Curriculum Planning Guide For Your PLTW Programs

Updated: March 31, 2025

At PLTW, we understand the importance of preparing students for the real world. That's why we continuously update our curriculum to help your students see the relevance of what they're learning and how it can lead to a successful career.

Whether it is your first year, 40th year, or somewhere in between, our team at PLTW is excited to support you throughout this school year. Below are key updates you need to know as you plan for the 2024-25 school year.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to exceptional teaching and learning. Together, we are making an impact on the lives of nearly 2.5 million U.S. students, helping every student in every grade thrive in a STEM-driven world. 

PLTW Launch Logs (Spanish)

• PLTW Launch Logs in Spanish are now available as Optional items from the PLTW Store for purchase.  You can view optional items by utilizing the filter on the left side of the page. Select Optional for PLTW Programs and then Update Filters.

Robotics and Automation and Robotics and Automation: Challenge Updates (Grade 5)

• The updates support student experiences with VEX® IQ, and are available in English and Spanish. 
• In the Robotics and Automation module, students record observations, pose questions, and make connections about robotics throughout the module. Also, they build their robot in Activity 3 which allows them to dive deeper into inputs, outputs, and processors as they complete an instant challenge.
• In the Robotics and Automation: Challenge module, students apply the Use-Modify-Create Framework as they learn how to program their robot. By moving the unplugged programming activity to an optional extension, students now build and program their robot in Activity 2. This provides students more time to code and increases their understanding of robotic systems. 

Math Connections for Grades 3-5

• All 3rd - 5th grade PLTW Launch modules now include optional Math Performance Tasks. These components help educators highlight connections to math as well as understand where math skills are applied in STEM learning experiences. Math Performance Tasks are also available in multiple K-2 modules.  

Structure and Function: Exploring Design (Kindergarten)

• In this module, a new version of Jack and the Beanstalk by PLTW has been added to the equipment kit. This version of Jack and the Beanstalk also includes an audiobook for students to access and enjoy.

Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions (Grade 3)

• In this module, VEX^® GO Kit with Storage Case has been added to the equipment kit. Downloadable build instructions using VEX GO kits have been added for the inclined plane, lever, and pulley builds.
• If you have PLTW VEX^® IQ kits you ordered for PLTW Launch, you may continue to use those instead of the VEX GO Kits. Both VEX GO and VEX IQ are fully supported for this module.

Update: Spatial Sense and Coding (PreK)

• The VEX® 123 interactive robot is now included in the module kit, replacing the robotic mouse. The module includes dual support for the interactive robot— VEX® 123 and the robotic mouse.

Energy and the Environment, Green Architecture, Magic of Electrons, and Science of Technology Updates

• Lessons A and B,  in EE, GA, ME, and ST, will be replaced with a new Lesson AB. The new Lesson AB consists of two activities: Activity AB.1 Instant Design Challenge and Activity AB.2 Gateway Career Center. These optional activities lay the groundwork for students to use the design process in problem-solving and to engage in career awareness and exploration. 

• In Activity AB.1 Instant Design Challenge, students work in teams to design, build, and test a solution for an instant design challenge. Students present their solutions to the class and together with their teammates use a decision matrix to choose the solution that best meets the design requirements. Students are formally introduced to the design process and compare it to the process they followed. They reflect on their team collaboration to develop a set of team rules to follow throughout the unit. 

• In Activity AB.2 Gateway Career Center, students engage in a reflective activity in which they identify their personal strengths, focusing on transportable skills, and identify areas for growth. They explore their individual interests and consider which work environment would best suit their preferences. After analyzing their findings, students research various careers and assess which ones align with their strengths, interests, and ideal work settings. Finally, students complete a career exploration for a career that interests them to learn more about it, then share their findings with their classmates. 

• The Teacher Guides for these four units will be reorganized to provide a more streamlined user experience. Each activity, project, and problem will have its own corresponding Teacher Resources, rather than having Lesson-level resources for all. All instructional guidance, facilitation information, and available answer keys will be located within the specific activity, project, or problem’s Teacher Resources. In addition to these resources, each Lesson will have a Quick Guide that includes an instructional pacing guide.  

