Loughlin PLTW Course Descriptions
LOUGHLIN — A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
Introduction to Engineering Design Loughlin recognizes that a successful college prep high
Launching the school’s own PLTW program required
school offers state-of-the-art technology, multiple AP
comprehensive renovations to classrooms on three floors
course options, and new and exciting programs. Adopted
of our building, training all PLTW faculty at the Rochester
into its curriculum in 2016, Project Lead The Way
Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at
(PLTW), has already made a marked impact on
Tyler, and purchasing new lab equipment, laptops,
student learning.
3D printers, and many other necessary essentials.
STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO STEM EDUCATION
WIDE RANGE OF AP COURSES
Studies show that STEM careers are growing faster than any other. Our goal is to prepare our students for these exciting and wellpaying choices. Due to a rising demand and
STEM jobs are set to increase 17 percent between now and 2024.
Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation providing opportunities to develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design — while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
Environmental Sustainability (Fall 2017)
school STEM programs that enroll only
Students investigate and design solutions in response to real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply, and renewable energy. Applying knowledge through hands-on activities and simulations, students research and design potential solutions to these true-to-life challenges.
offer opportunities in PLTW courses to any student who works hard to be successful. In year one of the program (fall 2016) 134
increasingly available opportunities in these fields,
Principles of Engineering (Fall 2017)
In the future — unlike most other high top tier students — Loughlin’s goal is to
RELEVANT PROGRAMS
Students explore the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. Students work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.
students enrolled in at least one PLTW course. Over 200 students enrolled in the fall of 2017.
Principles of Biomedical Science In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.
Human Body Systems (Fall 2017)
ANDREW GUILD ‘06 ı PLTW Advisory Board Member
In 2010, Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in Electrical Engineering. At Syracuse, he was a member — and Vice President — of the National Society of Black Engineers
Percentage of the
8,650,000
is the estimated size of
Andrew began his career at National Grid in Syracuse as a Control & Integration Engineer, and also continued his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, earning a Master’s degree in Power Systems. Andrew is currently a Supervising Field Engineer at PSEG Long Island in the Overhead/Underground Lines Department. He has worked in the utility business for over five years in Substation Engineering and Meter Services Departments.
Medical Interventions (Fall 2018) Students investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease and through real-world cases, are exposed to a range of interventions related to human DNA, immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.
FUTURE COURSES Computer Science courses — Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity. Expanded Engineering course options — Aerospace Engineering, Digital Engineering, and Civil Engineering & Architecture.
WOMEN in STEM Careers
STEM Careers
17
where he participated in numerous community outreach programs.
$84,000+
is the annual average
growth in demand for
the STEM workforce by
salary of STEM jobs in
STEM jobs between now
2018 according to the U.S.
computer science and
and 2024.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
engineering occupations.
17
Percentage of the bachelor’s degrees in computer and information sciences awarded that are earned by women.
26
Percentage of the tech industry workforce that are women.
MINORITIES in STEM Careers
29
Percentage of the science and engineering workforce that are women.
Underrepresented minorities report desiring to go into STEM fields at the same rate as their white and Asian peers.
12
Percentage of bachelor’s degrees in engineering awarded that were earned by underrepresented minorities.
570,000
is the estimated size of the STEM workforce by 2018 if people of color were fully represented in computer science jobs.
Sources: PLTW, National Girls Collaborative Project, usnews.com, esa.doc.gov
All young people should be prepared to think deeply and to think well so that they have the chance to become the innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing our nation and our world, both today and tomorrow. Source: U.S. Department of Education
Andrew Guild ‘06, a member of Bishop Loughlin’s PLTW Advisory Board, is one example of a graduate working in STEM. As a student here, he was Vice President of Lasallian Youth and a part of the school band.
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. 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.