Program Description

The Endeavour Academy program is a sequence of hands-on courses in applied science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. It is designed to help you target and succeed in a college education and a high-tech career. You will learn while doing. Concepts are learned in the framework of actual application. The skills of a professional engineer are developed. You will not only learn how to design and complete a project but also how to present your work in a professional manner. You will learn the skills needed to use computers as tools that are integral to the whole process.

Here at the beginning of the semester, you have an "A". As long as you complete all of your homework & classwork on time, you WILL pass this class, probably with an "A" or a "B" grade. Whenever you are having difficulty, make an appointment and come in for help. You can make-up tests, get specific help, or just talk.

Classroom Rules:

  1. Be Polite - to each other as well as the instructor
  2. Be On-time - neither late to class nor late completing work
  3. Don't Disrupt - remember, your actions affect others
  4. Be Respectful - of people as well as equipment and computers
  5. Be Professional - practice being the career professional you want to be

Student Texts

Modeling and Technology Principles
Text: Selected handouts in a special binder

Mission to Planet Earth
Text: Earth Science: Geology, the Environment and the Universe, Glencoe Science (2005)
Supplemental: Basic Electronics, McWhorter & Evans, Master Publishing, Inc. (1994)

Engineering Mechatronics and Computer Systems
Text: Physics, Cutnell & Johnson, Wiley & Sons (1995)
Supplemental: Engineering Your Future, Gomez, et.al. Great Lakes Press (2006) Supplemental: Basic Digital Electronics, Evans, Master Publishing, Inc. (1996)

Design Engineering
Supplemental: Engineering Your Future, Gomez, et.al. Great Lakes Press (2006) Supplemental: Understanding Space, Sellers,
Supplemental: What is a Microcontroller, Parallax

Materials Required for Class

  1. Pencil (NOT a pen)
  2. 3-ring binder: Section 1 = Assignments & handouts, Section 2 = Class notes, Section 3 = homework and tests
  3. Scientific Calculator (for example TI 30X) label it with your name

Attendance

The attendance policy will be strictly enforced. Your grade will reflect your attendance to the class as well as your knowledge of the subject matter.

  1. Three unexcused tardies = 1 absence
  2. Class time missed in excess of 15minutes will count as a period absence.

Grading Scale

A = 100-90, B = 89-80, C = 79-70, D = 69-60, F = 59-0

Grading and Requirements:

Homework = 20% of final grades

  1. Credit for homework is received when all work is completed professionally. This means that it must be complete, neat, accurate and stamped by the instructor at the beginning of the period on the date due.
  2. No credit for homework will be given when the work is partially completed, inaccurate or hastily done.
  3. Late homework (you are present on the date due but the homework is incomplete) will be accepted 1 day late for half credit IF you have the instructor sign "Late" and initial the incomplete homework on the day it was originally due.
  4. Absent work (you were absent and it was excused) will be accepted for full credit if it is completed and submitted by a mutually agreed upon date.
    1. In order to submit it appropriately it must be labeled and dated as follows: "Excused absence on <date>"
    2. While absent, call other members of the class and get started as soon as possible.
    3. Upon returning from an absence, check the posted log of homework, find a copy of all missed handouts in the appropriate basket, plan reasonable due dates for all missing items and log them on the Instructor's calendar

Lab & Project Work " 40% of final grades

  1. The same procedures as for Late and Absent homework apply.
  2. However, some labs and project work by their nature may not allow make-up. In the case that make-up is prohibited, then an alternative assignment may be considered.
    1. An alternative to a lab activity would be to produce a thoughtful and well-written summary of an article similar to the missed lab activity.
    2. It should be from a current periodical (within 3 years). Your summary must include footnotes and a copy of the article.
    3. One double-spaced typed page for each 15 points of make-up for each missed activity. For example a 45-point lab would require 3 pages for full credit.
    4. Make-up summaries are due within one week of the absence.

Tests & Quizzes " 40% of final grades

  1. Debrief - you may increase your score on any test (up to 80%) by scheduling and successfully "debriefing" with your instructor. This must be scheduled soon after the test is returned. Please note that you will already have all of the answers. You must simply demonstrate your complete understanding of all of the test questions (including those you got right).
  2. Absent tests or quizzes - You must schedule and complete these in the same manner that you will absent homework. However, if the test has already been returned to the others then you will be required to "debrief" the test at the time you take it.

To Help You be Successful

Whenever you feel "a little bit confused", stop by and see me. Check my appointment book, I am usually in the lab before and after school. Don't let it become TOTAL CONFUSION. I am here to help you if you let me. The grading scale together with the make-up, debriefing, and note sheet policies means that no one who is willing to continue working and trying will ever fail this course.