• Many activities, projects, and problems will be updated to improve the student learning experience. For example: 

• • Some activities, projects, and problems will be renumbered or names will be updated to flow sequentially.  

• • Many projects and problems will have the design process integrated as a framework for student work. 
  • Some activities will be updated to include clearer instructions and an enhanced flow.
     
• The Magic of Electrons Activity 1.6: Hand Crank Generator project will be updated to be a required activity in which students use a pre-built hand crank generator to power different devices.
  • The update includes additional information on rotary motion, generators, and power plants.
  • The materials no longer require the use of VEX® products. Student materials include a pre-built hand crank generator, alligator clips, and a Snap Circuit® motor, fan, and LED. The hand crank generator is available for purchase in the Store in myPLTW.
  • For detailed information about changes and enhancements, please refer to the Curriculum Revisions document available in the Teacher Guide for each unit. 

Improved Accessibility in Four PLTW Gateway Courses 

As of December 20, 2024, the PowerPoints for Energy and the Environment, Green Architecture, Magic of Electrons, and Science of Technology have been updated to improve accessibility for students.

Key changes include:

• Alternative text descriptions added for all images.
• Some visuals replaced with more current representations.
• Minor content revisions and visuals added.

Major Update: Automation and Robotics

Automation and Robotics was was significantly updated in May of 2023 to an improve student and teacher experience. There are two versions of each build guide available for students: One for schools using the VEX EXP platform and one for schools using the VEX V5 platform. The VEX Cortex platform is no longer supported in the updated unit.

The updated unit includes dual support of both the VEX EXP and VEX V5 platforms with VEXcode. The PLTW VEX Gateway EXP kits (both full and upgrade options) are available in the PLTW Store.  

Review the Update Training Resources chapter in the Teacher Guide of the updated Automation and Robotics unit. Familiarize yourself with the new flow, student experience, and teacher supports. There is now a consumable kit available in the  PLTW Store for all consumable materials needed in the updated unit. 

Computer Science for Innovators & Makers:

Equipment and Supplies Update

In response to your feedback, an update was published on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 that involves the addition of a small, fixed resistor. The resistor is used in Activity 2.1: Need Input and will improve the performance of the pressure sensor, the photocell resistor, and the flex sensor. PLTW received feedback that these sensors have been producing unreliable results when used with the micro:bit. To improve functionality and ensure reliable results, a 47K Ohm fixed resistor is needed in series with the sensors when used with the micro:bit. The curriculum now includes directions that utilize these resistors.

Schools that have not already received their kits will receive the new resistor in their delivery. However, schools that already received their kit or purchased one in the past will need to purchase it from the PLTW Store in myPLTW.

Diagrams of each setup are included below:

How to purchase the 47K Ohm Fixed Resistor:

100 packs of the 47K Ohm fixed resistor are available for purchase through the PLTW Store in myPLTW. To purchase these from the Store, select Optional for PLTW Programs from the filter options and click Update Filters.

College Credit, Scholarships, and More 

By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.  

PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Computer Science program, Cybersecurity has been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more. 

Update: Computer Science Essentials

This summer, we enhanced the Self-Driving Vehicle (SDV) in the Computer Science Essentials program. The SDV will now feature the advanced VEX AI Camera, replacing the current VEX Vision Sensor. 

Key improvements: 

• The VEX AI Camera offers superior object and color detection capabilities. 

• This upgrade will significantly expand the SDV's potential in your classroom. 

• The new camera is compatible with both VEX V5 and EXP brains. 

For educators wishing to upgrade existing SDVs: 

• The VEX AI Camera will be available for separate purchase in the PLTW Store. 
• Our student course materials and Teacher Guide will continue to support the VEX Vision Sensor (for both V5 and EXP) through June 2026. 

Update: Computer Science Principles

We've made some significant updates to Activity 2.2.3 Demystifying Data Transmission in our Computer Science Principles course: 

AWS Academy Cloud9 Removal:  

• The AWS Academy Cloud9 version of this activity has been removed from the course. 

