Advancing Excellence in P12 Engineering Education
Engineering Performance Matrix
Professional Ethics are the principles of conduct that govern the actions of an individual or group. In engineering, ethics enable engineering professionals to make the best choices and do the “right” thing even when no one is looking. This core concept includes knowledge related to (a) the morals, values, & ethics continuum, (b) the engineering code of ethics, and (c) legal and ethical considerations. Professional Ethics is important to Professionalism as members of the engineering profession are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and honesty when making decisions. These decisions, and the resulting design solutions, must be ethical to protect the public’s safety, health, and welfare. However, knowing what is the “right thing” can sometimes be difficult, and it often involves making choices between conflicting alternatives.
Performance Goal for High School Learners
I can personally interpret the engineering code of ethics in an effort to make ethical decisions while engaged in an engineering project.
BASIC
PROFICIENT
ADVANCED
MORALS, VALUES, & ETHICS CONTINUUM
I can define morals, values, and ethics.
I can recognize and criticize an engineering design issue violating morals, values, or ethics in society.
I can evaluate my design in terms of morals, values, or ethics in society.
CODE OF ETHICS
I can recall the code of ethics for engineers, which is provided by the Professional Society of Engineering.
I can explain the purpose of a code of ethics for engineers.
I can justify a design decision that I make in terms of the code of ethics for engineers.
LEGAL & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
I can delineate legal and ethical actions and violations.
I can evaluate a certain situation based on both legal and ethical criteria.
I can justify a design decision that I make in terms of legal and ethical criteria.