Principles of Engineering
Course Syllabus
2015-2016 School Year
Instructor: Rob Goodson
Conference: 9:35am to 10:20am
e-mail: robertgoodson@misdmail.org
After school avaliblility: TBD
Tutoring time: By appointment before/after school
Welcome to Project Lead the Way!
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science
courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering prior to entering college. However, those
not intending to pursue further formal education will benefit greatly from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from
taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. PLTW courses will help prepare YOU for college or other higher
education after high school.
Course Purpose & Objectives
This course explores the wide variety of careers in engineering and technology and covers various technology systems and
manufacturing processes. Using activities, projects, and problems, students learn firsthand how engineers and technicians use math,
science, and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course also addresses concerns about social
and political consequences of technological change. The course of study includes:
Overview and Perspective of Engineering. Students learn about the types of engineers and their contribution to society.
Communication and documentation. Students collect and categorize data, produce graphic
Design Process. Students learn about problem solving and how products are developed to include how engineers work in teams.
Students will be required to create graphical representations, keep an engineer's notebook, and make written and oral presentations.
Engineering Systems. Students learn about mechanical, thermodynamics, fluid, electrical, and control systems.
Statics. Students learn about measurement, scalars and vectors, equilibrium, structural analysis, and strength of materials.
Materials and Materials Testing. Students learn the categories and properties of materials, how materials are shaped and joined, and
materials testing.
Engineering for Quality and Reliability. Students will use precision measurement tools to gather and apply statistics for quality and
process control. Students will also learn about reliability, redundancy, risk analysis, factors of safety, and liability and ethics.
Dynamics. Students will be introduced to dynamics/kinematics.
Course Assignments
Homework - may include worksheets, design ideas, sketching and general preparation form presentations, quizzes or test. Some
grading periods may not have assigned homework because of the nature of instruction.
Projects - constitutes the major portion of the student's time in this class. Large and complex design projects will be completed in the
computer, design and modeling lab. It is imperative that each student participates within his/her group as this measure will be
included in project rubrics.
Test and Quizzes - will be given as needed to ensure that the student has mastered the information.
Final Exam - will be given at the end of the term. See End of Course Exam information on following page. This exam may serve as
the student's transcripted college grade.
Principles Of Engineering Course Outline
First 3 weeks:
Lesson 1.1 Mechanisms
Lesson 1.2 Energy Sources
Lesson 1.3 Energy Applications
Lesson 1.4 Design Problem – Energy and Power
Second 3 weeks:
Lesson 2.1 Statics (4 Days):
Lesson 2.2 Material Properties
Lesson 2.3 Material Testing
Lesson 2.4 Design Problem – Materials and Structures
Third 3 weeks:
Lesson 3.1 Machine Control
Lesson 3.2 Fluid Power
Lesson 3.3 Design Problem – Control Systems
Fourth 3 weeks:
Lesson 4.1 Statistics
Lesson 4.2 Kinematics
Certifications
There are NO certifications available for this class.
Text and References
There is no assigned text. All test material will be taken from daily notes and lecture that will be provided through My Big Campus.
However, reference textbooks and material are available upon request. Students will be required to keep a notebook that will include
notes on all lecture material and lab work. Your notebook will be worth a portion of your final grade.
Notebooks must be kept neat and in order by date to have points awarded, NO EXCEPTIONS.
College Credit
An overall grade of 85% in this course along with a completed student portfolio will determine each student’s
eligibility to take the end of course exam for college credit. The grade earned for college credit will be the grade
earned solely on the end of course exam.
Grading Practices:
Six weeks grades shall be obtained by averaging daily work (homework, class work, or daily/pop quizzes,
MISD Curriculum Based Assessments, etc.) and major grades (tests, projects, lengthy assignments, etc).
Grading Percentages:
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
F
Below 70
End of Course Exams (Final Exam)
All students in our PLTW engineering program of study are required to complete an end of course test. This will occur on
or before the regular district final exam schedule. All students will take this test and it will serve as their final exam grade
for the course.
Six Weeks Grade:
60% Projects /Activities
40% Tests/Major Projects/Engineering Notebook
100% Total
Semester Grade:
80% Average 6 week grade
20% Final exam -- end of course exam REQUIRED!!
100% Total
Test Retakes (excluding the End of Course Exam)
If the student would like the opportunity to retake a failed test/assessment the student must:
1. Arrange with the instructor to receive remediation
2. Arrange with the instructor to re-test outside of class time within 3 class periods or by the end of a six week grading period, which
ever comes first.
3. Sign a contract with the instructor agreeing to the above terms.
Note: The student will receive a maximum of 70% on the retake.
