Project Lead The Way

kids working on making in class roller coaster

Jr. High is a time of exploration, a time when students are figuring out what they're passionate about and who they'll become tomorrow.

During this transitional time, PLTW Gateway empowers students to lead their own discovery. The hands-on program boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires "aha! moments" and deep comprehension. And as students engage in PLTW's activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they see a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

Washington Jr. High is Proud to offer three PLTW Gateway Courses:

Automation & Robotics

Students take on the role of interns, and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics, and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers.

App Creators

App Creators introduces students to the field of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking, through the creation of mobile apps. Students are challenged to be creative and innovative, as they collaboratively design and develop mobile solutions to engaging, authentic problems.

Medical Detectives

Project Lead the Way Gateway-Medical Detectives. Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.

Science of Technology

Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nano-materials.