Foundation of Residential and Commercial Construction

The Residential and Commercial Construction course is designed to teach basic skills for the construction trades through a course rich in connections to construction projects that will generate interest in the math and increase students’ likelihood of success. The course covers basic construction math; measurement and scale, blueprint reading, safety, procedural use of hand and power tools. Students acquire these skills through the use of technology and real world problem solving. Integrated throughout the course are foundation standards, which include communication, ethics, interpersonal/team skills, critical thinking and other employment skills needed for the 21st Century.

Unit 1: Safety

Learning Objectives:

• Identify general shop safety practices and expectations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of a safe attitude.
• Answer questions concerning occupational safety based on graphic information.
• Recognize the different types and components of graphs.
• Use various strategies in the interpretation of visual information.
• Use data analysis/statistics to generalize about occupational safety in differing fields.
• Recognize terms commonly used in the analysis of data and statistics.
• Identify the key factors that facilitate effective group/team operation.

Unit 2: Measurement 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the five major math disciplines used in the construction industry.
• Identify and correctly spell measurement terminology.
• Use both standard and metric units in determining given lengths using a tape measure.
• Identify proper, improper fractions and mixed numbers.
• Convert improper fractions and mixed numbers back and forth.
• Identify the LCD and borrow from whole numbers in the addition and subtraction of fractions.
• Convert fractions into decimals.
• Add any two mixed numbers using only a tape measure.

Unit 3: Scale

Learning Objectives:

• Define scale, ratio, proportion, and scale factor.
• Measure given lengths in given scales using an architect’s rule/scale.
• Read a scale drawing.
• Find a scaling factor when scaling an object.
• Apply measurement procedures in context and then translating those measurements to a scale drawing.
• Understand that a scale drawing is two-dimensional drawing that accurately represents an object and is mathematically like the object.
• Use google sketch up (CAD), build a three-dimensional object based on two-dimensional drawings.
• Build to scale a model tiny house that includes the floor, walls, windows, and door.

Unit 4: Wood, Fasteners, and Tools

Learning Objectives:

• Identify tree species and recognize a hard or soft wood based on the physical properties of the tree.
• Identify the three basic steps involved in turning a tree into lumber.
• Take notes using the Cornell Notes format.
• Explain the history/development of glues, nails, and screws, their attributes, and applications.
• Identify 5 types of nails/brads 1) common nail, 2) sinker, 3) finish nail, 4) brad (nail), and the 5) pin.  

Unit 5: Introduction to Construction Hand Tools

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the major construction hand tools and their proper function/use.
• Explain the proper use of the major construction hand tools.
• Demonstrate the proper use of major construction skills. 

UNIT 6: Introduction to Power Hand Tools- Drills, Drill Drivers, & Roto-Hammer Drill

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the handheld power drills and their major components.
• Identify the three major types of handheld power drills and their applications.
• Identify/describe the six primary drill bits (Twist, Auger, Forstner, Spade/Butterfly, Hole Saw, and Self-Feed) used in the construction industry, and their uses.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of each tool.
• Identify/describe the types of drill bits for each tool and their application.
• Identify the three basic tasks for each drill by explaining where each drill would be used on a construction site.

UNIT 7: Power Hand Tools-Saws: Jig Saw, Sawzall

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the circular, reciprocating, & jig saws and their major components.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of each tool.
• Identify/describe the types of saw blades for each tool and their application.
• Identify the three basic tasks for each saw by explaining where each saw would be used on a construction site.
• Explain the advantages of each saw and where they work best.

UNIT 8: Introduction to Power Hand Tools-Orbital, Belt Sanders, Angle Grinder & Router

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the handheld power sanders and their major components.
• Identify the major types of handheld power sanders and their applications.
• Identify and explain the uses of sandpaper.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of each tool.
• Identify/describe the types of sandpaper for each tool and their application.
• Identify the three basic tasks for each power sander by explaining where each sander would be used on a construction site.
• Identify the angle grinder and its major components.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of an angle grinder.
• Explain how and where the angle grinder would be used on a construction site.
• Identify the router and its major components.
• Demonstrate safe operation of the router.
• Explain how and why a router is used on a construction site.

