Concepts of Engineering
and Technology
The Engineering Notebook
Technical Communication
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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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Technical Communication
130.362.2 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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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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Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in
this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this
lesson.
Terms
Design Drawings
Definitions
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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Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in
this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this
lesson.
Terms
Engineering
Design
Definitions
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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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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Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in
this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this
lesson.
Terms
Patent
Definitions
A document granting an inventor sole
rights to an invention.
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What is the Engineering Notebook?
 Engineers use the Engineering Notebook to write
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 prenumbered pages
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Styles of The Engineering Notebook
Manufacturer: Rediform
Manufacturer: BookFactory
Pictures Courtesy: http://www.google.com
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The Engineering Notebook: Example
of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Wheels, Bed & Arm
Page 1
• Rubber coated wood wheels
• 45 degree angled plastic bed
• Robot arm with a hook at the end
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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The Engineering Notebook: Example
of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Robot Arm
Page 2
• 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
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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The Engineering Notebook: Example
of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Base/Bed
Page 3
• Bed is angled 45 degrees
• Made of plastic
• Has an open slit to allow the arm to drop off the items
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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The Engineering Notebook: Example
of Design Drawings
Robot Design
Sketch of The Wheels
Page 4
• Wooden wheels covered with the rubber material to increase
traction on the game field
• Each wheel has a separate motor to power them
Courtesy of Nimitz Robotics Team
Irving, TX
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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.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/content.aspx?id=7366
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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
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improved.
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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
2 – Needs Improvement
Interpretation of Level
Falls below engineering
notebook guidelines.
Demonstrates limited
effectiveness, additional
assistance and/or resource
utilization is needed for
improvement.
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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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Assignment:
The Engineering Notebook
 Discuss the type of Engineering Notebook your class
will use.
 Ask any questions you may have concerning the
Engineering
Rubrics.
Notebook
Guidelines
and
Grading
 Purchase the Engineering Notebook.
 Each
week your teacher will randomly
Engineering Notebooks for grading.
select
 Remember to make sure your Engineering Notebook
is updated daily.
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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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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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