• AWS Academy is no longer a requirement for Computer Science Principles. 

New Accessibility Options:  

• We've introduced online tools as alternatives for students who don't have access to the Terminal.

• This change ensures all students can participate fully in the activity, regardless of their available resources. 

Updates: Computer Science A Continued

Alignment with College Board Framework 

Over the past year, we've been working closely with our partners at the College Board to ensure our CSA curriculum remains fully aligned with their latest AP CSA Framework. We're pleased to announce that an updated version of our CSA course will be published this summer, incorporating all the recently announced changes. 

For our existing CSA teachers, we've developed resources to help you seamlessly transition to the updated curriculum: 

• An Update Training section will be included in the Teacher Guide, walking you through all changes step-by-step 
• All Core Training sessions beginning in June 2025 will feature the updated materials 
• The Oracle certification content will remain available as an option for students seeking industry-recognized credentials 

This alignment ensures that your students will be fully prepared for the 2025-26 AP CSA exam while continuing to develop the professional skills valued by industry partners. 

We understand curriculum changes require additional preparation, which is why we're committed to providing you with all necessary resources well in advance of the new school year. 

 PLTW CSA Optional Java Certification Unit

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new optional addition to the PLTW Computer Science A (CSA) student course: the Java Certification unit.

The Java Certification unit is a supplement to the content covered in AP CSA Chapters 1-4. The activities discuss additional topics that are included in Oracle Certified Associate certification. After completing AP CSA Chapters 1- 4 and this unit, students should be qualified to take the Java SE 8 Programmer 1 Exam. Students who pass the exam will receive the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification.

The unit is now live in the PLTW CSA student course and can be found just below Chapter 4. It is optional and intended for students who are interested in taking the certification exam. The unit has been specifically designed to be self-paced and student-driven; all answers are provided within the student course and do not require any teacher feedback.  

To view the Java Certification alignment for the CSA course, click here. We’ve also compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document with additional details. 

Cybersecurity

The Cyber Lab Console has been updated and added to your Site page in myPLTW. 

Key Enhancements: 

• Advanced Lab Scheduling:
  • Teachers can now schedule labs in advance, dramatically reducing spin-up time. 
•  Improved Student Access:  
  • Students will experience significantly reduced wait times when accessing labs.
  • In many cases, wait times have been eliminated. 
• Enhanced Teacher Controls: 
  • Teachers now have greater control over starting and relaunching labs.

Principles of Engineering: Important Updates

PLTW’s updated Principles of Engineering (POE) curriculum was published on Dec. 22, 2023, with significant updates based on valuable feedback from our network. During this update, we provided access to both the Legacy POE course and the updated POE course. As of July 1, 2024, the Legacy POE course is no longer available.  
 
The POE Update, revised Course Outline and Course Resume detail these changes. Support resources also include a February webinar and updated PLTW Core Training materials. 

Webinar Recording: Watch Here 

Slide Deck: View Slides Here 

Q&A Document: Read Answers Here 

Based on additional feedback we received, we have added two materials to Principles of Engineering (POE). These pieces are available in the PLTW Store now in the POE refill kit. 

New materials added to the POE refill kit include: 

• Alligator clips

• Red and blue construction paper

College Credit, Scholarships, and More  

By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.   

PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Engineering program, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Principles of Engineering have been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more.

Aerospace Engineering

AGI STK, software exclusively used in the PLTW Engineering AE course, was recently purchased by ANSYS software.

Due to this, schools now need to transition to ANSYS STK version 12.5 or newer following new licensing procedures and guidelines.

All schools will need to use a licensing server in their school or use on a machine in their lab, as standalone licensing is no longer available. The Installation Guide on our software page has been updated to reflect the new software installation and server installation.  If you have questions, contact the PLTW Solution Center.

Digital Electronics

Digital Electronics: The Digital Electronics (DE) course has been updated for the 2024-25 school year. 

