Fundamentals of PLTW Engineering

The Project Lead The Way Engineering Pathway provides an array of learning experiences designed to help students develop an engineering skillset and cultivate an engineering mindset.

Each PLTW Engineering course Framework is built on the Fundamentals of PLTW Engineering—a set of research-based core dimensions and supporting big concepts that provide the foundation for effective engineering education. In each Engineering course, students are challenged with engaging real-world engineering experiences that simultaneously build knowledge, skills, and practices across the core dimensions. No matter what career a student chooses, PLTW Engineering promotes life-long learning habits and sets students up for success. 

Hover Icon The Four Dimensions

PLTW Engineering is built on four fundamental dimensions critical to effective engineering education — problem solving and creativity, engineering knowledge and applications, professional practices, and career learning. These fundamental dimensions are represented on the inner ring. Click on each of the four dimensions to learn more.

Hover Icon The Big Concepts

Each dimension includes multiple big concepts, represented in the outer ring. The big concepts connect to significant and relevant national content standards and are learning targets for PLTW Engineering courses. The extent of exposure to each big concept (for example, systems thinking or collaboration) varies among courses. Big concepts are directly aligned to learning objectives, foundational knowledge, and skills listed in the course Framework, and they are critical to building engineering literacy. Click on each of the big concepts to learn more.

wheel

Rotate Wheel

Logo

Engineering Knowledge and Applications

Systems Thinking

Computational Thinking

Engineering Design and Applications

Modeling

Engineering Math and Science

Tools and Technology

Career Learning

Awareness

Exploration

Planning

Engineering Mindset

Design Process

Experimental Design

Professional Practices

Project Management

Collaboration

Communication

Professionalism and Ethics

Problem Solving and Creativity

©  Project Lead The Way, Inc.