Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: Engineering Notebook Part 1 – Technical Communication
Performance Objective: After completing this lesson, students will be able to purchase and
maintain a design and computation Engineering Notebook by executing several guidelines.
Specific Objectives:
 Present conclusions, research findings, and designs using a variety of media.
 Maintain a design and computation engineering notebook.
 Memorize what must be written in an engineering notebook.
 Recall why they must maintain an engineering notebook.
 Recall the set of guidelines they must use for maintaining an engineering notebook.
 Contrast the styles of an engineering notebook.
 Review examples of high school engineering notebooks.
 Apply the engineering notebook rubrics.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c) (2)(A)(B)(C)(D)
...use a clear and concise written, verbal, and visual communication techniques;
...maintain a design and computation engineering notebook;
...use sketching and computer-aided drafting and design to present ideas;
...maintain a portfolio.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:

110.31(b)(1)(E)
...use a dictionary, a glossary, or a thesaurus (printed or electronic) to determine or
confirm the meanings of words and phrases, including their connotations and
denotations, and their etymology.

110.31(b)(15)(B)
…write procedural or work-related documents (e.g., instructions, e-mails,
correspondence, memos, project plans) that include:
(i) organized and accurately conveyed information; and
(ii) reader-friendly formatting techniques.
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
110.31(b)(18)(A)(B)
…use conventions of capitalization; and
…use correct punctuation marks including:
(i) quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony;
(ii) comma placement in nonrestrictive phrases, clauses, and contrasting expressions;
(iii) dashes to emphasize parenthetical information.

110.31(b)(19)
…Oral and Written Conventions/Spelling. Students spell correctly. Students are
expected to spell correctly, including using various resources to determine and check
correct spellings.
Computer Science I:

126.22. (3)(c)(A)(B)
...discuss copyright laws/issues and model ethical acquisition and use of digital
information, citing sources using established methods;
...demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using
networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet;

126.22. (4)(c)(A)
...use local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet
and intranet, in research and resource sharing;

126.22. (6)(c)(B)
...implement methods for the evaluation of the information using defined rubrics.

