Engineering Notebook Best Practices

The video tutorial covers the creation of an award-winning engineering notebook. It emphasizes the importance of using templates, documenting every step, and including sketches, CAD models, and feedback. The video also highlights the role of mathematics in setting the notebook apart and provides key tips for effective documentation.

Why is documenting team goals important in both FTC and professional settings?

• It helps in winning awards.

• It ensures team members are always busy.

• It is a requirement by law.

• It is useful for both competitions and career development.

What should be included in an entry template for an engineering notebook?

• Date, time, title, attendance, daily goals, and entry summary.

• Only the date and time.

• Just the title and summary.

• Only the attendance and goals.

Why are sketches and diagrams important during brainstorming?

• They are required by the competition rules.

• They make the notebook look colorful.

• They help judges see the development process.

• They are easier to create than text.

What is the purpose of getting feedback from experts and alumni?

• To gain insights and improve the design process.

• To impress the judges with expert opinions.

• To fill up the notebook with more content.

• To ensure the notebook is error-free.

Why is it important to take photos during the building process?

• To make the notebook visually appealing.

• To avoid writing lengthy descriptions.

• To show the judges every step of the engineering design process.

• To have a backup in case the notebook is lost.

How should results be documented during testing?

• Only failures should be highlighted.

• Tests should be described in lengthy paragraphs.

• Results should be quantified with success rates.

• Only successful tests should be recorded.

What role does mathematics play in an engineering notebook?

• It is not necessary for documentation.

• It is used to fill up empty pages.

• It is only used for complex calculations.

• It helps in justifying design changes.

What is a key tip for writing effective notebook entries?

• Write entries weeks after the event.

• Use voice memos to capture daily activities.

• Focus on quantity over quality.

• Avoid using templates for consistency.

What should be the focus when summarizing the notebook?

• Ensuring the notebook is over 500 pages.

• Highlighting only the successes.

• Using templates and recording every step, including failures.

• Avoiding mathematical justifications.