EMDC Official Handbook – Team Journal

Each team must maintain a journal that documents the iterative design process and development of their machine. The journal should clearly explain how the team applied the Engineering Design Process to identify a problem and design a solution. This includes recording unsuccessful attempts and detailing why certain aspects of the machine were modified over time. These are key elements of the Engineering Design Process.

There is no set format for the journal, but the final version should be submitted digitally as a PDF. The contest organizer will provide instructions for submission before the competition.

The Team Journal must include and clearly identify the following components. It should be well-organized to help judges easily locate and review all elements:

1. Planned Machine Design Sketch and Description: Include a sketch of the planned machine with a detailed description. Label components and provide technical details (e.g., expected energy transfers, force directions, materials). This represents the team’s original plan before building.
2. Final (or Near Final) Machine Design Drawing/Image and Description: Provide a drawing or image of the final machine with a detailed description. Label components and include technical details (e.g., observed energy transfers, force directions, relevant material specifications, and electrical information).
3. List of Machine Steps: Clearly describe and number each machine step. Identify steps that involve Advanced Components.
4. Cost of Machine and Percentage of Recycled Materials Used: Provide a complete itemization and calculation of the machine’s cost and the percentage of recycled materials used.
5. Applied STEM Processes: Document four or more applied STEM processes with precise details (e.g., sketches, images, labels, arrows indicating motion/force direction, written explanations). Senior Division teams should include the Advanced Components in this section.
6. Reflection (1-page maximum, 11-point minimum font): Summarize the learning or growth (e.g., skills, knowledge) gained from the start to the end of the project, and the connection to future applications (e.g., future class projects, career, life). Highlight three or more significant successes or challenges with specific details. Reflections longer than one page will result in a 10-point penalty.
7. Bibliography: List four or more credible references that are relevant to the technical aspects of the project.

Refer to the Team Journal Score Sheet for scoring details. Templates and examples of Team Journals from previous years can be found on the contest website.