Middle school is the perfect time for students to explore and learn that ther is more than one way to reach a solution.  PLTW Gateway provides engineering and biomedical science curriculum for middle school students that challenges, inspires and offers schools variety and flexibility.  Students get rigorous and relevant exzperiences through activity-, project-, and problem-based learning.  They use industry-leading technology to solve problems while gaining skills in communication, collaboration, critical-thinking, and creativity.

PLTW Gateway - Curriculum
Through topics like coding and robotics, flight and space, and DNA and crime scene analysis, middle school students engage their natural curiosity and imagination in creative problem solving.  PLTW Gateway is a strong foundation for further STEM learning in high school and beyond, challenging students to solve real-world challenges, such as cleaning oil spills and designing sustainable housing solutions.  Using the same advanced software and tools as those used by the world's leading companies, students learn how to apply math, science, technology, and engineering to their everyday lives.

PLTW Gateway is divided into independent, nine-week units, assuming a 45-minute class period.  PLTW Gateway is designed to be taught in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum.  Schools that offer the program implement both foundation units and may add any combination of the specialization units.

FOUNDATION UNITS
Design & Modeling
Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives.  They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks.  Using Autodesk design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

Automation & Robotics
Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems.  Students use the VEX Robotics platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

SPECIALIZATION UNITS
Flight & Space
The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through Flight and Space.  Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil.  Custom-built simulation software allows students to experience space travel.

Magic of Electrons
Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices.  They larn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

Medical Detectives
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a "crime scene".  They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

All material on this page is courtesy of Project Lead the Way: 
https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/pltw-gateway/pltw-gateway-curriculum