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Engineering and PLTW

The Engineering Program is designed to be taken all four years. It allows students to earn college credit for

each of the courses and introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering prior to entering

college. However, even if a student is not planning to pursue a four-year college degree, they will benefit

greatly from the knowledge and thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided

in this program. We recommend at least one Engineering & Technology course in your four years. 

 

Please note: Project Lead the Way students must have access to a computer with internet

access and Microsoft Office.

Courses Offered

641 - Introduction to Engineering and Design (IED) (1 credit) 

This course emphasizes the development of design and teaches problem-solving skills in a project- based environment. Teams of students use solid modeling computer design software to produce, analyze and evaluate models of project solutions. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher.

 

642 - PLTW: Principles of Engineering (POE) (1 credit)

In this second-year course students design and program robotics devices, build and test various machines, and test different materials and systems. Students use math, science and technology to understand, design, and build their prototypes. The course also addresses concerns about the social and political consequences of technological change. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and science. Satisfactory completion of 641 - IED.
 

644 - PLTW: Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) (1 credit)

This course offers an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state of the art software to solve real- world problems and present solutions to hands-on projects and activities in multiple formats, such as PowerPoint, brochures, posters and oral presentations. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and science. Satisfactory completion of 641 - IED and 642 - POE.

 

635 - Computer Science Discoveries (CODE.ORG) (.5 credit)

In this introductory computer science, course students will be empowered to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Student will learn problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data skills in order to build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.

 

648 – UW-Milwaukee Computer Science 150: Survey of Computer Science (1 credit) 

This semester-long course covers a survey of computer science. Topics include data storage and manipulation, operating systems and networks, algorithms and data structures, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and computability. This course is taught in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's dual-enrollment program. Students in this course earn college credit right from our computer lab!

PREREQUISITE: C or higher in Algebra 1.

 

649 - UW-Milwaukee Computer Science 250: Introductory Computer Programming (1 credit) 

A dive into the Java Programming Language. Topics include writing and compiling programs using Java and Eclipse, Java syntax and variables, arithmetic, user input and output, Boolean logic, loops, methods, UX/UI, arrays, and recursion. This course is taught in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's dual-enrollment program. In addition to earning college credit, students also gain experience creating software in collaboration with a client. PREREQUISITE: C or higher in Algebra 2.

 

650 - Rube Goldberg Machine Design (1 credit) 

A team of students will follow the Engineering Design Process to design and construct a complex machine to accomplish a particular task. The team will work throughout the year to research, sketch, build, and present the device. They will compete in the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest in early March. The students and teacher will decide on specific goals, objectives, and responsibilities for both individuals and the team. PREREQUISITE: One credit of science, completion of IED, concurrent enrollment in mathematics and science. Application required.

Thank you to the presenting sponsors of our signature events!

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Pius XI Catholic High School
135 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213

Main Phone: 414-290-7000
Attendance Line: 414-290-7002

Spanish Liaison Hotline: 414-290-7003
Serving students in the Milwaukee area since 1929, Pius XI Catholic High School. Today, Pius XI is Milwaukee’s and Southeastern Wisconsin’s most diverse co-educational Catholic high school, serving a student body of approximately 720 students. Our college preparatory programming provides students with Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses; a nationally-recognized, four-year Fine Arts program with a full range of Performing and Visual Arts; a four-year Project Lead the Way Engineering program; and a Special Studies program with certified special education teachers for students with learning disabilities. Pius XI offers 24 athletic programs and more than 24 co-curricular activities.
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