The Engineering Pathway aims to make students future ready by preparing them for college entry as STEM majors and preparing them for technical work in high demand, high wage, entry-level STEM jobs right out of high school. The Engineering Pathway consists of a sequence of engineering courses utilizing the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering curriculum. Students learn design, build engineering skills, and learn teamwork skills that will assist them in their career. Students work in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using industry standard equipment and software such as 3-D printers, CNC machines, 3-D modeling software and printers.
Program Details
Project Lead the Way curriculum provides the structure for the course, applying math, science, and engineering skills in hands-on projects that solve problems.
Introduction to Engineering: Students work in teams on challenging projects while working with tools, equipment and modeling software in the design process. Students learn technical sketch and drawing skills, design skills using modeling software, and build skills using hand tools and 3-D printers.
Principles of Engineering: Students apply advanced engineering skills using equipment and design software to solve real-world problems. Including mechanics, strength of structures and materials, automation, and energy systems.
Work Based Learning: Students have opportunities to participate in regional engineering competitions where their team projects are critiques by representatives from business and industry, such as the Race Car Engineering and the UCI Rescue Robotics.
Participating Schools
This program is offered at Irvine High School, Northwood High School, and University High School.
Curriculum Standards
CA CTE Engineering Curriculum Standards
CA Standards for Career Readiness
Resources
With the support of IUSD and IPSF, Selected students participate in teams of up to 30 students each at five high schools located in the City of Irvine - Beckman, Irvine, Northwood, University, and Woodbridge high schools - are joining forces to assemble, test and launch a CubeSat (nano-satellite) into low Earth orbit.
Coastline ROP (Regional Occupation Program): The district's partnership with Coastline ROP provides opportunities for students to explore careers in all fifteen CA recognized industry sectors through after school and summer courses. These opportunities include courses in Engineering and many other high demand careers, such as Healthcare, Retail Sales, EMT and Sports Medicine, and internships in a variety of industry sector courses. Coastline ROP
Post Secondary Education: See your Counselor or the ROP Coordinator for more information about post-secondary options in the Engineering Design Pathway.