Academic Skills

Course Schedule

Class Weekly Topics Weekly Tasks
Proposal Preparation & Online Evaluations		 Group Proposal Agenda
1 Orientation  
2 Writing Skills Sentence Patterns    
3 Scientific Method Defining the Scientific Method    
4 Scientific Method Dependent and Independent Variables    
5 Engineering Process Introduction to Kickstarter and Indiegogo    
6 Engineering Process Engineering Process in Action    
7 Engineering Process Product Idea    
8 Proposal Example Note Taking    
9 TED Talk Note Taking    
10 TED Talk Note Taking    
11 Group Proposal Discussion    
12 Group Proposal Proposal Preparation    
13 Group Proposal Proposal Preparation    
14 Proposal Presentation Proposal Materials & Online Evaluations Group Proposal  
15 Proposal Presentation Proposal Reflection & Online Evaluations Group Proposal  

Course Can-do Goals

Writing Skills

  1. I can properly identify dependent and independent clauses.
  2. I can identify the eight Basic Sentence Punctuation Patterns.
  3. I can add independent markers, introductory or trailing words, or phrases to the eight Basic Sentence Punctuation Patterns.
  4. I can write clear sentences using the eight Basic Sentence Punctuation Patterns.
  5. I can brainstorm effectively to help in the writing process.
  6. I can use a thesaurus to find synonyms and antonyms.
  7. I can use targeted vocabulary in academic writing.

Scientific Method

  1. I can find, read, and summarize information about specifically targeted people.
  2. I can identify the seven steps involved in the scientific method.
  3. I can analyze past experiments and make suggestions to improve them.
  4. I can organize an experiment in a logical way using the scientific method.
  5. I can identify dependent and independent variables.

Engineering Process

  1. I can research products in development on the internet.
  2. I can identify the eight steps involved in the engineering process.
  3. I can identify problems that inspire invention.
  4. I can analyze solutions that hope to overcome those problems.
  5. I can assess proposed ideas/inventions in a systematic way.
  6. I can create an original product proposal that includes: a problem, a solution, key features, and product comparison.

Preparing a Proposal

  1. I can work well with other people in a group.
  2. I can take notes on the most important points of a presentation.
  3. I can thoroughly research information that supports my own/group ideas.
  4. I can organize an effective proposal that includes specific problems and achievable solutions.
  5. I can create visual aids that support a proposal.

Delivering a Proposal

  1. I can speak confidently in front of people in a group.
  2. I can organize a proposal so that all group members participate equally.
  3. I can deliver an interesting, natural, and convincing proposal that holds an audience’s attention.
  4. I can give an honest answer to a question from an audience member in a timely manner.
  5. I can give effective feedback to other people and help them improve their proposals.
  6. I can reflect on work I have completed in an honest and logical way.