126.22. (8)(c)(B)(C)
...demonstrate proficiency in, appropriate use of, and navigation of LANs and WANs for
research and for sharing of resources;
...extend the learning environment beyond the school walls with digital products created
to increase teaching and learning in the foundation and enrichment curricula;
Teacher Preparation:
1. Be familiar with the purpose of using an engineering notebook.
2. Present the Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication
Microsoft PowerPoint.
3. Make copies of the Assignment: Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication
Microsoft Word document for each student.
4. Make copies of the Quiz: Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication Microsoft
Word document for each student.
References:
Nimitz High School Irving, TX Dallas BEST 2009 Engineering Notebook design sketches and
notes
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Programs website: www.usfirst.org
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Instructional Aids:
1. PPT presentation
2. Computer with Microsoft PowerPoint installed
3. Computer with Microsoft Word installed
4. Internet access
Materials Needed:
1. Pen/Pencil
2. Computers
3. Technical Terms and Definitions handout
4. Assignment: The Engineering Notebook
5. Assignment: The Engineering Notebook Rubric
6. Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication Quiz
7. Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication Quiz Key
8. Engineering Notebook
9. 2008 First Tech Challenge Manual – Section 5, Engineering Notebooks, Page 1 found at
www.usfirst.org
Equipment Needed:
1. Computers
2. Video screen and projector
Learner Preparation:
Students must maintain a design and computation engineering notebook.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Today we will study the engineering notebook and learn how to maintain and use our
engineering notebook in this course.
ASK: What is an engineering notebook?
SAY: A means to document and capture what engineers are working on such as ideas, design
drawings, computations/calculations, observations, meeting notes/class notes,
questions/answers, and interactions with other people and organizations.
ASK: Why do you think you need to use an engineering notebook?
SAY: Engineers use the notebook to maintain designs and computations and capture
everything so they can refer to it as they further develop what they are working on. It can prove
to be one of their most effective tools. When maintained properly, it may be submitted as a
legal document for patent purposes or legal records.
SAY: Engineers in all engineering disciples use the Engineering Notebook.
SHOW: FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Programs electronic engineering notebook.
SAY: In this lesson you will create your own engineering notebook.
ASK: Has anyone ever seen an engineering notebook before?
SHOW: The Engineering Notebook – Technical Communication PowerPoint.
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Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
I. Introduction
Begin PowerPoint
presentation
Slides1-2
Teacher proceeds
through presentation
with questions and
answers from
students.
II. Technical communication
A. Technical terms & definition
PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 3-8
Teacher will discuss
the technical terms
and definitions with
students.
III. What is an Engineering Notebook?
PowerPoint
presentation
Slide 9
IV. Why Maintain an Engineering Notebook?
See PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 10-11
Teacher discusses
why students must
maintain an
Engineering Notebook.
V. Guidelines for the Engineering Notebook
See PowerPoint
presentation
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Slides 12-15
Teacher points out the
guidelines students
must follow to maintain
their design and
computation
engineering notebook.
VI. Styles of the Engineering Notebook
See PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 16-18
Teacher points out the
various styles of the
engineering notebook
and recommends the
engineering notebook
for the course.
VII. The Engineering Notebook: Example of Design
Drawings
See PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 19-22
Teacher presents
design drawings
maintained in an
engineering notebook.
VIII. The Engineering Notebook: Example of
Electronic Version
See PowerPoint
presentation
Slide 23
Teacher presents an
electronic version of
an engineering
notebook.
IX. Rubrics for Grading the Engineering Notebook
See PowerPoint
presentation
Slides 24-26
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Teacher discusses the
grading rubrics for the
engineering notebook.
X. Assignment: The Engineering Notebook
A. Discuss Engineering Notebook
B. Complete True or False Quiz
See PowerPoint
presentation
Teacher will need to
have copies of the
Quiz: Engineering
Notebook handouts for
each student
Slides 27-28
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
The teacher conducts class discussion with questions and answers and shows examples of
design drawings for an engineering notebook and presents an electronic version of the
engineering notebook.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Have students complete The Engineering Notebook
True or False Quiz.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What is the purpose of the Engineering Notebook?
Answer: Engineers use the Engineering Notebook to maintain designs and computations.
They write EVERYTHING down.
Question: What type of information is maintained in an Engineering Notebook?
Answer: Ideas, Design Drawings, Computations/Calculations, Observations, Meeting
Notes/Class Notes, Questions/Answers, Interactions with other people and organizations.
Evaluation
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Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III): Teacher observes as students complete the
Engineering Notebook Quiz. Students will purchase their Engineering Notebooks and the
teacher will observe students as they write in their Engineering Notebooks.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV): Students will complete the Assignment: The
Engineering Notebook with the teacher and answer the reflection question “Why do you think it’s
important to maintain an Engineering Notebook?” and be assessed with Engineering Notebook
Rubric.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV): Students will present/discuss their Engineering
Notebooks in class.
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Technical Terms and Definitions
Instructions: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Patent
A document granting an inventor sole rights to an
invention.
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Assignment: The Engineering Notebook
Instructions:
 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.
Reflection: Why do you think it’s important to maintain an Engineering Notebook?
How your grade will be calculated:
Graded Elements
Engineering Notebook Class
Discussion
Engineering Notebook Quiz
Spelling and Grammar
Reflection
Total
Total Points
30
50
10
10
100
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The Engineering Notebook
Technical Communication
True or False Quiz
(5 points each)
True (T) or False (F)
Questions
1.
1. An engineer should use the Engineering Notebook to
write down every idea, drawing,
computation/calculation, observation, meeting
notes/class notes, questions/answers, and interactions
with other people or organizations.
2.
2. Engineers should keep their Engineering Notebook
up to date and have it witnessed often by anyone.
3.
3. Engineers should use a BOUND (stitched binding)
notebook only as their engineering notebook.
4.
4. An engineer should use a pencil to record legible and
neat entries in his/her Engineering Notebook.
5.
5. In the case of an error, an engineer should draw a
single line through the incorrect data, NOT use
correction fluid, and initial and date ALL corrections.
6.
6. You don’t have to use both sides of a page in your
Engineering Notebook.
7.
7. The Composition Book is one of the least expensive
journals you may purchase as your Engineering
Notebook.
8.
8. After entering your data in your Engineering
Notebook, you need to sign and date all entries.
9.
9. A witness or witnesses should sign and date each
entry in your Engineering Notebook and have sufficient
knowledge to understand what they read in your
Engineering Notebook.
10.
10. All contents of the Engineering Notebook should be
kept anywhere.
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The Engineering Notebook
Technical Communication
True or False Quiz
(5 points each)
True (T) or False (F)
Questions
1. T
1. An engineer should use the Engineering Notebook to
write down every idea, drawing,
computation/calculation, observation, meeting
notes/class notes, questions/answers, and interactions
with other people or organizations.
2. T
2. Engineers should keep their Engineering Notebook
up to date and have it witnessed often by anyone.
3. T
3. Engineers should use a BOUND (stitched binding)
notebook only as their engineering notebook.
4. F
4. An engineer should use a pencil to record legible and
neat entries in his/her Engineering Notebook.
5. T
5. In the case of an error, an engineer should draw a
single line through the incorrect data, NOT use
correction fluid, and initial and date ALL corrections.
6. F
6. You don’t have to use both sides of a page in your
Engineering Notebook.
7. T
7. The Composition Book is one of the least expensive
journals you may purchase as your Engineering
Notebook.
8. T
8. After entering your data in your Engineering
Notebook, you need to sign and date all entries.
9. T
9. A witness or witnesses should sign and date each
entry in your Engineering Notebook and have sufficient
knowledge to understand what they read in your
Engineering Notebook.
10. F
10. All contents of the Engineering Notebook should be
kept anywhere.
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Assignment: The Engineering Notebook Rubric
Task Statement: The students will be able to demonstrate they can apply what they have learned about Engineering Notebooks.
Task Assignment: The students will be able to discuss with classmates and teacher the type of Engineering Notebook the class will use and
complete the Assignment: The Engineering Notebook.
Criteria Concepts/Skills to be Assessed
Novice
1
Developing
2
Engineering Notebook class
discussion
Contributes to the discussion
25% of the time asking
questions about guidelines
and rubrics
Contributes to the discussion
50% of the time asking
questions about guidelines
and rubrics
Contributes to the discussion
100% of the time asking
questions about guidelines
and rubrics
(Possible 30 points)
Engineering Notebook Quiz
(1-10 points)
3 True False questions
answered correctly
(10-20 points)
6 True False questions
answered correctly
(20-30 points)
10 True False questions
answered correctly
(Possible 50 points)
Reflection
(1-20 points)
3 reflection statements made
(20-35 points)
6 reflection statements made
(35-50 points)
10 reflection statements made
(Possible 10 points)
Spelling and Grammar
(1-3 points)
No more than 2 misspelled
words and 2 incorrect uses of
grammar
(3-6 points)
No more than 1 misspelled
word and 1 incorrect use of
grammar
(6-10 points)
No misspelled words and
correct use of grammar
(3-6 points)
(7-10 points)
(1-3 points)
(Possible 10 points)
A = 68-100 points; B = 36-67 points; C = 4-36 points
Exemplary
3
Points
Earned
Total Points:__________
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