CIHS RESIDENTIAL & LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

COURSE OUTLINE

(Printable Version)

Prerequisites: Open to students in grades 11 & 12 who have successfully completed Design and Drawing for Production. Students who wish to take this course in grade 10 must have special permission from the instructor.

Course Description:

This course provides applied experiences in assorted construction techniques necessary in the development of residential and landscape construction projects. Students who wish to take this course for College in the High School Credit may receive 3 credits from SUNY Cobleskill. Students who do not wish to take this course for college credit, do not have to pay the required fee, but must adhere to the course syllabus as outlined, for local school credit. Included in this course will be a variety of classroom and hands on activities including:

· Unit 1- History & Purpose for Residential and Landscape Construction

· Unit 2- Construction Equipment Safety and Maintenance

· Unit 3- DIGSAFE – Call before you dig guidelines

· Unit 4- Blueprint Reading and Drafting Techniques

· Unit 5- Construction Materials including wood, brick, stone, insulation, sheetrock, concrete, metals and fasteners

· Unit 6- Research in recycled, synthetic and natural building materials

· Unit 7- Surveying, Site Planning & Earthwork Calculations

· Unit 8- Concept and Detail Drawings

· Unit 9- Budgeting, Job Estimating & Scheduling

· Unit 10- Deck and Stairway Design and Construction

· Unit 11- Patio and Walkway Design and Installation

· Unit 12- Fencing & Retaining Wall Design and Construction

· Unit 13- Landscape Water Features and Irrigation systems

· Unit 14- Watershed Management - Soils and Aggregates, Sod / Seeding & Planting

· Unit 15- Tap Water and Wastewater Treatment

· Unit 16- Residential Foundations, including excavation, footings, floors, walls and concrete slabs

· Unit 17- Residential Framing, including wall, floor and roofing systems

· Unit 18- Residential Finish Work, including siding, windows, doors and trim

· Unit 19- Residential Electrical Systems, including low voltage, wind, and solar systems

· Unit 20- Residential Plumbing Systems, including PEX, copper and PVC pipe

All classroom instruction will be based on current NYS code practices. Coursework will also include hands-on labs in the school courtyard with the help of the UHS Environmental Science class. Required field trips will also supplement the classroom instruction.

Career Possibilities: Architect / Civil Engineer / Landscape Architect / Draftsman / Tradesman

Course Objectives:

The overall objective of this course is to provide students with experiences in assorted construction techniques necessary in the development of landscapes and residential construction projects.

At the completion of this course, students . . .

1. will be knowledgeable of the various types and characteristics of construction materials used in residential and landscape construction.

2. will have acquired basic electrical, plumbing, surveying, masonry and carpentry skills as applied to a variety of residential and landscape construction projects.

3. will be familiar with safe operating procedures and routine care and maintenance of tools and equipment used in residential and landscape construction.

4. will have gained experience estimating costs of residential and landscaping construction projects.

5. will be familiar with generating basic construction drawings for residential and landscape construction projects.

6. will have gained experience with the design, installation, and maintenance of residential and landscape construction projects.

7. will be knowledgeable in alternative forms of building materials and eco-friendly construction practices and techniques.

Notebooks:

It is required that students keep a daily notebook (a three-ring style preferred), for notes and handouts. The binder will become an excellent resource of information for use later on in their studies, or if they build a house of their own in the future.

Supplies:

Each student must come to class prepared each day with the following:

(2) #2 Pencils with erasers, (2) Ball Point Pens, (1) Spiral Notebook, (1) 3-ring binder

Text: The following texts will be provided for this course

Building Decks, Black and Decker

Basic Residential Plumbing Systems, Black and Decker

Basic Residential Electrical Systems, Black and Decker

Basic Residential Framing, Black and Decker

PaveTech Segmented Paving Manual, by PaveTech

Field Trips:

One or two required field trips may be scheduled during the year.

Conduct:

Students are reminded to ensure that at all times their actions and language are appropriate and professional.

Safety:

Students are reminded that this is a course in construction. Students will be instructed in safety procedures for particular activities and tools and equipment to be used, and are expected to follow these safety guidelines. Students should dress appropriately for lab. Excessively loose clothing poses a safety hazard and should be avoided. As many of the labs are outside, dress according to the weather. Open toed shoes are not permitted. A pair of good quality, leather work gloves is a good investment also. Students will not earn lab credit for days that they show up unprepared.