Key highlights include:  

• Technology and Equipment Optimization 
  • We collaborated with Master Teachers, National Instruments and Digilent to update the technology used in the course.
  • The current myDigital Protoboard and NI myDAQ has been replaced by the myDigital Canvas Board and Analog Discovery 3, as the NI myDAQ is being discontinued from production.  
  • The PLTW-S7 FPGA module will continue to be used.  
  • To address the recent challenges in sourcing chips, we are developing and offering a new chips set (IC Kit).   

• Equipment Availability and Ordering:  
  
  • New equipment is now available in the myPLTW Store.   

• • Items are in stock and typically ship within 1-2 business days. 

• Ongoing Support for Current Technology
  • Support for the current technology (myDAQ, Protoboard, TTL chips IC Kit) will continue through the 2025-26 school year.  

• CHIPS Act and Career Focus
  
  • There is an emphasis on careers in microelectronics and semiconductor workforce preparation.   

• • This update aligns with the CHIPS and Science Act, offering potential local funding opportunities for schools adopting Digital Electronics.   
     
• Updated Teacher Guide  
  
  • The Teacher Guide will be updated to support the integration of the new technology and will also be restructured to include Lesson Quick Guides and Resources for each Activity, Project, and Problem.  
    
    
• Core Training

• • All updates will be covered in the 2024 Online Core Training.   
• Supporting the updates
  • In several locations there are specific updates to support new equipment. Please note the following locations of modifications to the procedure steps in the Student Course.

Enhanced myPLTW Experience

As part of our commitment to creating a transformative learning environment through PLTW’s Empowering Educational Experiences (E3) initiative, we are excited for you to experience the enhanced myPLTW platform for the 2024-25 school year. 

To support you in this transition, we have provided the following resources to help you start your school year off with minimal disruption.  

The following resources are available on our website: 

• Overview of E3 and informational video 
• E3 Resource Guide
• Timeline and key dates
• E3 FAQs 

Recommended E3 Training Resources: 

• Short, self-paced E3 training videos (approximately 10 minutes total) designed to help you navigate the enhanced myPLTW experience are available within myPLTW.  
• Just released: Our new Annotations training video that shows you an easy way to customize your courses. 
• To access within myPLTW, navigate to the first page of the Biomedical Science Teacher Guides and go to the “Navigating Courses” section. 

College Credit, Scholarships, and More  

By being part of the PLTW network, your students have access to resources to help prepare them for the next steps in their career path. PLTW’s Student Opportunities page consists of college credit, scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, waived tuition, and many more opportunities.   

PLTW also worked with ACE (American Council on Education) to evaluate PLTW courses and identify those that qualify for the opportunity to receive college credit. In the PLTW Biomedical Science program, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Principles of Biomedical Science have been identified as meeting the qualifications. Learn more  

Update: COVID-19 Module Sunsetting

In spring 2020, PLTW introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic module to bridge real-world events with the PLTW Biomedical Science classroom. This module immersed students in pandemic management strategies, infectious disease responses, and SARS-CoV-2 virology. It also fostered discussions on the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of global health crises. 

As of July 2024, the PLTW Biomedical Science (BMS) pathway has integrated key elements of the COVID-19 module into its updated curriculum. While the standalone module has been retired, its most relevant and valuable content has been woven into appropriate sections of the revised program, ensuring students continue to benefit from these critical insights in a more streamlined, context-appropriate manner. 

PLTW Algebra 1 Advantage:

Crosswalks Now Available

 Crosswalks are now available for selected frameworks, showing how A1A investigations, projects, and problems match up with state standards. If you'd like to receive the crosswalk document or request one for your state, please contact the PLTW Solution Center at 877.335.7589 or solutioncenter@pltw.org.

New Video for PLTW Algebra 1 Advantage Teachers

As part of our commitment to enhance the myPLTW experience, a new Annotations feature to add customized content to any page in a student course is now available.  

To access our new Annotations training video within myPLTW, navigate to the first page of the A1A Teacher Guide and go to the “Navigating Courses” section. 

End-Of-Course Assessments

PLTW’s End-of-Course (EoC) Assessments testing window runs from Dec. 2, 2024 – June 30, 2025. 