UNIT 9: Project # 1 Build a Cube Bank

Learning Objectives:

• Identify construction drawings, blue lines, and CAD prints.
• Obtain the information from a schematic or working drawing.
• Obtain and apply information from working drawings to a given project.
• Develop a list-of-materials.
• Build a three-dimensional object based on two-dimensional drawings. 

UNIT 10: Power Tool – Table Saw, Radial Arm Saw

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the major components of the Table Saw, and their purpose.
• Describe the uses of the Table Saw.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of the Table Saw.
• Identify the major components and purpose of the Radial-Arm Saw.
• Describe the use and operation of the Radial-Arm Saw.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of the Radial-Arm Saw.

UNIT 11: Power Tool – Drill Press

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the major components of the Drill Press and their purpose.
• Describe the use and operation of the Drill Press.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of the Drill Press.

UNIT 12: Power Tool – Miter Saw

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the major components of the Miter saw, and their purpose.
• Describe the uses of the Miter saw.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of the Miter Saw.

UNIT 13: Project #2 Build Bench that turns into a Picnic Table

Learning Objectives:

• Identify blueprints, bluelines, and CAD prints.
• Obtain information from a schematic or working drawing.
• Develop a bill-of-materials.
• Build a three-dimensional object based on two-dimensional drawings. 

UNIT 14: Pneumatics: Compressors, Nailers, and Staplers

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the major components of the pneumatic nail and staple guns.
• Demonstrate the safe operation of each tool.
• Identify/describe the types of nail and stapler guns and their use.
• Fully understand the dangers of nail/staple guns and their safe use.
• Identify the major components of the air compressor.
• Demonstrate basic compressor operations and safety.
• Demonstrate how to operate and connect tools to the air compressor.

UNIT 15: Schematics Construction Drawings and Visualization

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the five components of a set of residential construction drawings. (Plans, Elevations, Sections, Details and Specifications) 
• Describe the differences between the five components of residential construction drawings.
• Draw a 3D object in 3 different elevations.

UNIT 16: Tiny House Project

Learning Objectives:

• Layout and construct a scale model floor frame using construction drawings.
• Assemble a floor frame using the correct materials in the correct order.
• Assemble wall framing using the correct materials in the correct order.
• Layout and construct model home walls from construction drawings.
• Name and identify the primary members of both conventionally stacked and trussed roofs.
• Layout and construct a conventional roof for a 1” scale model home from construction drawings. 
• Layout, and construct a conventionally stacked roof in 1” scale from construction drawings.

Study of Modern Craftsmanship and Infrastructure

The Study of Ancient Civilization Infrastructure and Craftsmanship course is designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the history behind construction, materials, and trades in the industry. Students will use Primary Sources and become Construction Historians as they reconstruct the advancement of the trades, materials, and tools that are now being used in residential and commercial construction. The course covers a more advanced knowledge of safety, use of hand and power tools, blueprint reading, geometry, and estimating. Integrated throughout the course are foundation standards, which include communication, ethics, interpersonal/team skills, critical thinking and other employment skills needed for the 21st Century. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform the duties of an entry-level building construction technician with the knowledge of Construction Codes and general and trade-specific terminology.

UNIT 1:     Safety and Orientation

Learning Objectives:

• Understand student expectations for the school year and what they will learn throughout the year.
• Identify general shop safety practices/expectations and demonstrate knowledge of a safe attitude.

Unit 2:     History of Architecture & Building Codes

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize the architecture features through Stone Ages to Neo-Classical Time.
• Identify style of windows, doors, and roofs
• Identify styles of homes
• Transform a current architectural style to another by changing key elements
• Trace the history of building codes
• Describe the ICC, IBC, IRC, and CBS
• Identify the three dominant model codes of the past century

Project #1: Cutting Board

Learning Objectives:

• Identify types of angles and lines
• Understand the angle relationships in parallel lines
• Identify types of triangles
• Identify angles formed by transversals
• Apply geometry math concepts-angles, lines, triangles, and angles formed by transversals into real world projects.
• Build a cutting board.