Late work
Work must be turned on time. Any assignments turned in within one class period of the time it's due is penalized 10%. Each
additional day the assignment is turned in late that assignment will be penalizied 10% per day late.
Absence-Related Late Work
Late work related to an excused absence will be accepted according to district policy,(one class period per class absence plus one day.)
Long term assignments are due on scheduled due date regardless of absences.
Student success is dependent upon good communication. If there are concerns about absences or student work, it is imperative that
the student communicates with the instructor. A work schedule can be developed to insure student success. Without communication,
the above late work and absence-related work policies will be followed.
Material to be Purchased
Quad or Graph Ruled, Bound Composition Book (SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE)
1 –1.5” or 2” inch three ring binder with pockets. This portfolio needs to be new or in very good shape.
1 package of Divider Pages
1 or more presentation covers
Clear Tape – 4 pack to be left in class
Calculator – scientific with “sin,cos,tan” minimum OR a graphing calculator
Scissors
Optional Flash drive
***Please label all of your property with first and last name and class period***
All Students must have an active Google Drive account setup and save the files for this class on that account. It is free at
GoogleDrive.com.
Policies
IDs
All students will come to class wearing their school issued identification badge. Any student found without an ID will be sent to the
cube to be issued a new one and charged five dollars.
Attendance
Attendance is extremely important in a computer/technology class. Each class missed is over two hours of computer time lost. School
policy allows one day per absence plus one day, I may allow more time for some make up work as some assignments may require
extra time in the lab and cannot be done at home.
THE STUDENT AND PARENT MUST SIGN THE COMPUTER RULES POLICY, PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT.
BBCTA Tardy/Absence Policy
A student is tardy if they are not in class at the start of the class. A student is absent if they are more than twenty minutes late to class.
• 1st tardy – warning
• 2nd tardy – student conference
• 3rd tardy – parent contact
• 4th tardy – office referral
• 5th tardy – office referral and detention
• 6th tardy – office referral and two detentions
• 7th tardy – office referral and ISS
• 8th tardy – office referral and two days of ISS
• 9th tardy and more – office referral and multiple days of ISS
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices
Out of respect for our learning environment, please silence your phone before you enter the class and place all electronic devices out
of sight including all ear buds in your pocket or back packet. During lecture and class discussions this is important to maintain
necessary focus. When at tables for lectures or when working at the computers student’s iPads should be asleep and face down. At
apporopiate times, iPads will only be used in limited capacity, when agreed upon by the instructor and for specific educational
purposes as a part of this classes currculum.
Accountability
Our classroom is an amazing resource that must be shared, so:
Respect!!!
-The Equipment
-The Environment
-The People
-The Process
-The Ideas
-The Learning
We are on this campus to become more powerful people; to become leaders. Respect plays out in many ways, including paying
attention, turning in assignments, being prepared and supporting each other. Mutual respect develops in a classroom as we
demonistrate proper respect for ourselves, others students and property. When we achieve this Respect , we can then graciously point
out to one another that we are not acting in our own or the classes' best interest. As peers, I hope that you will help guide each
other’s actions for our own development, and not act out of fear of being disliked. Giving insincere feedback is a waste of everyone's
time.
Act in the intention of helping each other grow! Always be at your best and do your best.
If your actions cause harm I will ask that you take actions to repair what you have harmed, be it someone’s feelings, materials or class
equipment.
YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR BEHAVIOR. YOU CANNOT CHOOSE YOUR CONSEQUENCE.
All district and campus policies will be followed and enforced in this classroom.
Possible Consequences include, but are not limited to:
Last one out of class
Stay after class
Change seat assignment
Call parents or referral to AP
Loss of computer/supply access
Academic dishonesty
If a student is caught taking another student’s data, printing work for another student, or turning in any form of work done by another
student that isn’t his own, this is considered cheating and the school policy will be strictly enforced! As stated in the student
handbook, “A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty (cheating) would be subject to loss of credit for the work in
question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct.”
STUDENT & PARENT SIGNATURE PAGE
Principles of Engineering – R. Goodson, PLTW Instructor
Please sign and return this packet after reviewing the Course Syllabus, Classroom Policies and the
Mansfield ISD Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
My child and I understand that he/she must comply with these regulations. We realize that if he/she
fails to abide by the rules, he/she will adhere to the sanctions listed and will not be able to participate
in this computer-based lab or regular classroom.
District policy states that every student will wear an ID and have a signed Acceptable Use Policy
(AUP) on file everyday to be able to access any MISD networked computer.
Your signatures below indicate that you have received, reviewed, and accept the course syllabus,
classroom policies and the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) of the Mansfield ISD.
Student’s Name:
Student’s Signature
Date:
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name:
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature:
Grade Classification:
Date: