About Me

Undergraduate Degree:  B.S. in Technology Education from The College of New Jersey, School of Engineering

Graduate Degree:  M.Ed. in STEM Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Cincinnati 

Extracurricular Activities: Charge Robotics Team

P:  856-983-5140 x008008      E: nknauss@lrhsd

As members of this class, along with adhering to the policies set forth by the high school, you will be expected to follow guidelines designed specifically for this class so that you and others may be successful. 

The Rules

1. Do not do anything that will prevent me from teaching, and you or others from learning.

   1. Example - Using cellphones, headphones, and game websites at any time during class.

   2. Example - Arriving late to class without a pass.

   3. Example - Cheating, sharing answers, or doing someone's work (circuit) for them.

2. Respect yourself, others and the school.

   1. Example - Speaking about another class or teacher in a negative manner.

   2. Example - Breaking school handbook rules.

If any of the above rules are violated, the following four options depending on the violation:

1. An individual warning will be issued and you will be asked to develop a solution to the problem. 

2. You will be required to stay after school with me for a meeting in regards to the rule violation.  If you are not present for the meeting I hold the right to incorporate any of the other 3 options as a consequent.

3. A phone call, email, or letter will be sent to your parents to discuss your actions.

4. You will be asked to leave the classroom to report to the Vice Principal’s office where a meeting will occur and an appropriate consequent to your action will be issued.

Example:  Unnecessary use of your cell phone during class.  This is a violation of Rule #1.  Cell phone use is normally not needed because you have a computer you can use during class.  

Good Habits

We will talk about habits as a class that we all should adopt in order to make our class more conducive to learning and enjoying each other's company.  

• Check Google Classroom for our daily agenda and assignments.

• Use the restroom or visit the school store on your way to class.  

• No earbuds or cellphones during our classes.  

• Return all materials back to where they belong to keep our room clean.  

• Be positive towards yourself and others.  Yes, this is a habit.

Grading

Please be diligent when it comes to monitoring and checking Genesis throughout the course of the school year - your grade is your responsibility!

I use a points system through the four marking periods of our classes.  The assignments are broken out into the following categories:

• Classwork - 2.5 to 10 points

• Homework - 2.5 to 10 points

• Quizzes - 15 to 25 points

• Tests/Projects - 40 to 50 points

Missing and Late Work for Drafting & Design 2 and Engineering Design

• A 10% per day deduction will be assessed for any late work submitted after its due date without previous accommodations or notice made to Mr. Knauss.  Half credit will be taken for any assignments submitted after one week.

• All late work must be submitted within 2 weeks of its due date with the exception of those assigned 2 weeks prior to the end of the marking period.

• All students must send Mr. Knauss an email notifying him that the assignment has been completed.

• All late work will be entered into Genesis as “M” or “Missing” and will be a 0% until it has been graded.

Missing and Late Work for PLTW Honors Courses

• Homework and classwork are not accepted after it has been collected or checked during class.  All online assignments are due by midnight of their due dates.

• A 10% per day deduction will be assessed for any project or multi-day activity submitted after its due date without previous accommodations or notice.

• You must send an email to your teacher in order to let them know that an assignment has been submitted.  

• All late work will be entered into Genesis as “M” or “Missing” and will be a 0% until it has been graded.

Safety

Safety is the most important thing in my classroom.  We will be working with different voltages and devices that when used properly are safe.  Not following directions can lead to dangerous situations.  You must ALWAYS ask the instructor for permission to use any piece of equipment.  If you aren’t sure how to use any of the equipment in this room, check with the Instructor!  More information on safety best practices can be found here.

PLTW Course Materials

All students must maintain access to your LRHSD Account in order to access District Email, Google Drive, and Classroom.  If you have trouble accessing, please visit the Media Center before class to have your password reset.  

• PLTW Principles of Engineering Honors

  • A binder or notebook for taking notes and organizing handouts.

  • An engineering notebook is provided to all students and should be used for only for project documentation.

• PLTW Engineering Design and Development Honors

  • An engineering notebook is provided to all students

  • A folder for holding onto loose documents throughout the year.

RCBC Course Credits

Students who take Engineering Design and Drafting & Design 2 can sign-up for the RCBC CAP Program which allows them to earn college credits for taking the two courses.  Information about this program can be found here.

Work from D&D2 and Engineering Design