I.  LAB REPORTS:

A.         Engineering Notebook: Data collected during experimentation is called "original data".  This data and all observations done in the lab should be kept in a quadrille ruled engineering notebook.   Data entered in paper or digital notebooks are never changed but are added to.  Each member of a lab group is to have a copy of the original data in their lab notebook.  This notebook should include prelab write-ups, original notes, original data and anything noteworthy that occurred during the running of the experiment.  Any exceptions to this will be noted when the lab is assigned. VAB Engineering notebooks and results can also be in digital form. Much of your work will reside on the St. Mark’s Library server. Lab reports and write-ups can be group efforts with free discussion within the group and full participation among all members. The Honor Code applies to all homework and lab activities. All conclusions and actual VAB worksheet completion must be done, unless otherwise directed, solely by the student himself.

• Organized 3-RING binders are expected for all material.  

B.         Deadlines:  Labs must be turned in by the assigned deadline (typically on Friday after the completion of the experiment) to receive full credit (not counting days for excused, unplanned absences).  All homework not ready to turn in or filed at the beginning of class will be late. Homework turned in by 7:45 am the next school day to the class digital folder (or my mailbox) will have 20% taken off. HW not in by the start of the next class will be 30% off. All HW more than 24 hours late will be given a 50% maximum score.  Any extensions must be negotiated before the original deadline.  All Labs/projects must always be turned in, regardless of the late penalties. All HW and projects must be turned in before the unit test or unit deadline or receive a ZERO.

 II.  GRADING PROCEDURES:

A.         This course has lab and project reports as a major component of the trimester grade.

B.         To receive a passing grade, students must turn in all designated lab/project reports by the last designated “FINAL DEADLINE” day of the trimester. Otherwise an “F” will be assigned the student. ALL CASES OF EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MR. RUMMEL WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE.

C.         All students must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology as outlined in Lion Tracks. Students found to be not following this policy can have lab privileges suspended or be expelled from lab. Such absences will be counted as unexcused. 

III.  MAKE-UPS:

A.         In the case of planned absences, arrangements should be made prior to the absence.  Teachers must be notified, and arrangements must be made, at least one week before the absence.  Making arrangements to complete work that you will be missing is your responsibility and includes absences for school-sponsored activities such as athletic events, debate tournaments, etc.

B.         In cases of unexpected, excused absences, such as illness, labs may be made up without penalty provided they are made-up in a timely fashion (see Lion Tracks for more details). These labs must be made up before the “FINAL DEADLINE” day of class in the trimester. 

C.         Unexcused absence during lab may result in an assignment grade of F, but the lab work must be completed to pass the trimester.  This rule includes students expelled from lab for inappropriate behavior.

IV. GRADE EXPECTATIONS:

• If you want a “C”:

This class is planned so that almost everyone can get some variety of “C”.  You must simply do the assignments and put forth a reasonable effort.  There are two ways to do your work.  One is to learn something and the other is to get your teacher off your back.  The former would nearly always result in a “C”. 

• If you want a “B”:

You must have an understanding of the concepts and be able to work with them. 

• If you want an “A”:

You must be able to apply the concepts to new situations and articulate how and why they apply.  You must create ingenious solutions to problems you’ve encountered or proposed using VAB.

OTHERS:

•  If you don't put effort into the work you submit and/or you submit your work late, grades below “C-” are also available.

 V. COURSE COMPONENTS:

            All tests in IOngineering this year will be build on the previous units.  The emphasis will be on synthesizing all the material instead of trying to compartmentalize it.  You will be provided with an opportunity to experience a variety of types of tests.  You will know in advance what type of test to expect and when to expect it.  If you miss a scheduled test, you should expect the make-up test to cover the same material although it may not be the same type of test. 

            Unless otherwise stated, lab reports are due at the beginning of the class period on the Friday after the lab is completed. You will have projects in all trimesters.  They will count toward your grade as two lab grades. Normal late penalties apply. Saturday participation on group design projects may be required. This can be done via the Internet. This category will also include conduct within the laboratory setting and how well your technology tools are treated for a total of 5% of your total grade. 

Homework and quizzes can make a letter grade difference in your base trimester grade.  "Pop" quizzes are frequently given at the beginning of the class period. Fridays will have usually have quizzes scheduled. You are encouraged to work homework problems together as long as work is discussed and not merely copied. IF the instructor has any questions as to the originality of your work he will ask you to illustrate your mastery over the material. Homework will be checked (but not always graded) daily. 

Exams: You will have a trimester exam scheduled third trimester. This may include lab practical components or an alternative summarizing activity. It will count 10% of your final course grade, with the remaining 90% equally divided among the 3 trimester grades.