Teacher: Sara Gruber
Teacher Contact: sara.gruber@ccboe.net, ParentSquare App
Tutoring Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday until 3:45
Required Materials:
Computer Access with Mouse
Headphones (wired with a USB-C plug-in)
Specialized materials as determined by individual projects
Course Description:
Engineering Concepts is the second course in the Engineering and Technology Pathway. Students will learn to design technical solutions to engineering problems using a whole systems approach to engineering design. Students will demonstrate the application of mathematical tools, teamwork, and communication skills in solving various design challenges while maintaining a safe work environment. The prerequisite for this course is Foundations of Engineering and Technology.
Textbook/Provided Resources:
Textbook: Wright, R Thomas, et al.
Foundations of Engineering & Technology.
Good-Heart-Willcox Co, 2019.
Brown, Ryan A., et al.
Engineering Fundamentals: Design, Principles, and Careers.
Goodheart-Willcox Co, 2018
Onshape Learning Center onshape.com
Solid Professor solidprofessor.com
Google Google Classroom, Google Sites
Make-up Work Procedure:
Unexpected events happen in everyone’s life at one time or another. In the event something happens, please contact me as soon as possible. Alternative assignments or make-up work will be worked out between the teacher and student, and the parents, if appropriate. The earlier we discuss this, the more flexibility we have to find a positive solution.
Grading Procedures:
Formatives(40%):
Biweekly Check-ins (8 per semester)
Progress: Have you met your milestones since the last cycle?
Professionalism: Are you self-directed, focused, and acting like a professional engineer?
Documentation: Is your notebook updated daily with high-quality evidence and reflections?
Safety: Are you wearing PPE and following all shop/lab safety protocols?
Organization: Is your physical workspace clean, and are your digital files named and filed correctly?
Mid-Project Reviews (2-3 per semester)
Problem Research: Evidence of deep research. Can you explain the "Why" and "How" of the tech/design?
Alternative Solutions: Does your documentation show at least 3 brainstormed ideas before selecting this one?
Requirements Traceability: Can every design choice be traced back to a project requirement/spec?
Prototyping & Testing: Do you show clear evidence of a "Low-Fidelity" test (Rough cut/Cardboard/Digital simulation)?
Design Iteration: Can you show at least one specific change made based on initial feedback/testing?
Summatives(60%):
Unit Tests (2 - 3 Per Semester)
Projects (2 - 3 per Semester)
Technical Specs: All constraints (size, eras, materials, etc.) met or exceeded.
Execution Quality: Digital: Clean edits/CAD.
Physical: Precise build and finish.
Effectiveness: Solution perfectly performs its function or communicates its message.
Team Synchronization: Clear roles used to full potential; no members idle; parallel progress.
Documentation: Google Site/Slides are professional, synced, and tell the full project story.
Safety & Ethics: Digital: Sources cited; no stolen IP.
Physical: Perfect PPE and tool safety.
Class Policies:
Warriors lead the way by focusing on our four core values: being Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Safe.
RESPECTFUL
Tech Away: Keep all electronics and headphones in your bag and under your desk.
Listen Up: Follow the teacher's instructions and listen attentively without interrupting.
Kind Words: Use school-appropriate language and honor the ideas of your peers.
Volume Control: Use a "6-inch voice" when speaking to others
RESPONSIBLE
Be Prepared: Bring your supplies daily and sit in your assigned seat before the door shuts.
Own Your Space: Keep your workstation neat and push your chair in before leaving.
Work Hard: Complete your fair share of group work and meet all team deadlines.
Follow Policy: Adhere to all campus and District Technology Network policies.
RESILIENT
Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and be willing to try new things.
Keep Going: Persevere through tough problems and stay persistent with the engineering method.
Growth Mindset: Focus on constant improvement and reflect daily on what went well.
Show Up: Make every effort to be in class, especially on group work days.
SAFE
Lab Safety: No food or drinks are allowed in the lab area.
Tool Care: Use tools only for their intended purpose; if you are unsure, ASK.
Secure Area: Stay out of the storage room and makerspace without permission.
Tech Safety: Use computers as tools, stay within ClassLink, and never charge personal devices in the classroom.
Consequences for Violations:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Student-Teacher Conference
3. Parent Contact
4. Referral
Note: Severe or repeated violations will result in an automatic referral.