PLTW Launch
The Project Lead the Way Launch curriculum is currently being taught to all of our K-4 students. Teachers use an APB Instructional Approach (Activity-Project-Problem) with each unit of study. Knowledge is scaffolded towards solving a real-world, open-ended problem in each unit. Critical thinking is embedded throughout the process. PLTW Launch applies towards much of our science curriculum and aligns with significant math, ELA, and computer science standards.
Teachers:
Refill Kits
| All of the refill kits for the classroom modules for the upcoming school year have arrived, and have been sorted and labeled in a room at Bailey Park. These are intended to replace the consumable items in your lesson kits. I will deliver them to your buildings when requested. (Last year I delivered them to your building libraries for pickup). I was surprised to come upon 5 unopened boxes from last summer and never used during the school year.... This means we ordered some kits unnecessarily. As this year rolls along, please make a note of the items that genuinely have to be replaced. |  |
Mystery Science
All teachers will have full access to Mystery Science curriculum materials this school year. It includes lessons that satisfy Next Generation Science Standards which are not met by PLTW Launch. I shared details about this back in the spring. Let me know if need any help getting supplies. Here is a link to the supply list for your grade. This link, provided by the AEA, should answer most common questions that you may have.
PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher training
Ms. Dodds and I attended the PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher training in July at Iowa State University. This is a prerequisite for all teachers before they have access to PLTW Launch materials and is also available online.
We currently have 6 trained 'Lead' teachers in the District, who act as mentors for new Classroom teachers: 3 instructional coaches and 3 classroom teachers.
Fusion 360
Autodesk stopped supporting its old Inventor Publisher iPad App that give you a 3D model of the Vex kits that our 3rd and 4th grade students use in their units. However, bring on Fusion 360 !! - the website version. Rotate, turn, zoom, move, and view step-by-step directions.... use this web application to see how the example machines are made. This short video shows briefly how it looks.
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PLTW Launch Resources
| There are many ways to find answers to your questions and support in teaching the PLTW Launch modules. Take advantage of these resources to improve your understanding of the lessons and student learning in your classroom. |  |
| As a PLTW Launch Classroom teacher, in addition to the teacher resources within your Inkling account, you will also always access to the support resources in your my.pltw.org account. There are many short videos and help resources shown for every unit in the course that you teach. IF you have any questions or are in search of a little clarity, it will likely be found there. |  |
At the end of each unit this year, please consider providing feedback for PLTW. This feedback has resulted in several changes/updates being made for the upcoming school year.
