Project 1.5.

3 Parametric Modeling
Introduction
In this project you will work with another student in your school who is taking the
Design and Modeling unit to practice what engineers around the world do every
day. They communicate using their engineering notebooks. Many times there are
two or three different shifts in a company working on the same project. They
communicate with each other by leaving notes, annotated sketches, and summaries
of their progress in a common location. This process is similar to nurses who work in
a hospital; they must let the next shift of nurses know when they administered
medications so that a patient will receive the proper treatment.
Team work is essential to getting many engineering products on the market in a
timely fashion. Many times the team members work in different locations, possibly
even in different countries that are in a different time zone. Proper and timely
communication is what makes a business successful. Engineers must know how to
communicate with their team members not only verbally, but also through use of
their engineering notebook.

Equipment

PLTW Gateway notebook

Pencil
Blocks with holes
Ruler or straight edge
Dial caliper
Computer with 3D modeling software

Procedure
In this project you will use the same block for several days to sketch and
communicate to another student exactly what it looks like. Make sure that your
dimensions are accurate and your sketch is neat.

Day 1
1. Sketch and annotate the 3D outline of your block on the following page(s) for
your partner. Do not include holes at this time.
2. Exchange sketches with your partner and follow the instructions given by your
teacher.
3. Use the 3D modeling program to sketch and extrude the outline of a block from
the engineering notebook designs that you were given. Save file as Partner.
Write notes to your partner if you have any questions or comments about the
sketch they provided to you.

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

PLTW Gateway Design and Modeling Project 1.5.3 Parametric Modeling Page 1

4. Return the Engineering Notebook Designs to their author for additional features
to be added.

Day 2
5. When you get your Engineering Notebook Designs back, sketch the added
feature(s) from your block onto your Engineering Notebook Design sheet.
6. Exchange your Engineering Notebook Design sheet with the same partner.
7. Use the 3D modeling software to open your file called Partner and add the
feature(s) of the block from the engineering notebook designs that you were
given. Save the file. Write notes to your partner if you have any questions or
comments about the sketch they provided to you.
8. Return the Engineering Notebook Designs to their author.

Day 3
9. When you get your Engineering Notebook Designs back, make two dimension
changes to your sketch. Make sure to annotate clearly so that your partner can
easily update the computer model.
10. Exchange your Engineering Notebook Designs with your partner.
11. Use the 3D modeling software to open your file called Partner and use Browser
Editing to make changes to the 3D model. Write notes to your partner if you have
any questions or comments about the sketch they provided to you.
12. Save file as Partner.

Conclusion
1. What is the advantage of using an engineering notebook to communicate ideas?

2. Name three other careers besides engineering that may need to share ideas,
sketches, and concepts through a written document.

3. What is parametric modeling?

4. Why do engineers and designers need to know how to use a 3D modeling

program?

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

PLTW Gateway Design and Modeling Project 1.5.3 Parametric Modeling Page 2

Designs Engineering Notebook

Name of Part: ____________________________ Project: ________________________ Date: __________ Pg: ___

Engineers Signature:

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Design and Modeling Engineering Notebook Page 3

Designs Engineering Notebook

Name of Part: ____________________________ Project: ________________________ Date: __________ Pg: ___

Engineers Signature:

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Design and Modeling Engineering Notebook Page 4