Project #2: Hexagon Serving Tray

Learning Objectives:

• Identify regular/irregular polygons
• Identify interior and exterior angles of a polygon
• Construct a regular hexagon shape
• Apply math skills to build a hexagon serving tray
• Work cooperatively with others
• Build Problem solving skills
• Produce a hexagon serving tray product

Project #3: Building a Ramp

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean theorem.
• Analyze given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determine a solution, justifying the solution, and e valuation the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution.
• Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace
• Work cooperatively with others
• Build problem solving skills

PROJECT #4: BUILDING STAIRS

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean theorem
• Analyze given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determine a solution, justifying the solution, and e valuation the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution.
• Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace
• Work cooperatively with others
• Build problem solving skills

PROJECT #5: BUILDING CABINETS

Learning Objectives:

• Draft a design of a kitchen
• Develop a bill of materials
• Follow order of construction instructions
• Build a three-dimensional object based on two-dimensional drawings
• Calculate the measurements in making a raised panel door
• Build a raised panel door
• Calculate the measurements in order to build a drawer for a specific cabinet

UNIT 3: HIGH PERFORMANCE WALLS & ATTICS

Learning Objectives:

• Identify components of an exterior wall and an Attic assembly and describe the role each component plays in limiting heat transfer.
• Identify common insulation and air sealing materials and installation methods for High Performance Walls and Attics.
• Understand and demonstrate techniques for creating a High-Performance Wall and Attic assembly.

PROJECT #6: Building a Shed

Lesson #1: Floor Framing

Learning Objectives:

• Use decimals in the accurate keeping of an accounting ledger
• Calculate area
• Use the Pythagorean theorem to establish/check layout and framing a square
• Develop a bill of materials using linear measurement, perimeter, and area to estimate material quantities
• Calculate material takeoffs for floor frames
• Layout and construct a scale model floor frame using blueprints
• Identify and describe the components of a residential floor frame
• Describe the layout and installation procedures for floor frame systems
• Assemble a floor frame using the correct materials in the correct order
• Describe joist restraints and subfloor sheathing installation

Lesson #2: Wall Framing

Learning Objectives:

• Use decimals in the accurate keeping of an accounting ledger
• Calculate the amount of material required for a wall frame
• Use the Pythagorean theorem to establish/check layout and framing for square
• Develop a bill of materials using linear measurement, perimeter, and area to estimate materials quantities
• Calculate material takeoffs for floor frames
• Layout and construct a scale model wall using blueprints
• Identify the parts of a wall
• Describe how to mark the positions of framing members that make up wall openings
• Describe how rough opening framing members are dimensioned
• Describe the special framing configurations put in place where one wall joins another at right angles
• Describe how to avoid weakening key support structures
• Build a wall frame with window and door rough opening
• Sheathe a wall frame
• Calculate the correct size for a window header

Lesson #3: Roof Framing

Learning Objectives:

• List and describe various types of roofs
• Identify the parts of a common rafter
• Understand how pitch and slope affect the installation of various roofing materials
• Layout and cut the install common rafters, cut and install ridge board
• Frame gable ends
• Build a scale model of a truss
• Layout a rafter either using the step-off method or rafter tables and cut it accurately
• Use basic geometry (Pythagorean theorem) to calculate rafter lengths
• Use a framing square, speed square, and rafter tables to order to layout a common rafter
• Describe compression and tension forces on roof frame
• Assess roof framing adherence to code, cleanliness, and accuracy (compared to the prints and to scale)

Lesson #4: Electrical

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the progress of using electricity in housing
• Develop and apply basic skills in electrical wiring work
• Find at least three codes in the NEC that govern electrical construction
• Students practice calculating current, resistance, and voltage
• Give the power equation, calculate the power consumed in circuit or load
• Name and identify electrical symbols while reading electrical plans
• Layout and install a circuit from blueprints
• Identify the tools and equipment used by electricians today
• Define terms related to electrical safety
• Identify electrical wiring tools and materials
• Demonstrate safe working procedures in a construction and shop environment
• Work cooperatively as a team member
• Identify electrical hazards and how to avoid or minimize them in the workplace

