Principles of Engineering

Principles of Engineering and Robotics (H)

Department	CTE
Length	Year
Teacher(s)	Mrs. Granlund

Principles of Engineering, also known as Principles of Engineering and Robotics, or simply POE, is one of Gunn's Engineering classes. It is a PLTW course.

Course Catalog Description

This course will introduce basic engineering concepts and mathematical models to students who want to build and program their own designs. The course is based on curriculum provided by Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and includes topics such as simple machines, work and energy, statics, electronics, robotic control and real-time programming, and projectile motion. Theory is developed through application problems and hands-on projects built from VEX robotics and other components. Students develop personal engineering notebooks that document skills, design plans and completed projects. Teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills are developed through group projects. Students who enroll in and complete Principles of Engineering and Robotics will be given special consideration during the selection process for the Gunn Robotics Team (GRT).

• Prior Recommended Course(s): Successful completion of an introductory algebra course, leading to a strong understanding of introductory algebra. Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory math AND science courses.

• Homework Expectation: ~1 hour per week

Units

The course is structured with 4 main parts corresponding to 4 major disciplines in engineering: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and robotics. Curriculum and assignments come from PLTW with some minor deviations due to time constraints and unexpected complications throughout the year.

Assignments

The following assignments may or may not be given, or may be given out of order.

Unit 1 Mechanical Engineering

• 1.1 Scientific and Engineering Notation
• 1.2 Simple Machine Qualitative Analysis
• 1.3 Collecting Force Sensor Data with Logger Pro
• 1.4 Simple Machine IMA, AMA, and % Efficiency
• 1.5 Simple Machine Problem Set
• 1.6 Pulley Systems Build and Qualitative Analysis
• 1.7 Pulley Systems IMA, AMA, % Efficiency
• 1.8 Pulley Systems Problem Set
• 1.9 Gear Train Build
• 1.10 Drive Train Problem Set
• 1.11 Advanced Gear Train Build
• 1.12 Compound Machine Project

Unit 2 Electrical Engineering

• 2.1 Renewable Energy
• 2.3 Electrical Breadboard Build
• 2.4 Circuits and Power Problem Set
• 2.5 Compound Circuits Problem Set
• 2.6 Home Circuits
• 2.7 Solar Car Design Challenge
• 2.9 Winch System Mechanical Efficiency
• 2.10 Maximizing Motor Power
• 2.11 Motor Specification Sheet
• 2.14 Thermodynamics Problem Set

Unit 3

• 3.2 Determining Centroids
• 3.3 Beam Deflection
• 3.4 Forces and Moments
• 3.6 Truss Problem Set
• 3.7 Truss Build and Test
• 3.9 Bridge Designer

Unit 4

• 4.2 Motors and Sensors Investigation
• 4.3 Basic Program Outputs
• 4.4 Basic Program Inputs
• 4.5 Decision Control
• 4.6 Basic Variables
• 4.7 Functions and Function Calls
• 4.8 Machine Control Project
• 4.9 Fluid Power Problem Set

Unit 5

• 5.1 Projectile Motion Problem Set

Should I take this course?

You should take this course if you're interested in engineering, especially if you've taken IED already. The actual homework load is somewhat smaller than that listed, although there is a lot of classwork, requiring students to either work efficiently or attend PRIME or after-school sessions to finish classwork.

POE H

Students taking POE Honors attend the same classes as normal POE students, but get extra questions (designed to encourage deeper thinking) to answer on assignments and tests.