Here are 3 important reminders as you prepare for EoCs: 

1. The 2024-25 EoC Assessments Manual: Download to review everything you need to know before, during, and after the exams, including updates to ACE Accreditation and the score sharing opportunity for students.
   
   
2. Kite Security Update: To protect the security of your network and our test content, the secure browser required for administration of the PLTW EoC Assessment has been updated. Schools must install Kite Student Portal v31 before administering the EoC Assessment. Kite 4.0 is now retired. Installation instructions are available below:
3. • PLTW Kite Portal Whitelisting and Firewall Information  
   • Installation Guide for Windows  
   • Installation Guide for Mac  
   • Installation Guide for iPads  
   • Installation Guide for Chromebooks  
     
     
   3. American Council on Education (ACE) Accreditation: ACE Learning Evaluations has evaluated and recommended college credit for seven PLTW courses: Civil Engineering and Architecture, Cybersecurity, Digital Electronics, Human Body Systems, Principles of Biomedical Science, Medical Interventions, and Principles of Engineering. Important note: While ACE doesn't directly issue college credits, students have the opportunity to present ACE recommendations to their chosen universities for potential credit recognition. To unlock this academic advantage, students need to score at least 370 on the End-of-Course assessment, paving the way for college credit as endorsed by ACE.
   • New in 2024: Transferrable credit is now available at the following universities: Rochester Institute of Technology, St. Cloud State University, University of Montana, and the Missouri University of Science & Technology. As college credit opportunities are solidified, all information will be listed on the PLTW Student Opportunities page.

PLTW Capstone

The PLTW Capstone course represents an exciting evolution of our Engineering Design and Development (EDD) program. We've transformed EDD into a more inclusive and interdisciplinary experience. PLTW Capstone now spans all three of our high school pathways: PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, and PLTW Computer Science, offering a truly integrated approach to project-based learning. 

PLTW Capstone also helps to represent a natural progression in our curriculum, offering students a more authentic, collaborative experience. We encourage all PLTW educators to consider incorporating this course into your teaching plans. 

Key Features: 

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Students from any pathway can tackle real-world challenges, mirroring professional collaboration. 

• Expanded Accessibility: Open to all PLTW educators, not just those from EDD or Biomedical Innovations backgrounds. 

• Comprehensive Training: Core Training is available to equip all instructors with the necessary skills to implement this course. 

For more details, please refer to our FAQ Document. 

PLTW Core Training and Professional Development Suite

PLTW Core Training and Professional Development Suite trainings run year-round, and classes are continually added. We offer training opportunities to enhance your skills and instructional approaches for the classroom. Explore professional development opportunities.

PLTW Grants

We are pleased to share these competitive PLTW grant opportunities for schools in partner-selected communities across the country made possible by Ameren, Boston Scientific, John Deere, Lockheed Martin, and Verizon. 
  
Ameren is PLTW’s newest philanthropic partner, whose $140,000 commitment will support PLTW grants to new and existing PLTW programs in Ameren service territories in Illinois and Missouri. 
  
Explore these grant opportunities and others made possible by Burns & McDonnell, Chevron, and Tesla/Nevada DOE. We will continue to post additional grant opportunities supported by more partners throughout the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Visit the PLTW website to learn more about these new opportunities to further support STEM education.   

Save the Date for

PLTW Summit 2026

Mark you calendars for PLTW Summit 2026! Join us Oct. 12-14, 2026, in Chicago and virtually. Stay tuned for more information on the Events website for more details.

PLTW provides PreK-12 schools, teachers, and students with hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM-based curriculum that uniquely prepares students for life and their future careers. PLTW rejuvenates teachers, providing world-class experiences that keep them on the forefront of how to prepare students for the demands of tomorrow. PLTW:

• Has provided professional development opportunities to more than 80,000 teachers giving them the support and resources needed to inspire students
• Offers best-in-class teacher training: PLTW Core Training with Master Teachers
• Continuously updates teacher resources that are available on demand
• Facilitates teacher networking opportunities
• Develops curriculum by a team of writers, many of whom are former teachers

Learn more about PLTW on pltw.org.