STUDENTS WHO CARELESSLY OR DELIBERATELY ENDANGER THEMSELVES OR OTHERS BY THEIR ACTIONS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DROPPED FROM THE COURSE.

Cell Phones:

Under no circumstances are students allowed to use cell phones during class, this also includes text messaging. Students will be asked to leave the class or lab if your cell phone rings or if you disregard this rule. Students removed from class it will count as an un-excused absence.

Attendance:

Registration in a course assumes FULL participation in that course. Attendance is the responsibility of the student, and all class members are expected to attend each class. Students will be provided with adequate time to complete assignments. All work must be completed and turned in before any scheduled absence. It is very important that students are in class every day. If a student misses a class, it is their responsibility to make up the work and adhere to the project outline. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. Students who show up later then 20 minutes to class will be marked absent for that day. If a student will miss a class because of a lesson or a field trip, they must inform the instructor PRIOR to missing the class, and must get the notes and assignments they missed when they return. All work is due on the date specified; no late work will be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor

Grading:

A grading rubric will be completed for each project turned in. All project work must be handed in on time and successfully completed for full credit. We will have approximately 3 lecture days and 2 lab days a week. Lecture days will cover new material and work in the classroom. Lab days will be working in the school courtyard. Lab days will obviously be weather permitting, but you should be prepared to work outside in the fall and in the spring if the weather is tolerable.

Students will be quizzed after each unit using the SyconEyes software installed on each of their computers. The quizzes will be used as an enforcement of topics discussed in the unit. There will be one major test per quarter which will outline the progress that the student has made during that quarter. Students with less than a 90 average at the end of the year will take a comprehensive final exam.

The students grade will be based on the following:

Quarterly Grades		Course Grade
Labwork	300 pts	1^st Quarter Ave	=20%
Projects	300 pts	2^nd Quarter Ave	=20%
Quizzes	100 pts	3^rd Quarter Ave	=20%
Lecture Exam	200 pts	4^th Quarter Ave	=20%
Behavior	50 pts	Technopalooza	=10%
Participation	50 pts	Portfolio	=10%
Total Pts./Qtr.	1000 pts	Final Average	=100%

Failure to complete all course requirements will constitute a failure in this course.

Portfolio:

The students will engage in a number of detailed projects and drawings throughout the year. Often these projects just get discarded, and only the memory of them remains. Each student will create a 3-ring style portfolio at the end of the year. This portfolio will include all of the drawings that they completed as well as hand-outs and notes that they obtained. The portfolio must have tabs for each component within and will have a professional cover page. This portfolio will equate to 50% of their Final Exam Grade, which will be an accurate representation of their progress throughout the year. The Construction Portfolio is due no later than June 10^th 2010.

Technopalooza 2010: “Our Tenth Anniversary”

The MCS Technology department is very proud of their students work throughout the year. Technopalooza is an annual event, which is both a fundraiser for the Technology Department and a fun night of classic cars and technology exhibits. As a showcase of student work, The Middleburgh Central School Technology Department proudly announces Technopalooza 2010 on Friday, June 11^th 2010, from 5-9PM. Students will be required to attend and present their work to the community. Their attendance and participation will equate to 50% of their Final Exam grade. If for some reason the student cannot attend the event, arrangements must be made 2-weeks prior to the event with the instructor.

What is the process that construction lumber goes through to become dimensioned?

What are the actual dimensions of the following wood products: 5/4, 1X, 2X2, 2X4, 2X6, 2X8, 2X10, 2X12, 4X4, 4X6, 6X6?

What are the common grades of dimensional lumber, and why are they important to landscape and residential construction?

What precautions should be taken when machining, removing, or disposing lumber treated with CCA?

What are the 3 major brick manufacturing processes? Describe the process of each.

How can you tell the difference in brick manufacture, based on their appearance?

What is the chemical reaction that takes place during the mixing and curing process?

What is concrete "Slump" and what is allowable for specific concrete applications.

What are the different types of finish a Concrete floor can have? How are they obtained?

What recycled or synthetic materials can be added to concrete to increase its strength while making it lighter?

How can I use triangulation to locate existing objects on a property and show in a plot plan?

How do I locate essential objects on the property based on elevations collected?

What environmental factors do I need to address when locating a dwelling on a plan?

