BKW students Alex Chauvot (left) and Casey Carl work on the roof of a shed on a recent cold winter morning. Carl oversaw construction of this particular shed, which was sold to a local community member.
When it comes to building skills, one new class offered this school year provides a truly hands-on experience.
The technology department at BKW is now offering a construction systems course to better prepare students interested in the construction field. The course offers insight into the systems involved in everyday construction projects, and provides students with basic home repair skills, which can come in handy for the future if they decide to purchase a home.
“The course offers an excellent opportunity for students to decide if they want to pursue a career in construction,” says Technology Teacher Joshua Baker.
As the course's capstone project, Baker gave students the challenge of building 10x12 sheds, which needed to meet very strict specifications to be sold. All three sheds were sold at $1,300 each in a matter of weeks, and the money generated went back into Baker's technology budget to reimburse the original cost of construction supplies for the three sheds.
Baker says the class will continue with other construction projects.
“I have heard a lot of positive comments about the course this year, and there seems to be a great deal of interest from the students," Baker says.
Course overview
Course:
Construction Systems
Prerequisites: Design and Drawing for Production and Production systems
Credit: ½ unit
Length of course: ½ year
Grade level: 10-12
Course description:
This course will provide a basic overview of
the different systems in construction. Units covered include: Basic
safety on a job site, hand tools, power tools, site layout, foundation
systems, framing materials, wood as a building material, framing
methods, wall framing, floor and ceiling framing, sheathing, roof
systems, exterior finishing, residential wiring, interior finishing and
floor coverings, decks. Projects include mock-up projects, shed, model
home building project, various lab activities to include units covered.
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