Lesson #5: Plumbing

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the history of plumbing
• Use plumbing tools and identify them
• Apply plumbing safety
• Install a toilet
• Calculate volume
• Install a sink
• Work with a team by communicating effectively, collaborating, and problem solving

Lesson #6: Drywall

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the drywall industry overview
• Calculate an estimation of how much drywall is needed for a floor plan
• Install drywall
• Match texture and patch drywall

 

Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure of the Future

This course will identify ways to conserve resources in construction; select alternative tools and tool maintenance for use in green building; identify alternative practices and methods that take natural resources into account; recycle reduce, or dispose of construction materials.

Students will gain and understanding of what sustainability means, what drives it and how it impacts the built environment and recognize relevant national and international policy, legislation and governance issues, and expected future direction. They will also understand the latest evidence and thinking on climate change, energy, water, pollution, waste, biodiversity and efficient use of materials within the built environment and appreciate how businesses are changing in order to address sustainability and explore the risks and opportunities this can bring.

Students begin to perceive the development of housing from the planning stages; land development and procurement, optimal placement for construction and working with natural elements as resources to become zero-net energy.

UNIT 1: SAFTEY AND ORIENTATION

Learning Objectives:

• Understand student expectations for the school year and what they will learn throughout the year.
• Identify general shop safety practices/expectations and demonstrate knowledge of a safe attitude.

Unit 2: TITLE 24 ENERGY STANDARDS

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the history and intent of the California Energy Code.
• Understand the future goals for California’s Energy Code and its impact on the construction industry.
• Describe the difference between Mandatory, Prescriptive, and Performance requirements.
• Define the mandatory wall and attic assembly requirements.
• Identify key strategies for meeting or exceeding the prescriptive HPW requirements.
• Define and illustrate a high-performance wall and attic assembly.

UNIT 3: SOLAR

Learning Objectives:

• Understand contributing factors to layout placement/design
• Identify the tools and equipment used by solar installers today
• Read and interpret solar array layout design documents
• Develop and apply basic skills in roof penetration, flashing, and waterproofing
• Locate center of rafter/top-cord, pilot drilling, roof attachment, and torque verification
• Racking assembly, adjustability, leveling and planning for array uniformity
• Maximize teamwork to assist in module placement and attachment
• Name and identify all racking components and connectors
• Name and identify micro inverter wiring components
• Layout and install modules from permit sets/engineering drawings
• Identify the tools and equipment used by solar installers today
• Lay out trunk cables and install with accessories for proper operation
• Demonstrate safe working procedures in a construction and shop/lab environment
• Complete rooftop wore management
• Complete project documentation
• Work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Identify hazards and how to avoid or minimize them in the workplace

Project #1: CAREER EXPLORATION RESEARCH PROJECT

Learning Objectives:

• Create a career roadmap where they choose a career they would like to pursue.
• Research what requirements (educational and personal) they need in order to reach their career goal.
• Present their career they “can’t not do” and their interview with someone that has their career they are seeking.
• Create and present their short term, midterm, and long-term career goals.

Project #2: CAREER PORTFOLIO

Learning Objectives:

• Create and compile resources for obtaining employment such as sample job application, resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, and sample response to interview questions.

Project #3: SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT

Learning Objectives:

• Identify a “need” within their community and/or school site.
• Create a service-learning project that will impact the identified “need”
• Execute the service-learning project
• Reflect on the service-learning project process and experience.

Capstone

Students move to a higher level of competency and are tasked to complete a capstone project which can include an independent research paper on a question or problem of their choice with the guidance of a faculty mentor or participate in an internship. Some samples of previous projects include designing and building tiny houses for our veterans and homeless, playhouses which are donated to local children’s non-profits, sheds for neighborhoods, and doghouses for local rescue organizations, or special projects such as snack-shacks and benches for their campuses. While learning a trade, students are making our communities a better place to live.