What common aggregates are used to backfill trenches, foundations, and areas where drainage is important?

How do I calculate the amount of material needed to fill a depression on the property?

How do I calculate the amount of material needed to be hauled away if the elevation is too high on a property?

How do I plan for environmental impacts on the project? (excessive heat, rain, snow etc...)

If multiple contractors are involved in a job, how do I coordinate each of them?

What different patterns can be used for the flooring and how do they effect the design of the structure?

What are the different types of patio materials that can be used in your design?

What are the local laws for the installation of a fence, regarding setback, height, size etc.

What types of fencing are required around pools, ponds, and undesirables such as dumpsters and storage centers etc?

What is the reason for needing a fence, and how do you choose the right fence for the job?

How do you install fence posts, including the preparations, backfilling and weatherproofing.

What are the local laws for the installation of a walls, regarding setback, height, size etc.

What should the taper or stagger be on a free standing wall, based on its height?

What plant material is available for pond systems, and how do they sustain a balanced eco-system?

What is the approximate pricing for pond materials, and how do you buy or order them?

What chemicals and/or treatments do you need to apply to the pond to keep it in balance?

What special considerations need to be addressed when maintaining or installing an irrigation system in our area?

What are the common piping materials that are used in irrigation design and construction, and what are their sizes?

What do local towns require for retention ponds and storm sewer construction in housing developments?

What earthen materials can be applied to the site to reduce erosion and increase runoff?

What are the different types of seed / sod available and how do we select them for our site?

How might the placement and size of our courtyard effect the plant materials in it?

How do you prepare the planting bed for planting trees, shrubs and plant material?

What fertilizers should be used for planting a variety of different plant materials?

What is the difference between a submersible and shallow well pump? What are limitations of each?

What is the difference between hard and soft water, how can they effect your plumbing?

What are the local laws for the location of the system to existing structures, wells, and property lines?

How do you do a sieve test on the soil in the area where the septic system will be installed?

How do conventional septic systems compare in cost to engineered septic systems?

What recycled materials are used in the concrete floor to increase its strength?

What are pilasters used for and how do you locate them in the foundation design?

What weatherproofing and insulation must be installed to the wall before backfilling?

What is the amount added to windows and doors to calculate their rough opening dimensions?

How do you calculate the dead load of a roof, and its effects on a load bearing wall?

What provisions have to be made in framing to accommodate electrical and plumbing?

What types of siding products are available, how do you select the right product for the job.

What are some alternative forms of siding, IE stucco, brick, parged concrete, stone, log?

Lab - Selection of woods, fasteners, concrete, sheetrock, insulation, brick and stone. Possible field trip to Bush Lumber to select woods.

Lab Projects - Construction of a picnic table or a concrete park bench for the courtyard.

Lab Project - Build a barrel compost bin for Cafeteria waste, to create topsoil. To be used by ENV SCI Class.

Lecture- PowerPoint Presentation, Smart board Presentation, and handouts. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Measure and detail the existing features of the courtyard, using surveying equipment. Prepare a site plan with all of our expectations and survey the class for ideas. Network with SUNY students in the Environmental Design class for other ideas. Each student will complete a landscape plan for the area of their ideas.

Lab Projects - Each student will complete a landscape plan for the area of their ideas. Students will also perform earthwork calculations for a fictitious site project.

Lab - Each student will create a concept and detail installation drawing for a landscape feature.

Lab Projects - Students will be given material and labor estimation tables and asked to create a budget for a construction project. The student will then create a bid estimate and schedule for one of their classmates hypothetical jobs.

Lab - Students will design, engineer and build a deck design in the school courtyard, with ENV SCI Class.

Lab - Students will design and build a patio design in the school courtyard, with ENV SCI Class.

Lecture - PowerPoint Presentation, Product CD, Video and handouts. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Students will build new and fix the retaining walls in the front of the school.

Lecture - PowerPoint Presentation, Smartboard Presentation, Product CDs and Videos. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Identification of irrigation equipment and piping. Students will design and build a pond and fountain in the school courtyard, with ENV SCI Class.

Lab Project - IRRIGATION PLAN.DWG Each student will design a irrigation plan for the turf area of the courtyard.

Lab - Identification of various soils and aggregates. Soil Sieve test will be performed with ENV SCI class. Trees and plants will be planted in courtyard with ENV SCI class. Application of lawn fertilizers and seeding will be addressed.

