Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

The gateway to PLTW Engineering — where students learn to think, design, and build like engineers.

PLTW

Course Description

Introduction to Engineering Design is the foundational course in the PLTW Engineering sequence. Students are immersed in the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work individually and in teams to design solutions using industry-standard 3D modeling software, developing technical documentation and professional presentation skills.

Class Benefits

  • Master industry-standard CAD software used by professional engineers
  • Learn the complete engineering design process from ideation to prototype
  • Develop technical documentation and professional presentation skills
  • Build teamwork and collaboration through group design challenges
  • Create a foundation for all advanced PLTW Engineering courses

Requirements

  • Open to Grades 9-10
  • 5 Credits (full year course)
  • No prerequisites required
  • PLTW Certified course

Instructor(s)

MC

Meghan Cobb

Teacher of Engineering/Tech Ed.
Meghan.Cobb@monroe.k12.nj.us
MM

Marissa McLaughlin

Teacher of Engineering/Tech Ed.
Marissa.McLaughlin@monroe.k12.nj.us
MN

Maxie Nixon

Teacher of Industrial Arts
mnixon@monroe.k12.nj.us

What Students Say

AJ

Arjun Sarsam

MTHS '27

Introduction to Engineering Design is an amazing first look into the field of engineering. The hands-on activities are what sparked my interest into engineering, and are what I believe to be one of the best aspects of this class.

JS

Jia Shibi

MTHS '26 · Rutgers '30

Introduction to Engineering Design jumpstarted my engineering pathway through high school. This course builds basic foundationals skills in engineering: from the engineering design process to CAD modeling and 3D printing design. Overall, this class blossomed by interest in engineering and taught me the skills I needed to succeed in engineering throughout high school and beyond.

SP

Srujan Patil

MTHS '26 · Purdue '30

The first PLTW course I took, Introduction to Engineering Design, was an awesome start to my interest in engineering. From learning the basic terminology, building my first project, and design my first 3D model, IED gave me a solid foundation to build off of throughout my high school career.

Course Highlights

PLTW Engineering Awards

IED students earn recognition at the annual PLTW state showcase.

Award

3D Printing Innovation Lab

Industry-grade 3D printers let students prototype from digital models.

Facility

Bridge Design Competition

Annual challenges test structural integrity and creative engineering.

Competition

College Credit Opportunity

High-performing students earn college credit through PLTW partnerships.

Academic