In 2005, St. Roman School became the only private middle school in the Milwaukee area to offer the program Project Lead the Way. This program promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions, and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.
The PLTW Middle School program, called “Gateway to Technology,” consists of four units, each with a different focus. The curriculum exposes students to a broad overview of the field of technology. New units to be added to the program are in development and will include a focus on Flight and Space and other current areas of interest. The four core units are as follows:
· Design and Modeling
· The Magic of Electrons
· The Science of Technology
· Automation and Robotics
In June of 2005, two St. Roman Middle School teachers attended an intense two-week training session at Purdue University as a pre-requisite to teaching the course. The curriculum uses “cutting edge” technology and software and is in alignment with state and national science, math, and technology standards.
This Middle School program will encourage but not demand students to go on to the High School program which is being offered at numerous high schools in the area including Thomas More High School, Pius XI High School, and St. Joan Antida High School. Thomas More High School will also be working with us to share the software necessary for the courses.
The initial funding for the program is coming in the form of a $23,000 grant from The Kern Family Foundation through the efforts of our past Principal, Sister Betty. Receipt of the grant was dependent in part on a $10,000 contribution to the program by St Roman School. This was possible due to the very generous donation of a past school family who wishes to remain anonymous.
For additional information visit www.pltw.org. |
