PLTW Engineering
Through the Career and Technical Education department we offer the following Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses:
- Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
- Principles of Engineering (POE)
- Digital Electronics (DE)
- Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
- Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
In addition to these courses, we also have an Engineering Club that participates in a varitey of competitions including VEX Robotics and SkillsUSA. We have been named as a PLTW Distinguished School for the past four years starting in 2017 through 2021
Makers Space
The Glenbrook South High School Makerspace is a place where ideas become inventions. If you can dream it, you can make it. While we encourage all Glenbrook South High School students to take advantage of the Makerspace, only those currently enrolled in Project Lead the Way, CAD, or Architecture classes and have been trained how to use and have passed the safety exams are allowed to use the tools and equipment in the Makerspace. This includes, but is not limited to the tools and equipment listed on this website.
Makerspace Safety Rules and Procedures
Glenbrook South High School has developed these guidelines for those who currently, or might in the future, use tools and equipment in the Makerspace. These guidelines DO NOT serve as a replacement for formal training in lab techniques or shop safety. Only trained personnel should use shop tools and equipment after they have been trained by their instructor and passed the safety exam for that specific tool or equipment. Failure to follow the Makerspace Safety Rules and Procedures can result in being banned from using the Makerspace, serious injury, or death.
1. NEVER USE TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE NOT TRAINED – ALWAYS GET TRAINING BEFORE OPERATING ANY TOOL OR EQUIPMENT.
You must attend general safety training and specific training on the tool or equipment you intend to use. If you are unfamiliar with a particular tool or instrument, do not use it until you are properly trained on its usage.
2. NEVER WORK ALONE – ALWAYS USE “BUDDY SYSTEM”.
At least two people must be in the shop when power tools are being used.
3. NEVER USE MACHINE WHEN IMPAIRED – BE SOBER AND SMART.
This includes when you are sick, too tired, stressed or hurried to work carefully or on medication that could make you drowsy.
4. NEVER START WORK IF YOU CANNOT DO THE JOB SAFELY- JUST DON’T DO IT.
There are limits to what we can build here, and how safely you can do it in a hurry.
5. NEVER WEAR OPEN TOE SHOES -USE CLOSED-TOE SHOES IN THE SHOP.
Tools, chips and fixtures are sharp, and often hot. Shoes will help protect your feet from injury. Leather shoes are preferred when welding.
6. ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY GLASSES OR GOGGLES WHEN WORKING OR CLEANING TOOLS.
Prescription glasses with plastic lenses must meet ANSI Standard Z87.1 for safety.
7. NEVER WORK WITH LOOSE HAIR, JEWELRY, ETC. –ALWAYS REMOVE OR SECURE ANYTHING THAT MIGHT GET CAUGHT IN MOVING MACHINERY.
Long hair must be tied back. Necklaces, draw strings, ties, dangling ID badge, jewelry, loose clothes, watch or rings, may get caught in tools can drag you along resulting in serious injury or death.
8. ALWAYS WEAR SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS OR ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES
Long sleeve shirts must be rolled up to avoid getting caught in tools or equipment.
9. NEVER WEAR EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES WHEN WORKING
Earbuds and headphones can get caught in tools and equipment as well as limit your ability to hear what is going on around you.
10. NEVER BRING HANDS CLOSE TO SHARP OBJECTS – ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HANDS AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM SHARP TOOLS.
Use appropriate safety guidelines and equipment (i.e. clamps, push sticks and push blocks) when working with small material.
11. NEVER CREATE A DUSTY AND SMOKY ENVIRONMENT – DUST, CHEMICALS AND SMOKE CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH, SO WORK IN WELL-VENTILATED AREAS, MINIMIZE CONTAMINATION AND USE APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE).
Ensure the shop is well ventilated and appropriate PPE is used when working with machines.
12. NEVER BE SHY TO SEEK HELP –ALWAYS ASK IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE SAFE OPERATION OF A TOOL OR ANY ASPECT OF A JOB – HAVE SHOP STAFF CHECK THE TOOL OR WORK WITH WHICH YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR.
Exercise common sense and clarify before starting work
13. NEVER LEAVE YOUR WORK AREA IN MESS – ALWAYS CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF.
Before you leave your work site all tools must be returned, the machines cleaned, and the floor swept. Leave 5-10 minutes for cleanup at the end of each block.
14. NEVER REMOVE SAFETY GUARDS – THEY ARE PRESENT FOR A REASON
You must ensure that safety guards are in place before you start working.
15. NEVER USE GLOVES WHILE USING ROTATING EQUIPMENT – REMOVE THEM BEFORE STARTING WORK.
Gloves can get entangled in rotating machine parts resulting in serious injuries.
16. NEVER LEAVE BROKEN OR DAMAGED TOOLS OR ABNORMAL EQUIPMENT UNREPORTED – ALWAYS INFORM YOUR SUPERVISOR/ TEACHER TO REMOVE THAT FROM SERVICE AND GET IT REPAIRED.
Broken parts or equipment can result in serious injuries and delays. Make sure you tag the broken or damaged equipment and inform your supervisor or teacher to get it repaired before next use.
17. NEVER MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO A MACHINE WHEN IT IS IN OPERATION. BEFORE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR/ TEACHER FOR PERMISSION.
Make sure you are competent and have permission from your supervisor/ teacher. Ensure the power is off, equipment is properly locked out and safety devices are in place.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take PLTW courses?
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
Who will be teaching the course?
Glenbrook South Applied Technology teachers: Mike Sinde, Justin Zummo, Michael Stancik and Neil Schmidgall.
Will there be a lot of homework?
It is common practice for students to have adequate time during class to work on their projects and assignments. However, there may be opportunities to extending your learning outside of the classroom.
What if a student is absent for an extended period of time?
Any absence that extends longer than one week should be handled like any other class that takes place in a lab environment. Counselors and parents will consult with the teacher for an alternative assignment to ensure the student has an opportunity to engage in the curriculum and be adequately assessed.
What if a student does not continue into the second semester of the course?
Students are encouraged to complete the full one-year curriculum. By dropping the course mid-year you forfeit your ability to earn college credit.
How does a student earn college credit for this course?
Students will take an End Of Course exam at the end of 2nd semester that is provided by PLTW. Students will need to earn a stanine score of 6 or higher in order to qualify. For further information please visit the PLTW website.