1. Concepts of Engineering and Technology
The Engineering Notebook
Technical Communication
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2. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
Introduction
The purpose of this lesson is to describe the Engineering Notebook and to present guidelines for its proper use in our Concepts in Engineering and Technology course.
Each student is required to purchase and maintain an Engineering Notebook throughout this course.
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3. Technical Communication
The student presents conclusions, research findings, and designs using a variety of media throughout the course.
(B) Maintain a design and computation engineering notebook.
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4. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Calculations
The procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods.
Class Notes
Information written down from a particular class.
Computations
The application of a sequence of operations to a set of values to yield a value.
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5. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Design Drawings
Drawing used to convey information. May range from rough sketches outlining ideas to neat, accurate presentation drawings explaining how a product is put together.
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6. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Engineering Design
The process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the basic science and mathematics and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective.
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7. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Ideas
The content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about.
Interactions
Mutual or reciprocal actions or influences.
Meeting Notes
Information written down from a particular meeting.
Observations
The result of an act, or of acts, of observing; view; reflection; conclusion; judgment.
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8. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Patent
A document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention.
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9. What is the Engineering Notebook?
Engineers use the Engineering Notebook to write EVERYTHING down.
Ideas
Design Drawings
Computations/Calculations
Observations
Meeting Notes/Class Notes
Questions/Answers
Interactions with other people and organizations
The Engineering Notebook serves as a vital part of the engineering experience.
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10. Why Maintain An Engineering Notebook?
Keeping a well kept Engineering Notebook can prove to be one of the most effective tools in the Engineering Student’s/Engineer’s toolkit.
Engineers keep their Engineering Notebook up to date and has it witnessed often by those whom they trust and understand their work.
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11. Why Maintain An Engineering Notebook?
When properly maintained, an Engineering Notebook may be submitted as a legal document for patent purposes or legal records.
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12. Guidelines for The Engineering Notebook
Use a BOUND (stitched binding) notebook. DO NOT USE a loose leaf or spiral bound notebook!
Entries should be in Permanent Ink – NOT PENCIL! Record entries legibly and neatly.
The Title, Project Name and Book Number should be accurately recorded when starting a NEW PAGE.
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13. Guidelines for The Engineering Notebook
All data is to be recorded directly into the notebook. The inclusion of all elaborate details is preferable.
Notes and calculations should be done in the notebook, NOT on loose paper.
In the case of an error, draw a single line through the incorrect data. Do Not Erase or use correction fluid. All corrections should be initialed and dated.
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14. Guidelines for The Engineering Notebook
After entering your data, sign and date all entries.
Witness or witnesses should sign and date each entry. The witness must observe the work that is done, and have sufficient knowledge to understand what they read. Names of all who were present during any demonstration should also be recorded.
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15. Guidelines for The Engineering Notebook
Use Both sides of a Page.
Never leave any White Space: "X" out or Crosshatch all unused space, and don't forget to initial and date same.
All contents of the notebook should be kept strictly Confidential. It should be kept in a protected place to safeguard against Loss in the classroom.
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16. Styles of The Engineering Notebook
There are many styles of engineering notebooks.
BOUND notebooks come in many sizes, with different markings, and with and without pre-numbered pages.
The two most popular sizes are 5x8 inches and the larger 9x11.5 inches.
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17. Styles of The Engineering Notebook
The Composition Book is one of the least expensive journals you may purchase as your Engineering Notebook.
Characteristics:
5x8 inches without pre-numbered pages
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18. Styles of The Engineering Notebook
Manufacturer: Rediform
Manufacturer: BookFactory
Pictures Courtesy:
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19. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Wheels, Bed & Arm
Rubber coated wood wheels
45 degree angled plastic bed
Robot arm with a hook at the end
Page 1
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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20. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Robot Arm
Has a joint like bend to allow it to go from the floor to the open slit in the bed, allowing for the drop off of the items
Hook at the end opens and closes to allow it to grip the items
Both powered by servos
Page 2
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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21. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Base/Bed
Bed is angled 45 degrees
Made of plastic
Has an open slit to allow the arm to drop off the items
Page 3
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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22. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Wheels
Wooden wheels covered with the rubber material to increase traction on the game field
Each wheel has a separate motor to power them
Page 4
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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23. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Electronic Version
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Programs has an example of a well done electronic engineering notebook.
Click the link above or visit the website below.
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24. Rubrics for Grading The Engineering Notebook
Engineering Notebooks should follow the guidelines listed in today’s presentation and will be graded as follows:
Levels of Assessment
Interpretation of Level
4 - Excellent
Exceeds engineering notebook guidelines.
3 - Good
Meeting engineering guidelines. No need for additional assistance at this time, although some areas as indicated, could be improved.
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25. Rubrics for Grading The Engineering Notebook
Engineering Notebooks should follow the guidelines listed in today’s presentation and will be graded as follows:
Levels of Assessment
Interpretation of Level
2 – Needs Improvement
Falls below engineering notebook guidelines. Demonstrates limited effectiveness, additional assistance and/or resource utilization is needed for improvement.
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26. Rubrics for Grading The Engineering Notebook
Engineering Notebooks should follow the guidelines listed in today’s presentation and will be graded as follows:
Levels of Assessment
Interpretation of Level
1- Not Effective
A great deal of assistance and/or resource utilization are of immediate need.
N/A
Does not apply to the engineering notebook guidelines being reviewed.
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27. Assignment: The Engineering Notebook
Discuss the type of Engineering Notebook your class will use.
Ask any questions you may have concerning the Engineering Notebook Guidelines and Grading Rubrics.
Purchase the Engineering Notebook.
Each week your teacher will randomly select Engineering Notebooks for grading.
Remember to make sure your Engineering Notebook is updated daily.
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28. Quiz: Test Your Engineering Notebook Knowledge
Take the Engineering Notebook Quiz
to test your knowledge of how to maintain
your Engineering Notebook.
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29. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
References
Nimitz High School Irving, TX Dallas BEST 2009 Engineering Notebook design sketches and notes
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Programs website
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