Project 1.1.1 - Setting up the Engineering
Notebook
Purpose
An engineering notebook is a book containing all the information that is relevant to
its purpose. It includes contact information, correspondence, telephone logs,
sketches and drawings, reference citations, collected data, and a chronological
listing of the events connected to the journal’s purpose. Documentation is a vital part
of engineering. In the case of liability suits, good documentation has kept many
engineering firms out of court because it proved there was no wrong doing on their
part.
You may be thinking, “Why bother, I remember everything.” The problem with that
mindset is you will be working on this project for nine months and have numerous
distractions, other course deadlines, social dates, extracurricular activities, and
family vacations. No doubt every bit of information is stored in your brain
somewhere, but to have it readily available when you need it is a huge challenge.
Writing it in your engineering notebook will help you put your fingers on information
more quickly, therefore wasting less time and being more productive. Also, if you
decide you want to file for a patent, you will need the dated notebook to provide
proof your idea was original.
Equipment
 Engineer’s Notebook
 Ink pen
Procedure
Working as an individual, use the following questions as a reference guide on how to
set up your engineer’s notebook what to include, procedure(s) to follow, and other
pieces of documentation.
Questions to consider?
1. What should be included in the journal?
o Everything related to this course. If it is well done, someone else
who is unfamiliar with your project should be able to pick up your
journal and repeat what you have done.
o Initial concepts, such as design specifications and requirements.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007
EDD – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 - Project 1.1.1 – Setting up the Engineering Notebook – Page 1
o Sources of information. Be sure to include complete references.
This will make your research paper and PowerPoint much easier to
create.
o People’s contact information. List whom you talked to, how to
contact them, when you talked to them, what you talked about, and
their area of specialty.
o Correspondence. Keep actual copies of correspondence sent and
received (include emails).
o Parts and materials. What you need, where you can get it, and how
much it costs should be listed.
o Daily diary. What did you do that was related to the project or the
EDD course? Be specific! Don’t include your social calendar.
o Sketches and drawings. If they are taped into the journal, write your
name in ink so it crosses the tape, added sketch, and journal page.
o Any calculations that deal with your project.
2. How do you set up the actual pages?
o Each page (front and back) is to be numbered in the top outside
corner. Do not skip numbers or tear out pages.
3. What steps do you need to follow to enter information?
o Always enter information in ink. Your teacher may waive this
requirement.
o Date and sign in ink each page at the bottom right corner before
proceeding to the next page.
o Remember each page should only have entries for one date on it.
o When a mistake is made, draw a single line through it, initial and
date it. Do not use white out, erase the information, or scratch
through it so it does not show through.
4. What information should be written on the outside of the cover?
o Your name
o School name
o Teacher for this course, classroom number, and telephone number
of classroom
5. What information should be written on the inside of the cover?
o Class expectations
o Course syllabus
Conclusion
1. Why is it important to number all the pages in ink?
It is important to write in ink to make all entries permanent. Also shows that the
pages can’t be changed or altered. It helps in gaining a patent.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007
EDD – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 - Project 1.1.1 – Setting up the Engineering Notebook – Page 2
2. How does the creation of an engineer’s notebook impact the success of the
overall project?
It documents all work for future reference. All calculations can be looked at
afterwards to check work or for prototype changes. It tracks all contacts for
advice and donations. The notebook also logs research for brainstorming. The
notebook is a centralized location for all data pertaining to the project.
3. What type of writing style would be used in your engineer’s notebook (expository,
technical)? Provide examples of when you would use the style(s).
When documenting research, brainstorming, contacts, and experts would be
expository. Describing details about product research and prototype processes
would be technical style.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007
EDD – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 - Project 1.1.1 – Setting up the Engineering Notebook – Page 3