Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Principles of Engineering and Technology

Other Tennessee CTE sets

Safety

  • 1

    Accurately read and interpret safety rules, including but not limited to rules published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), rules pertaining to electrical safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and state and national code requirements. Be able to distinguish between the rules and explain why certain rules apply.1

  • 2

    Identify and explain the intended use of safety equipment available in the classroom. For example, demonstrate how to properly inspect, use, and maintain safe operating procedures with tools and equipment. Incorporate safety procedures and complete safety test with 100 percent accuracy. 2

Introduction to Engineering & Technology

  • 3

    Research the definition of each term within STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Use these definitions and additional print and electronic resources (such as textbooks, National Science Teacher Association’s STEM Classroom newsletters, or the websites of organizations like STEM Connector) to develop a written argument describing why science, mathematics, and technology are different than engineering, yet each influences engineering. Incorporate proper citation conventions used in STEM fields (MLA, APA, or other) to cite sources of information retrieved. 3

  • 4

    In teams, produce a timeline or infographic illustrating important events in history, in a given time period, that specifically involve engineering. Use a variety of sources to gather data, cite each source, and briefly describe why the chosen source is reliable.4

  • 5

    As a team, develop a written explanation of how society benefits from the contributions of engineers in at least three different engineering disciplines. Provide detailed descriptions of each discipline and describe the specific benefits derived from each. For example, describe how civil engineers improve the efficiency and safety of transportation networks through the construction of bridges, highways, and other public infrastructures. Documents should contain links to relevant websites to illustrate the ideas presented.5

Engineering Design Process

  • 6

    There are different versions of the engineering design process. For example, examine the following framework endorsed by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA):6

    1. a

      Identify the problem6.a

    2. b

      Identify criteria and specify constraints6.b

    3. c

      Brainstorm possible solutions6.c

    4. d

      Research and generate ideas6.d

    5. e

      Explore alternative solutions6.e

    6. f

      Select an approach6.f

    7. g

      Write a design proposal6.g

    8. h

      Develop a model or prototype6.h

    9. i

      Test and evaluate6.i

    10. j

      Refine and improve6.j

    11. k

      Create or make a product6.k

    12. l

      Communicate results6.l

  •  

    Citing this framework or other variations as approved by the instructor, compare and contrast what is involved at each step of the engineering design process. Explain why it is an iterative process and always involves refinement.

  • 7

    In teams, evaluate an existing large-scale engineering design using the engineering design process. Produce a report on the chosen design, and assume the role of the engineering design team that produced the design. Document constraints that may have been faced by the design team, criteria for measuring the effectiveness of the design, and progress through each step of the engineering design process. Create and deliver a presentation appropriate for a career and technical student organization (CTSO) event. 7

  • 8

    Complete a simple design activity and apply the engineering design process to produce a model that an engineer would test. Define criteria for determining an effective design, describe constraints on the design, and document each step in an engineering notebook. At the completion of the design process, present the model to the class and critique the design of other classmates.8

Fundamental Sketching and Engineering Drawing 

  • 9

    Define the differences in technique among freehand sketching, manual drafting, and computer-aided drafting (CAD), and describe the skills required for each. Create a twodimensional orthographic (multiview) drawing incorporating labels, notes, and dimensions, using sketching/geometric construction techniques. Apply basic dimensioning rules and properly use different types of lines (e.g., object, hidden, center). The orthographic projections should include principle views of a simple object from top, front, and right sides.9

  • 10

    Building on the knowledge of a two-dimensional drawing, create simple isometric (3-D pictorial) drawings, properly using lines (e.g., object, hidden, center), labels, and dimensioning techniques.10

  • 11

    Use CAD software to create simple two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings, accurately incorporating labels, notes, dimensioning, and line types to design drawings. Perform basic operations such as creating, saving files, opening files, storing files, and printing.11

Introduction to Measurement

  • 12

    Use physical measurement devices typically employed in engineering to collect and build a dataset. For example, calipers may be used to measure the width of pens in the classroom, generating a dataset. Tools should include, but are not limited to, fractional rule, metric rule, dial caliper, and micrometer.12

Class Project 

  • 13

    As a class, identify a problem in the school or community that can be solved by an engineer. Follow the design process to solve the problem. The class will collaboratively develop a paper following the format of a typical technical report (see components of the report below). Upon completion of the report, create and deliver a presentation for a CTSO event using appropriate citation conventions learned in the course. Refine the report as would a team of engineers by incorporating feedback from the presentation.13

  •  

    The technical report should include, but is not limited to: 

    1. a

      Background13.a

    2. b

      Problem definition13.b

    3. c

      Design constraints13.c

    4. d

      Methodology13.d

    5. e

      Data analysis (e.g., charts, graphs, calculations)13.e

    6. f

      Results/Problem solution (including engineering drawings)13.f

    7. g

      Conclusions and recommendations for future research13.g

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9
Where can I read the official document?
Principles of Engineering and Technology

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