Intro. to Engineering Syllabus

Introduction to Engineering & Design - Syllabus

Brian Owens

Mauldin High School -- Room B324

Phone: 355-6536

Email: bowens@greenville.k12.us.sc

Website: http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/bowens/default.aspx

http://www.pltw.org

Mr. Owens’ 1st Sem. Schedule:

1st Block (8:45 - 10:20) –Intro. to Engineering Hon.

2nd Block (10:26 – 11:58) – Aerospace Engineering Hon.

3rd Block (12:04 – 2:04) -- Planning

4th Block (2:10 – 3:45) --Intro. to Engineering Hon.

**I usually arrive at school by 7:30 a.m. in the morning and rarely leave before 4:00 p.m. I am always available to assist students with any extra help, but these are the best times to catch me.

Learning and Development Objectives/Goals:

I believe that every student can learn.  It is the job of the teacher to encourage and set up challenging learning situations.  This introductory Engineering course incorporates students skills in other subjects, such as history, English, art, math, and technology.  As the teacher, I must present the material in such a way that the student can see relationships.

I hope not only for the students to master the content of this course, but for them to also gain an appreciation and love for what they are doing.  Even if the students do not continue on in the Engineering Academy, it is my goal for them to walk away with a positive educational experience that will reinforce their mastery of other content areas, such as math, science, and technology.

Course Description:

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Honors is a foundational courses within the engineering curriculum of Project Lead the Way (PLTW). This course is appropriate for 9th - 10th grade students who are interested in the concepts of engineering and the design process, and may be interested in taking additional PLTW Engineering courses in the future. Course content includes an introduction to the design process, technical sketching, product design, reverse engineering computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, robot design and programming, and virtual teaming. All PLTW courses offers students the chance to learn through Activity-, Project-, and Problem-Based learning. 

Textbook:

We will be following the Project Lead the Way Curriculum. Even though several reference texts will be used throughout the year, no specific textbook will be assigned to the student.

Prerequisites:

Students must show a strong science and mathematics background and have teacher/counselor recommendation.

AI Tools

This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

 This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

• Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

• Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.

• Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

• Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

• Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

 Schoolwide Makeup Work Policy

• Students have 1 school day for each absence to 

  • submit missed work for full credit -OR-

  • arrange a new due date with the teacher within 5 school days (extenuating circumstances)

  • Make-up Tests will be scheduled by the teacher--it is the student's responsibility to make these arrangements with the teacher.

• After this window, work is considered late

Schoolwide Late Work Policy (Does not apply to AP Courses)

• All minor assignments and projects will have a Due Date and a Final Deadline. 

1. Due Dates are the initial day an assignment is due. 

2. The Final Deadline is the last day an assignment will be accepted for credit.

3. Assignments submitted after the Due Date but before the Final Deadline may receive a late penalty.

• Minor Assignments and Homework

  • If not submitted by the Due Date: a grade of 0 will be recorded until the required work is submitted.

  • Final Deadline: no work will be accepted after the end of the quarter.

• Tests (Major Assessment)

  • Make-up Tests will be scheduled by the teacher--it is the student's responsibility to arrange this with the teacher.

  • A student who refuses to take a scheduled test while present at school will receive a final grade of 0 on the assessment.

• Projects (Major Assessment)

  • If not submitted by the Due Date: a grade of 0 will be recorded until the required work is submitted.

  • Final Deadline: no project will be accepted after the end of the quarter.

Class requirements / objectives:

The course assumes no previous knowledge, but students should be concurrently enrolled in college preparatory mathematics and science. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. In addition, students use a state of the 3D solid modeling design software package to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will also learn how to document their work, and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.

Introduction to Engineering Design™ is one of three foundation courses in the Project Lead The Way® high school pre-engineering program. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology.

The course of study includes:

· Design Process

· Modeling

· Sketching

· Measurement, Statistics, and Applied Geometry

· Presentation Design and Delivery

· Engineering Drawing Standards

· CAD Solid Modeling

· Reverse Engineering

· Consumer Product Design Innovation

· Marketing

· Graphic Design

· Engineering Ethics

· Virtual Design Teams

Grading System:

Classwork, Homework, Quizzes     40%

Tests / Projects                               60%

Classwork and homework includes all in class assignments done in class or begun in class and finished for homework. Most work is checked for completion, however, some classwork assignments may be graded for accuracy as well. All work turned in for a grade is must be turned in on the due date. Points will be deducted for work turned in after the due date. Quizzes are given periodically to assess students understanding of a given concept between tests. Students are expected to keep up with work daily and to ask questions when they do not understand something. If a student is absent, missed work is due the next day unless they make other arrangements with the teacher. It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to get assignments missed when absent and to make arrangements with the teacher to make up quizzes or tests.

Projects and hands-on activities are an integral part of this class. Students are required to follow all safety rules and guidelines discussed in the safety contract signed by both the student and the parent. Labs should be fun, but safety of everyone is of the utmost priority. Any student violating safety rules or horse playing during labs will receive a zero for the assignment and will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action. A student who is absent for a lab is responsible for making arrangements with the teacher to make up the assignment.

Tests are given to assess the students’ mastery of the course content. Review sheets will be given before every test and should be completed by the student before the test day. Retests are NOT given, so it is important that students prepare adequately for the tests.

Class Rules / Consequences:

My classroom rules are simple ( I call them the 4 “P’s”.)

1) Punctual. (Students should get to class on time.)

2) Prepared. (Students should bring books, notebooks, and pencils to class everyday.)

3) Polite. (RESPECT for the teacher and other students is REQUIRED.)

4) Practice all school rules. (If it is a school rule, it is a class rule.)

Consequences for breaking rules are as follows:

First Offense – Warning.

Second Offense – 15 min. detention. (Call home.)

Third Offense -- 30 min. detention. (Call home.)

Fourth Offense -- Office referral.

*Students may go to the restroom as needed with the permission of the teacher. 

*Students have 5 school days from an absence to make up work unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.

*Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.  This is a breaking of the school’s honor code and any student caught cheating will receive a zero for the assignment and the appropriate discipline referral.

Outline and time frame of Units:

Unit 1: Design Process                                                           Time: 8 days

Unit 2: Technical Sketching and Drawing                    Time: 5 days

Unit 3: Measurement and Statistics                               Time: 6 days

Unit 4: Modeling Skills                                                            Time: 7 days

Unit 5: Geometry of Design                                                   Time: 6 days

Unit 6: Reverse Engineering                                                 Time: 7 days

Unit 7: Documentation                                                           Time: 14 days

Unit 8: Advanced Computer Modeling                                 Time: 6 days

Unit 9: Design Team                                                               Time: 15 days

Unit 10: Design Challenges                                                     Time: 5 days

**Students must keep a class notebook. 3-Ring binders are usually the best since students can put work directly into them. Work will be saved throughout the year to be put into a cumulative portfolio.