Architecture & Construction

Individuals pursuing a career in the Architecture and Construction cluster work on new structures, restorations, additions, alterations, and repairs. Careers include architectural and civil drafter or engineer, residential or commercial carpenter, construction worker, electrician, plumber, and painter to just name a few.

 

ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING DESIGN I

One Semester 1 credit Grade 9-12

Prerequisite: good math skills/Algebra 1B

Architectural & Engineering Design I is a foundational course in the Architecture and Construction cluster for students interested in a variety of engineering and design professions. Upon completion of the course, proficient students will be able to create technical and architectural drawings of increasing complexity. Students will build foundational skills in sketching, manual drawing, computer aided drawing, and visualization of three dimensional objects in a two dimensional environment. Students will perfect drawing skills using both manual drafting equipment and AutoCAD. Students will conduct a research project to become informed about engineering and architectural career opportunities that peak students individual interests. Students will compile evidence of skills learned in a portfolio which will be continued in future Architectural and Engineering Design Classes.

 

ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING DESIGN II

One Semester 1 credit Grade EPSO 10-12

Prerequisite: Architectural & Engineering Design I; recommended minimum grade of C

Architectural & Engineering Design II is a continuation of Architectural & Engineering Design I. Students will continue to learn technical drawing standards in dimensioning, sectioning, auxiliary view, architectural floor plan design, bridge design as well as other design projects. Students will create 3D models of a bridge design or an architectural structure. Students will take field measurements of a structure and in turn create a working drawing for that structure. This course includes an engineering research project that will increase student knowledge of careers and practices in engineering and architecture related fields of employment. Students will continue to compile artifacts for inclusion in a portfolio which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

 

ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING DESIGN III

One Semester 1 credit EPSO Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Architectural & Engineering Design II, recommended minimum grade of C

Architectural & Engineering Design III is the third course in the Architectural and Engineering Design program of study. In this advanced course, students will apply technical drawing and design skills developed in the previous courses. This course uses online training to introduce leading industrial 3D software such as Solidworks and Revit. Students will initiate and complete a design project that reflects their engineering/architecture/design interests. Students develop a project management guide, create 3D models, and standard working drawings for their project. Students will work in teams to complete class projects of increasing difficulty. In this process, students will expand their problem–solving and critical thinking skills by assessing the requirements of a project alongside the available resources in order to accomplish realistic planning. Upon completion, proficient students will be able to employ methods of data collection and analysis to provide others with appropriate information for projects and to develop their own designs. Students will be able to utilize industry-specific technology to create visual representations of individual projects including 3D modeling software and 3D printing. Students will continue to compile artifacts for inclusion in a personal portfolio that will reflect their skill proficiency in the Architectural & Engineering Design Program of Study.

 

FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTION

One Semester 1 credit EPSO Grade 9-12

Prerequisite: None

This course will introduce students to basic skills and knowledge applicable to all construction trades. Topics covered include safety, construction drawings, site layout, hand and power tools, linear and angular measurements, and application of algebraic and geometric principles to construction problems.

 

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION I

One Semester 1 credit EPSO Grade 10-12

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Construction

A course that will introduce students to basic skills and knowledge related to residential and commercial carpentry. Topics covered include wood, metal, and concrete building materials; fasteners; hand and power tools; fabrication based on construction plans; and framing of platform and post-and-beam structures, in both wood and metal. This course gives students an introduction to the skill and knowledge base typically required for apprentice carpenters.

 

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION II

One Semester 1 credit EPSO Grade 10-12

Prerequisite: Residential & Commercial Construction I

A course in which students will extend their skills and knowledge related to residential and commercial carpentry. Topics covered include stairs, installation and trim of windows and doors, installation and repair of gypsum wallboard, advanced site layout, exterior finish work, thermal and moisture protection, and an introduction to welding. This course gives students a substantial skill and knowledge foundation typically required for apprentice carpenters.

 

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, & PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Systems prepares students for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC careers by introducing students to the physical principles of these systems and the fundamental skills needed to work with them. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to follow safety procedures and use tools to perform basic operations with electrical circuits, as well as demonstrate understanding in fundamental concepts of electricity theory (i.e., Ohm’s Law). Students will be able to apply proper tools and procedures to perform basic operations with plastic piping, including measuring, cutting, and joining pipe. Furthermore, students will be able to apply mathematics concepts to solve HVAC, electrical, and plumbing problems.

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

This course prepares students for careers as electricians across a variety of residential and commercial environments. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to implement safety procedures and tools to perform operations with device boxes, conduit, raceway systems conductors, and cable. Students will read and interpret the National Electrical Code, drawings, specifications, and diagrams to determine materials and procedures needed to complete a project.

 

CONSTRUCTION PRACTICUM

One Semester 1 credit EPSO Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Completion of Residential and Commercial Construction and/or MEP elective focus with at least a B in each class. Student must be a Junior or Senior and be approved by teacher(s) to sign-up. 

Construction Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Architecture & Construction courses within a professional, working environment. Students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork, and project management in the completion of on-site and off-site construction projects. A principle aim of the practicum is to assist students with placements where on-the-job training occurs, if available, so they can begin to log hours on a worksite and gain experience. Additionally, students are exposed to the great range of postsecondary opportunities in today’s construction fields as well.

 

Last Updated: February 17, 2021