipment will then produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing and design analysis are included.

  • Full Year | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12

    Course runs every other year (odd September years)
    Possible: 3 credits from R.I.T.
    Cost: Approximately $240

    This course provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and interdependence of both fields. Students use state of the art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as:

    • The Roles of Civil Engineers and Architects
    • Project Planning
    • Site Planning
    • Building Design
    • Project Documentation and Presentation

    In addition, the student will use Rivet, a state of the art 3D design software package used to design solutions to course projects. Working in teams, the student will learn about documenting a project, solving problems, and communicating solutions to other students and members of the professional community of civil engineers and architects.

  • Full Year | 1 Credit | Grade 12

    Course runs every other year (odd September years)
    Prerequisite: 2 units of PLTW credit

    This is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the three foundation courses. They must present progress reports, submit a final written report, and defend their solutions to a panel of reviewers at the end of the school year.