PLTW Engineering
The full engineer's arc: learn the design process and CAD in IED, survey the discipline in Principles of Engineering, then spend senior year researching, prototyping, and defending an original solution in the Capstone.
About the Department
Learn It By Building It
Who we are, who teaches here, and exactly how the courses chain together — so you can plan all four years on one page.
Who We Are
Hands-On From Day One
The Industrial Arts Department is where Monroe Township High School students design, code, wire, weld, film, and build. Across four pathways — PLTW Engineering, Computer Science & Cybersecurity, Materials & Construction, and Video Production & Media — every course trades lectures for labs, shops, and studios.
Many of our engineering and computer science courses follow Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a national curriculum built around real-world, project-based problem solving. PLTW courses use the same design processes, documentation habits, and tools practicing engineers use — and can lead to industry-recognized credentials plus college credit and admissions opportunities through the PLTW Affiliate College Engagement network.
Whether you arrive as a future engineer, a filmmaker, a programmer, or just someone who wants to know how to use a table saw safely — there is a starting course here with no prerequisites and a clear path forward from it.
4Pathways
20+Courses
8Faculty
4AP Options
The Big Picture
Four Pathways
Every course in the department belongs to one of these pathways. The flowcharts further down show exactly how to move through each one.
Computer Science & Cybersecurity
From first lines of Python to defending enterprise networks — with three AP courses (CSP, CSA, and the new AP Cybersecurity) and PLTW's hands-on labs throughout.
Materials & Construction
Real tools, real materials, real results: woodworking, cabinetmaking, construction framing, engine maintenance, welding, and metal fabrication.
Video Production & Media
Run a live daily broadcast on The Morning Show, then go deep on cameras, lighting, writing, and editing through the Video Production sequence.
The People
Meet Our Faculty
Eight teachers, one department — covering everything from CAD and cybersecurity to cabinetmaking and live television.
Daniel Lombardi
Teacher of Industrial Arts dlombard@monroe.k12.nj.usMaxie Nixon
Teacher of Industrial Arts mnixon@monroe.k12.nj.usMeghan Cobb
Teacher of Engineering / Tech Ed. mcobb@monroe.k12.nj.usVanitha Gaurishanker
Teacher of Engineering / Tech Ed. vgaurish@monroe.k12.nj.usMarissa McLaughlin
Teacher of Industrial Arts mmclaugh@monroe.k12.nj.usLarissa Miller
TV Production & Video Tech lmiller@monroe.k12.nj.usBoris Hladek
TV Production & Video Tech bhladek@monroe.k12.nj.us
Plan Your Four Years
Build Your Track
Follow a column top to bottom — or mix pathways. Each card lists the exact prerequisite, and cards with a border glow link to a full course page.
PLTW
Honors
AP
Capstone
No badge = open elective
PLTW Engineering
Start Here
PLTW
Intro to Engineering Design
Requires: None — start here
Drafting & CAD
Requires: None
PLTW
Engineering Essentials
Requires: None
Next Step
Honors
Principles of Engineering
Requires: IED + Algebra I
Honors
Civil Engineering & Architecture
Requires: IED or Drafting & CAD
Senior Capstone
Capstone
Engineering Capstone
Requires: POE or CEA
Computer Science & Cybersecurity
Start Here
PLTW
AP
Computer Science Essentials
Requires: None
AP Computer Science Principles
Requires: None — start here
Go Deeper
PLTW
AP
PLTW Cybersecurity
Requires: CSE, AP CSP, or AP CSA
AP Cybersecurity
Requires: CSE, AP CSP, or AP CSA
AP
AP Computer Science A
Requires: CSE or AP CSP
Materials & Construction
Start Here
Materials & Methods I
Requires: None
Vehicular Systems & Metal Fab
Requires: None — start here
Go Deeper
Materials & Methods II
Requires: Materials & Methods I
Cabinetmaking
Requires: Materials & Methods I
Construction Technology
Requires: Materials & Methods I
Video Production & Media
Start Here
The Morning Show
Requires: None — start here
Video Production I
Requires: None
Writing for Electronic Media
Requires: None
Next Step
Video Production II
Requires: Video Production I
Advanced
Video Production III
Requires: Video Production II
Beyond the Bell
Clubs & Activities
Department-connected clubs where the building keeps going after school.
Robotics Club
Design, build, and drive competition robots — then take them to regional events.
Visit the club site →PLTW STEM Night
The student crew that plans and runs the department's biggest annual showcase.
Visit the event site →Coding Club
Weekly build sessions, hackathon prep, and peer help for every language level.
Club site coming soonFilm & Media Club
Short films, festival entries, and extra studio time outside of class.
Club site coming soonFound Your Starting Course?
Open its page for photos, instructor info, student testimonials, and exactly what you'll build.