Report Format

General Requirements

General (10%). A design report should be of high quality (clear, neat, correct grammar and spelling with adequate margins) and follow in order the numbered sections 1-10 below. It should be terse, well illustrated and not crowded. Text should be typed in 12 pt. Times font. Calculations should not be typed; do them with a pencil. Use one side of 8.5 x 11 in paper only.

This general grade also includes any grievous deductions made on design submittals throughout the semester for incomplete or late work.

Cover sheet

It is recommended that the project assignment sheet(s) be used as cover sheets.

Report Sections

The report must include in order the following ten sections; some sections include subsections.

Project Drawings, Parts List and Bill of Materials (15%)
Methods (15%)
Assumptions (5% w/Warnings)
Warnings
References (5%)
Data Sections(10%)
Calculations (30%)
Peer Review (5%)
Response to peer Review (5%)
Appendix

Report Assembly, Binding and Submission

The report should be assembled in the order of the sections given below, pages numbered and bound by a medium-sized metal binder clip (an inexpensive clamp). Do not use report covers and do not staple reports. Submit the original of the report, not a Xerox copy, on or before the deadline.

Report Grading

Report grading may vary slightly from section to section from the percent values given above. However, in addition to a general quality grade, one should expect point subtractions for low quality work and errors, and additions for exceptional quality work and creativity.

Grading of calculations. Most instructors will not grade all calculations. Rather, one or more components will be selected for grading. Students may suggest two components which received exceptional effort for grading and the instructor may select one or both of these plus other components at her/his discretion.

Questions on grading details should be discussed with your instructor.

Obtain the PDF of Report Format

Back

Site Map

Administration	Flowcharts	Project Forms	Samples	Links/Resources
Instructors Navigation Feedback	Design Process Design Project	Concept Material Loading Analysis Calc Check Drawings Cost	Guide Truckster Interactive Report Library	Design Notes Materials Material Selection Standards Manufacturing Design Analysis Animations Human Data

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0633602. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recomendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Penn State is committed to affirmative action,
equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

This publication is available on alternative media on request.