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Quarter 3 (2025-26)

Site: Learn@VCS
Course: PLTW: Principles of Engineering (H) - Mr. Crandall
Book: Quarter 3 (2025-26)
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026, 11:27 AM

Table of contents

January 6/7

Unit 4.1: Statics

In Lesson 4.1, students explore various aspects of static structures and apply mathematical approaches to solve structural problems. They begin the lesson by applying an engineering design process to design and test a cantilever beam. Students then compare materials and their properties that impact beam deflection; they also use 3-D modeling software to analyze and investigate factors that impact beam deflection and solve an engineering design problem. Students analyze and solve systems through the use of free body diagrams, force vectors, moment calculations, and method of joints. They will also explore internal forces in materials and the relationship between stress and strain. Students culminate their understanding to design their own bridge truss to support a given load at the lowest cost.

Classroom Activities
  1. Devotional/Prayer
  2. Activity 4.1.2 Beam Deflection
Homework
  • Keep Engineering notebook up to date

January 8/9

Unit 4.1: Statics

In Lesson 4.1, students explore various aspects of static structures and apply mathematical approaches to solve structural problems. They begin the lesson by applying an engineering design process to design and test a cantilever beam. Students then compare materials and their properties that impact beam deflection; they also use 3-D modeling software to analyze and investigate factors that impact beam deflection and solve an engineering design problem. Students analyze and solve systems through the use of free body diagrams, force vectors, moment calculations, and method of joints. They will also explore internal forces in materials and the relationship between stress and strain. Students culminate their understanding to design their own bridge truss to support a given load at the lowest cost.

Classroom Activities
  1. Devotional/Prayer
  2. Activity 4.1.5 Tensile Testing
    • For your graphs, use the manual for option with the curve fit.  Then add annotations for the proportional limit, yield point, and the ultimate tensile strength points. Each graph should be on a separate page in your engineering notebook.
Homework
  • Keep Engineering notebook up to date

January 12/13

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Activity 3.1.2 Ohms Law
    • Create an account in TinkerCAD.
    • Select your class by going to the link: 3A or 4A
    • Do Steps 1-9
    • Do steps 10-12 in TinkerCAD. Answer the questions on the worksheet.
    • Steps 13-15. Draw the circuit and show your work and answer.
    • Conclusion 1. Draw the circuit and show your work and answer.
    • Conclusion 2. Show your work and answer.

Homework
  • None

January 14/15

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Complete Activity Calculation worksheet
  3. For those that didn't finish the lab, you should have time to complete it after completing the worksheet. Supplies are on the back table.
  4. Create an account in TinkerCAD.
  5. Select your class by going to the link: 3A or 4A
  6. Try to make some circuits. See PLTW 3.1.2.

January 16/20

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Arduino

Homework

None


January 21/22

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Arduino Lesson 8 and 9

Homework

  • Referring the slides, complete Activity 3.1.7A I2C Worksheet.

January 23/26

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Begin Electronics Project (Day 1)
  3. Below are some sensors, input devices, and displays that can be used. By the beginning of the next class I will need a parts list.


Homework

  • Continue project

January 27/28

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Continue Electronics Project (Day 2)
  3. Need to get approval today for project
  4. Below are some sensors, input devices, and displays that can be used. By the beginning of the next class I will need a parts list.


Homework

  • Continue project

January 29/30

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Begin Electronics Project (Day 3)
  3. Make sure you are keeping up on your TinkerCAD.
  4. Log your daily activities also.
  5. Test Tuesday, 2/10

Homework

  • Continue project

February 2/3

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Begin Electronics Project (Day 4)
  3. Make sure you are keeping up on your TinkerCAD.
  4. Log your daily activities also.
  5. Test Tuesday, 2/10

Homework

  • Continue project

February 4/5

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Begin Electronics Project (Day 5)
  3. Make sure you are keeping up on your TinkerCAD.
  4. Log your daily activities also.
  5. Test Tuesday, 2/10

Homework

  • Continue project

February 6/9

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Begin Electronics Project (Day 6). Projects should be completed by end of class after break (Monday 2/23).
  3. Make sure you are keeping up on your TinkerCAD.
  4. Log your daily activities also.
  5. Test postponed till Thursday, 2/12. Will only be on Electricity. See study guide.