Lab - Dowsing techniques will be taught outside on the soccer fields. Work with ENV SCI class to develop a runoff collection system from roofs.

Lab Project - Each student will design a plot plan which illustrates the well, septic, property lines and structures.

Lab Project- Scale model balsa framing of a wall. Possible interior wall in the school.

Lecture - PowerPoint Presentation, Smart board Presentation, Product CDs and Videos. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Product demonstrations for various forms of siding, Windows and doors. Trim carpentry will also be discussed.

Lecture - PowerPoint Presentation, Smart board Presentation, Product CDs and Videos. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Hands on activities including wiring a three way switch, using tools and equipment.

Lab Project - Design and installation of a low voltage lighting system in the school courtyard. Data from ENV SCI light pollution study will be used to select lighting. Possible alternative energy grant may be available to purchase a solar or wind system.

Lecture - PowerPoint Presentation, Smart board Presentation, Product CDs and Videos. Quiz at end of unit.

Lab - Hands on activities including soldering copper pipe, gluing PVC pipe, clamping poly pipe and crimping PEX pipe. Tools and materials will be discussed.

Unit 7- Surveying, Site Planning & Earthwork Calculations - Students will be able to describe the job of a surveyor, including the use of AutoCAD, and surveying equipment. Students will also learn valuable site planning and earthwork calculation skills which are important in the planning and cost estimating of constructions projects.

Unit 8- Concept and Detail Drawings - Students will be able to create concept and detailed drawings for construction projects, as well as be able to describe and build from existing plans.

Unit 9- Budgeting, Job Estimating & Scheduling -Students will be able to accurately estimate labor costs and create a bill of materials for various jobs. They will also learn job scheduling skills for the coordination of multiple contractors on a jobsite.

Unit 10- Deck and Stairway Design and Construction - Students will be able to design, engineer and construct deck designs, as well as learn the CODE rules for railings and staircase construction.

Unit 11- Patio and Walkway Design and Installation - Students will be able to design, engineer and install patio and walkway designs, as well as learn the materials and tools associated with installation.

Unit 12- Fencing & Retaining Wall Design and Construction - Students will be able to identify different styles of landscape fencing, and describe their use for specific applications. Students will also learn how to install and maintain retaining and free standing stone wall designs.

Unit 13- Landscape Water Features and Irrigation systems - Students will be able to choose materials and create designs for various landscape water features including ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. Students will be able to identify and articulate terms and equipment used in residential irrigation systems, as well as install drip, spray and timing systems.

Unit 14- Watershed Management - Soils and Aggregates, Sod / Seeding & Planting - Students will be able to describe ways to reduce erosion and runoff, calculate precipitation rates and calculate runoff. They will also be able to identify and describe various soils and aggregates used in landscape construction to increase drainage, absorption and transpiration. Students will also learn the skills to successfully sow local plant materials, as well as their care and maintenance.

Unit 15- Tap Water and Wastewater Treatment - Students will be able to describe the differences in municipal and private water systems, including maintenance, installation and testing. Students will be able to identify the differences between a conventional and engineered sewage treatment system and describe the materials and design of both.

Unit 17- Residential Framing, including wall, floor and roofing systems - Students will be able to describe the terms and materials used in the construction of residential framing systems. Students will have gained hands on skills in layout and assembly of stick framed walls, floors and roofs.

Unit 18- Residential Finish Work, including siding, windows, doors and trim - Students will be able to describe the terms and materials used in finish work. Students will be able to identify various finishing lumbers, sidings, and trim. Students will be able to select and describe window and door applications, and will have installation knowledge.

Unit 19- Residential Electrical Systems, including low voltage, wind, and solar systems - Students will be able to illustrate and construct basic electrical circuits, including light switches, receptacles, and wiring schematics. Students will gain hands on experience using low voltage lighting and solar electrical systems. Students will have knowledge in alternative electrical systems such as wind and solar.

Unit 20- Residential Plumbing Systems, including PEX, copper and PVC pipe - Students will be able to identify and describe various plumbing materials used n residential plumbing systems, including PEX, Copper, Poly and PVC Pipe. Students will gain hands on experience using plumbing tools, and will learn skills such as soldering, gluing, clamping, and compression fittings.