Engineering Notebook

Multiple Choice

The Engineering Process is....

• A series of steps that all engineers follow when they are trying to solve a problem.

• The process engineers recommend that a 7th grader follows when solving a math problem.

• The process Mr. Conti follows when he writes a paper.

• A process that was invented by Sir Isaac Newton

Multiple Choice

An emergency-equipment company makes warning-signal flares. The company wants to redesign  a flare so that it produces light for a longer period of time. 
After the company thinks of ideas, what is the next step in the design process?

• Build a prototype

• Define the problem

• Decide on the best solution

Engineering Notebook

​Objective

To maintain a comprehensive engineering notebook that documents the entire process of our high school engineering project, from ideation and design to implementation and testing, in order to foster effective communication, track progress, capture lessons learned, and support potential future improvements.

​Guidelines

1. Always record entries legibly, neatly and in permanent ink.

2. Immediately enter into your notebook and date all original concepts, data and observations, using separate headings to differentiate each.

3. Record all concepts, results, references and other information in a systematic and orderly manner. (Language, charts and numbering systems should be maintained consistently throughout.)

4. It is acceptable to make your entries brief. Always, however, include enough details for someone else to successfully duplicate the work you have recorded.

5. Label all figures and calculations.

6. Never, under any circumstances, remove pages from your notebook.

Guildelines

1. Start entries at the top of the first page, and always make successive, dated entries, working your way to the bottom of the last page.

2. After completing a page, sign it before continuing to the next page.

3. Make sure that you record the date of each entry clearly and unambiguously.

4. Never let anyone other than yourself write in your Notebook (excluding witness signatures, discussed later).

5. Never leave blank spaces, and never erase or remove material you have added. Simply draw lines through any blank spaces at the same time you are making your entries.

​Guidelines

1. Do not erase errors. Just draw a single line through any erroneous entry, then add your initials. Enter the correct entry nearby.

2. You can supplement your entries with supporting material (e.g., test-result printouts and other documentation). But you must permanently affix the material onto a page in its proper chronological location.

3. Never rely solely on any supplemental attachment. Always include your own entry describing the attachment and add any conclusions that you might draw from its substance.

​Recording data

1. Exact details and dates of conception

2. Details and dates of reduction to practice

3. Diligence in reducing your invention to practice

4. Details regarding the structure and operation of your invention

5. Experimentation observations and results

6. A chronological record of your work

​Examples

​Examples

Multiple Choice

What is an engineering notebook used for?

• To collect ideas

• A diary

• a legal method to prove you are the originator of an idea

• a notepad for various to do lists and scribblings

Multiple Select

When using your engineering notebook you should…? Check all that apply

• Sign and Date

• Add a title

• Update the table of contents

• Scribble or scratch out things that you found out are incorrect

Multiple Choice

It's ok to literally copy and paste items into your engineering notebook.

• true

• false

Multiple Select

What is the proper way to correct a mistake in your engineering notebook?

• scratch it out with pen

• erase it

• use whiteout

• put a single line through it and your initials

Multiple Select

Only this type of writing implement should be used in an engineering notebook.

• Pencil

• Marker

• Permanent ink

• Erasable ink

• Pen

Multiple Choice

Can more than one person write in an engineering notebook?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

You can use a notebook in a court of law to protect yourself.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

A notebook can prove you made the correct or incorrect calculations when something goes horribly wrong.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

Engineers should keep their Engineering Notebook up to date and have it witnessed often by anyone.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Engineers can use a 3 ring binder as their Engineering Notebook.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

An engineer should use a pencil to record legible and neat entries in his/her Engineering Notebook.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

You don't have to use both sides of a page in your Engineering Notebook.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

You may use permanent marker in your engineering notebook.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Engineering Notebooks are the property of the engineer and NOT the company in which they work.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

An engineer should use Engineering Notebooks to write down every idea, drawing, computation/calculation, observation, meeting notes/class notes, questions/answers, and interactions with other people or organizations.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

When you make an error:

• Scratch it out completely

• Erase it

• Draw a line through it

• X it out

Multiple Choice

Exit Ticket 1

Where should calculations be computed?

• In your engineering notebook.

• On scratch paper.

• On separate paper designed especially for calculations.

Multiple Choice

Exit Ticket 2

Why does the Engineering Notebook have to be in pen or permanent ink?

• Because the engineering notebook can be used during legal proceedings during a patent dispute.

• Because pencil is for middle and elementary school.

• You should NOT use a pen. 

• Because it makes you look more professional.