Developing a Winning Notebook

What is the Notebook? Notebook Specifications Notebook sections What is the Engineering Design Process? Notebook Evaluation Tips for Success Schedule for submitting the Notebook Questions?

What is the Notebook? Documentation of the process used to: Design Build Test the robot Tool Assist with the design Important Notes All teams are required to submit a notebook Notebook is worth 30 points in overall scoring

Notebook Specifications Standard 3-ring binder w/ 2” max rings Two Required Electronic Copy will be used for scoring Maximum of 30 typed pages 8-1/2 x 11 page size Single side printing Times New Roman #12 font (preferred) One inch margins Double spaced Single-spacing is acceptable in tables and outlines

Notebook Sections 1.Design Process –50% of Notebook Score 2.Research Paper –13% of Notebook Score –2-5 pages

Notebook Sections Required elements of the Design Process Implementation of the Engineering Design Process Brainstorming Approaches Analytical Evaluation of Design Alternatives Offensive and Defensive Evaluation Safety Support Documentation

From NASA

Notebook Sections Required Elements of the Research Paper Correlation between game and science/technology within our region Related information of game theme Creativity in linking game theme to related science content Proper use of grammar and composition, use of citations for sources

Notebook Evaluation Overall Quality and Completeness 37% of Notebook Score Submission of the completed team demographics form Organization and Appearance Adherence to specifications Quality of content Judging Process

Appendix May include a supplemental appendix 20 pages front/back (so really 40 pages) Refer to appendix in the text of the Notebook text Include relevant support documentation Drawings or photos Organization charts Minutes of team meetings Test results

Appendix Appendix should directly support the process described in the Notebook Don’t use it for activities related to community or promotional efforts, spirit development, or team-building

Poor Notebooks Required sections are missing or too brief Specifications are not met Are not well organized Messy Have spelling and/or grammar errors Do not document the engineering design process

Tips For Success Decide as a team how you will compile the notebook Assign a notebook manager Include everything that is required No less, no more Use the project requirements as a checklist Take advantage of the appendix This is a great place for evidence of the engineering process

Tips For Success Organization is Important Be sure table of contents is complete Label the sections Include page numbers Documenting the process is as important as the final result Use the notebook as a working document

Notebook Schedule Due Date: 1.One electronic copy (PDF preferred) submitted via by 8:00am,10/14/13 and one hard copy on 10/18/13 at 3:0pm, or 2.Two hard copies by noon on mall day, 10/12/13, or 3.Two hard copies by mail, postmarked no later than 10/11/13