Q: What does my scholar need for your class?
A: Besides the usual attributes of patience, willingness to learn, respect for safety and classroom rules, and good teamwork there are a few physical items that they will need to be successful in class.
POE (Principles of Engineering) - 10th grade
Engineering Notebook & Formula Sheet - will be provided at the beginning of the year, but students need to keep track of these items.
Computer with access to ASPEN, CANVAS, etc. - will be provided by DCPS, but students need to keep track of their SCHOOL ISSUED computer. There will be some software applications that will only work on those machines.
Scientific Calculator - I have some in class, but I do not have a full class set. DO NOT buy an expensive one. They are usually available for around $15. See the video or syllabus for a recommendation.
EDD (Engineering Design and Development) - 12th grade
Engineering Notebook - will be provided at the beginning of the year, but students need to keep track of these items.
Computer with access to ASPEN, CANVAS, etc. - will be provided by DCPS, but students need to keep track of their SCHOOL ISSUED computer. There will be some software applications that will only work on those machines.
Project materials - Since every project is different it is hard to determine what will be required. If materials or tools are available at McKinley, they can be used for the project. I will work to secure donations for other materials through various channels. Expensive materials or materials that cannot be sourced otherwise are the responsibility of the students working on the project.
Q: What will you do during class time (where can I find assignments)?
A: All assignments will be posted on CANVAS.
POE (Principles of Engineering ) - 10th Grade
We will start each section with some technical explanations and note taking. From there we will practice some math problems to better understand the technical information. Finally, we will work an experiment or activity where I hope to solidify that information through observation, data gathering, and calculation of a real-time event.
Not all units will be structured exactly as above. I am working on some methods to reduce the amount of time spent on in-class note taking in order to do larger, more complex projects and in-class assessments of understanding. The success of that initiative will be dependent on the participation of scholars in the homework lessons, their daily understanding, and their pace throughout the year.
EDD (Engineering Design and Development) - 12th Grade
This class is structured as a largely self-paced class. Students are required to do specific assignments to move their respective projects forward, but many of those assignments will happen at different times for different groups based on pacing of the project. If a group is working well and making good progress, they will finish assignments early. If not, they will get behind.
In Q1 we will start by understanding some of the methods used in managing and creating a large-scale project. Project management tools, prototyping methods, documentation strategies, and reporting mechanisms will be discussed and practiced.
Also during Q1, students will separate into project teams and select a project that they will work on for the rest of the year.
Note: Once a project and a team are selected, NO CHANGES will be allowed to either the team or the basic premise of the project. Of course, a project will evolve as we learn more about it and we will adjust the scope and tasks accordingly, but students are encouraged to select a topic and a team that they can work with for the entire year.
After project selection (sometime in Q1), scholars will spend their time advancing that project.
Assignments such as technical papers, presentations, demonstrations, prototypes, and individual weekly tasks will be given to ensure that work is being done every day to move the project forward.
Some assignments will be group work, and some will be individual assignments. For group assignments, I reserve the right to adjust grades accordingly based on the amount of work individual scholars have contributed to that assignment.
Many of the days will be "work days", where there will be no presentation and students will be expected to work on their project during class time. I will be available to assist and answer questions.
Q: How much homework will you assign?
A: Typically I give one homework assignment per week that is due one week later. That may be adjusted based on how the year is progressing.
POE (Principles of Engineering ) - 10th Grade
There will usually be one assignment opened on Friday in CANVAS (even if class does not meet on Friday). That assignment is usually either a quiz (less than 10 questions), or a video note-taking assignment. Some video assignments will be counted as assessments.
EDD (Engineering Design and Development) - 12th Grade
Groups are expected to work outside of class if needed to complete their project.
Q: How and when can I contact you?
A: My contact information is on the front page of this website. That's my cell phone (703-932-0147) and school email address. Easiest way to contact me is either through Parent Square or Email (ruben.stemple@k12.dc.gov). You can contact me at any time (if I am available, I will answer). If you would like to stop in for a visit, please let me know and we can schedule.
Q: How can I find out how my scholar is doing in your class (how do I find grades, and when will they be updated)?
A: I will work to update grades at least once a week. I often update twice a week, so feel free to check frequently and let me know if you see something missing. All grades are updated in ASPEN. If your scholar's grade falls to a D, I will send a message through Parent Square.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: First, understand that I am doing my best to educate all of the scholars under my care, but I am not perfect. If you think that I have mis-graded something, missed an assignment, or not given your scholar the attention that they need please reach out.
If you hear from me about missing assignments, poor behavior, or lack of understanding in class then talk to your scholar about it. I handle most issues during class, but I will try to notify you before it becomes a problem that will cause major issues or failing grades.
If you would like to visit my classroom or donate your time to help on a project, please let me know. I am happy to add your expertise and skills to this school year.
If you have items on the donation list, please send them with your scholar or reach out and I can meet you at the school to pick them up. These are typically items to be used for advancement of senior projects or to assist with making new and exciting projects for sophomores.
If you would like to contribute to one of my Donors Choose projects, just follow the link.