Project Lead the Way - Core Training Institute

Project Lead the Way - Core Training Institute

  • POE & IED classes
    POE & IED classes
  • POE class
    POE class
  • IED class
    IED class
  • Introduction to Engineering Design class
    Introduction to Engineering Design class
  • Introduction to Engineering Design class
    Introduction to Engineering Design class




Welcome to the PLTW Core Training Institute

This summer (2018), the University of Nebraska – Lincoln will offer a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Core Training Institute (CTI) for teachers. The CTI will take place on the UNL campus, June 18-29. Two courses will be offered: Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Engineering Design and Development (EDD). Project Lead The Way is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education curricular programs used in middle and high schools across the United States.

Special Announcements

Please Note: If there are less than four registrants in a class, the course will be cancelled.


How to Register for a Core Training session

Please go to the Project Lead the Way website and sign onto your myPLTW account.

Now, teachers can register for Core Training events taking place this summer or fall through myPLTW using the online PD management tool. To take advantage of this tool, any new teacher who wants to register for Core Training needs to be added to their school/site by their Program Coordinator or Site Coordinator via the Add User feature in myPLTW.

Any new teachers registering for Core Training must have a myPLTW account. Please refer to this guide for information on creating an account and registering for Core Training events. You can also watch a short video of the Core Training event registration process.

Lodging

Questions or Concerns

For questions or concerns, please contact:

All courses: June 18-29, 2018
Location
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Nebraska Hall (room to be assigned)
Lincoln, NE 68512
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED):
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is designed for 9th or 10th grade students. The major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.

Teachers will apply their knowledge of activity-, project, and problem-based learning and STEM education, and they gain confidence with the Introduction to Engineering Design curriculum as they explore activities such as working in teams on a virtual product design challenge, aided by the Autodesk® Inventor® software.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD):
In Engineering Design and Development, students identify a real-world challenge and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their unique solutions to a panel of engineers. This is the senior capstone design course.

The Engineering Design and Development Core Training is 10 days long. Teachers will explore applications of activity-, project, and problem-based learning and STEM education, and they gain confidence with the Engineering Design and Development curriculum.



Frequently Asked Questions

What is Core Training?

Core Training (CT) is an intense and immersive professional development experience focused on enhancing participant skills and knowledge related to course- specific pedagogy and content. CT is designed to empower teachers with the confidence, understanding, and knowledge necessary to teach the curriculum. A teacher is only able to teach a course after successful completion of CT. 

Core Training Institute (CTI) is a type of CT offered at an Affiliate University during the summer.

What is the pace of an CTI?

CT is an 80 hour instructional program that covers major course concepts and methods. In order for participants to be successful in CT and within their own classroom, it is recommended that participants understand the expectations below. The accelerated, rigorous, and diversified nature of CT creates the potential for participants to feel overwhelmed, which can lead to inability to complete training.

What is the time commitment?

Aside from the time spent during in-class instruction (80 hours), participants should plan to spend multiple hours on homework each night, as well as over the weekend, if they plan to successfully complete CT. The time required to complete CT assignments will vary based upon each participant’s knowledge of the topic and previous experience. Staying on campus allows teachers to work together during the evening and to have access to additional help that is provided by the CTI. Due to the accelerated duration of CT, the only time for additional assistance will be in the evenings.

Am I ready to teach?

All participants at CT are required to maintain a portfolio of activities, projects, and problems as assigned by the Core Training Instructors (CTI). The CTI will periodically review and sign off on completed portions of the portfolio over the duration of CT.

The course portfolio is a collection of selected coursework that is completed during CT. The portfolio provides evidence that the participant has successfully completed the material. A CTI will initial each activity when they determine that the participant demonstrates adequate competency with the particular subject matter – not merely because a specific activity is complete.

CT provides a comprehensive overview of the course content and is not inclusive of the full scope and breadth of the course. Due to limited time constraints, CT provides an introduction to select activities, projects, and problems within the course. In preparation to teach the course, it is the responsibility of the participant to continue to familiarize themselves with the entire course curriculum upon completion of Core Training.

What is expected of me?

  • Complete all PLTW Professional Development Readiness Training modules as outlined on the course-specific Project Lead The Way Professional Development page.
  • Download and install all required course-specific Core Training software as outlined in the Readiness Training.
  • Arrive on opening day with a laptop that meets or exceeds PLTW computer specifications, as outlined in the Computer Requirements document, with required loaded course-specific software.
  • Establish network access.
  • Arrive on time at all daily class sessions (attendance will be taken twice daily).
  • Actively participate in classroom instruction.
  • Complete all required assignments and assemble a portfolio.
  • Attend evening sessions as necessary (most enrichment activities are optional unless your instructor indicates otherwise).
  • Turn all cell phones off during classroom instruction unless absolutely necessary, and then please set to vibrate. Only critical calls should be answered outside of the classroom.
  • Treat all participants and instructors professionally and with respect.


Participants should understand that it is their responsibility to successfully complete a course portfolio and to become competent in the full scope of the specific PLTW curriculum prior to instructing any students.

How can I register for Core Training?

Please go to the Project Lead the Way website and sign onto your myPLTW account.

Now, teachers can register for Core Training events taking place this summer or fall through myPLTW using the online PD management tool. To take advantage of this tool, any new teacher who wants to register for Core Training needs to be added to their school/site by their Program Coordinator or Site Coordinator via the Add User feature in myPLTW.

Check out this guide for getting started with the new online PD management tool.

Is there a cancellation policy for the Core Training?

In an effort to maximize the learning experience for all participants, we have implemented a strict cancellation policy to discourage participants from withdrawing from the courses. Before you register for the Core Training, please read through the cancellation policy. Click here to view the Core Training Cancellation Policy.

What should I bring to the Core Training session?

It is highly recommended that you bring a laptop, a scientific calculator, and USB memory stick. After you are registered for the course, the course Master teacher may contact you with additional requirements.

Are there laptop specifications that I should be aware of?

You are required to have administrative privileges on the laptop you bring so that you may add both hardware and software. For the current minimum laptop specifications as designated by PLTW, visit their website.

It is recommended that you use a computer with high-end processing capabilities and a system loaded with as much memory as possible.

Is there a dress code for the classes?

Yes. A casual summer dress code is fine, but gym shorts, and exercise pants are not allowed. It's also best to wear closed toe shoes.

What does the Lincoln/Omaha area offer for out-of-town guests?

For more information on what to do in Lincoln:
 • Discover Lincoln

For more information on what to do in Omaha:
 • Visit Omaha

PC-based

Laptop specs: "It is recommended that you use a PC-based computer with high-end processing capabilities and a system loaded with as much memory as possible.”