Updated: August 30, 2024
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)
Math Connections for Grades 3-5
Structure and Function: Exploring Design (Kindergarten)
Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions (Grade 3)
Update: Spatial Sense and Coding (PreK)
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:
Pressure Sensor Setup:
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Photocell Resistor Setup:
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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.
Mentorship Opportunities with Microsoft
Microsoft's Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program partners industry professionals with classroom teachers to strengthen computer science education in high schools.
Key benefits:
Learn more about how TEALS can complement your existing PLTW Computer Science courses and help build a robust CS program in your school visit Microsoft.com/TEALS to learn more, or Request for a TEALS team member to contact you with additional information.
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:
For educators wishing to upgrade existing SDVs:
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:
New Accessibility Options:
Improvements: Computer Science A
We're made several improvements to our Computer Science A course:
Enhanced GUI Compatibility:
Streamlined Loop Activities:
Optimized Activity 2.4.3:
New Image App Project:
Improved Sorting Algorithm Resources:
College Board is updating the AP CSA Framework for the 2025-2026 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:
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.
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:
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:
Recommended E3 Training Resources:
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 Curriculum
Have you heard about PLTW’s new Algebra 1 Advantage supplemental curriculum? Enjoy complimentary access for the 2024-25 school year after attending professional development. With this supplemental curriculum, you’ll gain access to dynamic, interactive projects and problems that immerse students in real-world challenges and showcases Algebra’s practical applications.
Watch this video to learn about the equation we’re trying to solve with PLTW Algebra 1 Advantage.
Key Highlights:
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.
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:
For more details, please refer to our FAQ Document.
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.
PLTW Summit
PLTW is proud to announce the next PLTW Summit is scheduled October 3-5, 2024 in San Diego, CA. PLTW Summit is offered every two years in the fall and is a great opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn alongside educators from across the country.
Stay tuned for more information on the Events website for more details.
Learn more about PLTW on pltw.org.