Homework

  • Continue project

February 10/11

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Continue Electronics Project (Day 7). Projects should be completed by end of class after break (Monday 2/23).
  3. Make sure you are keeping up on your TinkerCAD.
  4. Other design notes. I encourage you to cad some component. If you do, make sure to have your multiview drawing there and some documentation explaining your assembly.
  5. Log your daily activities also.
  6. Test postponed till Thursday, 2/12. Will only be on Electricity. See study guide.

Homework

  • Continue project

February 12/13

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Test on Electricity. See study guide.

Homework

  • Continue project

February 23/24

Unit 4.1: Electricity

Objectives
  • In Lesson 3.1, students explore the basic components of electrical circuits and model them through a hands-on introduction. They then explore the basic elements of electricity and electrical circuits and build simple circuits with breadboards and online simulations. Students collect data to derive the formula for Ohm’s Law then apply their understanding of Ohm’s Law to solve problems. They then move into a comparison between series and parallel circuits and explore their similarities and differences. Students continue hands-on breadboarding and simulations to derive Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws. They end the lesson with a final project that applies all the skills acquired to design and build their own functional safe.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Finish Electronics Project (Day 8). Projects should be finish today, but judging won't take place until Tuesday, March 3rd.
  3. Make sure you are keep your TinkerCAD up to date.
  4. Other design notes. I encourage you to cad some component. If you do, make sure to have your multiview drawing there and some documentation explaining your assembly.
  5. Log your daily activities also.

Homework

  • None

February 25/26

Unit 5.1: Aeronautics

Objectives
  • In this lesson, students will apply Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation to explain orbital motion as continuous free fall. They will derive and interpret the orbital velocity equation, analyze inverse square relationships, and use algebraic reasoning to explain how orbital radius affects velocity and period. Students will also evaluate the conditions required for geostationary orbit and differentiate between orbital and escape velocity from an energy perspective.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. While reviewing the presentation Orbits and Gravity, complete the Activity 5.1.1 Orbits and Gravity Worksheet handed out in class.
  3. Electronics Project Judging will occur on Thursday, March 5th. Make sure your presentation is understandable to a judge who doesn't know microcontrollers and how everything is connected.
  4. Remember to continue to log your daily activities in your engineering notebook.

Homework

  • None

Feb 27/Mar 2

Unit 5.1: Aeronautics

Objectives
  • In this lesson, students will apply Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation to explain orbital motion as continuous free fall. They will derive and interpret the orbital velocity equation, analyze inverse square relationships, and use algebraic reasoning to explain how orbital radius affects velocity and period. Students will also evaluate the conditions required for geostationary orbit and differentiate between orbital and escape velocity from an energy perspective.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. While reviewing the presentation Rocket Propulsion and Escaping Earth, complete the Activity 5.1.2 Orbits and Gravity Worksheet handed out in class.
  3. Electronics Project Judging will occur on Thursday, March 5th. Make sure your presentation is understandable to a judge who doesn't know microcontrollers and how everything is connected.
  4. Remember to continue to log your daily activities in your engineering notebook.

Homework

  • None

March 3/4

Unit 5.1: Aeronautics

Objectives
  • In this lesson, students will apply Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation to explain orbital motion as continuous free fall. They will derive and interpret the orbital velocity equation, analyze inverse square relationships, and use algebraic reasoning to explain how orbital radius affects velocity and period. Students will also evaluate the conditions required for geostationary orbit and differentiate between orbital and escape velocity from an energy perspective.
Classroom Activities
  1. Prayer
  2. Survey
  3. While reviewing the presentation Connecting the Journey, complete the Activity 5.1.3 Worksheet handed out in class.
  4. Electronics Project Judging will occur on Thursday, March 5th. Make sure your presentation is understandable to a judge who doesn't know microcontrollers and how everything is connected.
  5. Remember to continue to log your daily activities in your engineering notebook.

Homework

  • None