Project Lead the Way
What is Project Lead the Way?
Project Lead the Way® (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization that provides two curriculum options—engineering and biomedical sciences—to high school students. Project Lead the Way was first implemented on the national level during the 1997–98 school year. It is now offered across the nation in about 3,000 schools.
At this time, the Minnesota Department of Education is neither endorsing nor commenting on schools adopting the curriculum at a local level. However, exploration has begun on the Biomedical Sciences program.
Starting in January 2009, two steps are being taken in Minnesota. First, an Advisory Committee is being formed to co-create a plan for implementation of the Biomedical Sciences PLTW in Minnesota. We are seeking stakeholders representing public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector.
Second, a pilot project may be conceived with an interested community college to offer the PLTW biomedical curriculum as concurrent enrollment to interested high school students.
Interested persons or organization representatives should contact Jane Foote, executive director of HealthForce Minnesota at 612-673-5137 or 507-280-5034.
How is the PLTW Biomedical Science program structured?
PLTW courses are designed to be part of the general education courses offered in a standard high school. The program is designed to augment advanced level science and math coursework with a background in biomedical science. It is NOT designed to replace traditional science classes.
PLTW curriculum is intended to make math and science learning relevant to students. This is done by engaging students in hands-on, real-world projects. Students take the skills they are leaning in the classroom and apply them to everyday life.
Currently there are four courses in the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program. They are:
- Principles of the Medical Sciences™
- Human Body Systems™
- Medical Interventions™
- BMS Capstone Course
What kind of student will benefit from a PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program?
Students interested in math, science and the human body will learn about numerous medical fields. Students who intend to pursue a career in biological sciences, emergency services, healthcare or medicine will find the program beneficial.
How might the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum work within each high school's curriculum in Minnesota? The PLTW Biomedical Sciences program fits best with a high school who has an eight section plus lunch schedule. However, another option is to offer the program at the community college level for students to receive concurrent coursework that applies to high school graduation requirements.
Where can I learn more about PLTW?
To learn more about PLTW at the nation level, access pltw.org/Biomedical
In Minnesota, contact Jane Foote PLTW Minnesota state leader for Biomedical sciences and the executive director of HealthForce MN at jfoote@winona.edu