Engineering 2 - 7th and 8th Grade

Course Syllabus

Location:Room 126

Hours:8:05 am-9:05 am; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Contact:Ms. Palmisano –

Open Lab:Mondays from 2:45-3:45

A.Course Description:

Students will further develop their engineering skills by using the Engineering Design Process to solve real world problems. Working in collaborative teams, students will seek solutions by asking questions, conducting research, brainstorming ideas, developing plans, creating models, conducting tests, and making improvements. As Engineering 2 students, teams will additionally present their findings and develop marketing materials to promote their products.

B. Course Topics:

Green and Environmental Engineering
Course Expectations/Syllabus/Team Building
Topic/Challenge 1 – Water Filtration Systems
Topic/Challenge 2 – Urban Landscapes
Research Topic: Earth’s Energy Sources
Topic/Challenge 3 – Solar Racers
Topic/Challenge 4 – Wind Turbines
Topic/Challenge 5 – Insulated Homes

C. CourseExpectations:

  • Attendance: You will not be graded on attendance, however daily attendance will help strengthen your overall grade. If you are absent from class, you will still be responsible for completing the work. Any assignments that are missing at the end of the quarter will result in a lower grade. If you have questions about missed work, please see me during Open Lab Hours.
  • Classwork: Engineers develop proposals. These are called bids. Your proposals will be in the form of a work packet. Packets will be distributed at the beginning of each unit. Students are responsible for completing all parts of the packet. If you are absent, you will need to make up the missed work or accept a lower grade.
  • Presentations: Engineers present their bids to potential clients. I am your client. If you are absent on the day of your team’s presentation day, you will not receive credit. There will not be an opportunity to make up presentation points.
  • Teamwork: Engineers work in teams. New teams will be formed at the beginning of each activity. Together you must find a way to work productively and seek resolutions to any conflicts. Teams who cannot solve conflicts will be broken up and divided up amongst other teams. This is inconvenient for everyone. You will be given teamwork points by your team at the end of each unit, so be sure to help.
  • Participation: Use your time productively. Participation points will be awarded to those who contribute to class discussions and activities. Participation points will be deducted from those students who are unproductive in class, or who are disruptive to those around them. If you are absent, you receive zero participation points for that day.
  • Materials: Your team will have a work bin on the back shelf. You can store your materials here. Some materials will be provided, however teams may also be expected to bring in materials from home. The more materials you bring, the stronger your final product. Materials provided by the lab must be returned at the end of each activity.
  • Personal Possessions: You are expected to bring your own writing materials for class. Backpacks are to be left your locker. Personal electronic devices are permitted, but must be used appropriately. If devices are used inappropriately, you will be restricted from further use of your device in class.
  • Dismissal: We will dismiss at 9:05am. In order for us to dismiss, all work must be complete for the day, materials must be returned to bins or supply areas, all trash and recycling must be in the appropriate locations, and students must be standing at their table quietly. The timer will go off at 8:50 during team work days. This timer means it’s time to clean up.
  • Behavior: The teacher, as well as you, will create the class rules for behavior. These rules will be approved by the teacher. All students are expected to follow the rules established. All classmates, as well as the teacher, are responsible for holding each other accountable for the rules.

D. Consequences:

We will follow the list of consequences identified by the class, however the teacher reserves the right to choose appropriate consequences for students who consistently violate the class rules. Possible consequences include:

Verbal/Written Warning / Detention / Conduct Sheet / Phone Call Home
Student/Teacher Conference / Parent/Teacher Conference / Administration Referral / Loss of Privilege

E. Grading

School Grading Policy / Points Available
A / 90% or above /
  • Participation Points

B / 80% or above /
  • Teamwork Points

C / 70% or above /
  • Presentation Points

D / 60% or above /
  • Packet/Proposal Points

F / Below 60% /
  • Research Points