Description:

From stunning stadiums and ostentatious offices to soaring skyscrapers and massive malls, public projects and humble homes, not a day goes by that you do not interact with the work of architects and builders! You may think of hardhats and shovels when you envision construction, but did you know that behind the scenes, there is a vast team of professionals who design, engineer, finance, manage, staff, schedule, estimate, insure, inspect, furnish, and build these structures in a thriving $1.1 trillion industry? Design and construction of buildings represents a dynamic, fast-paced field to consider a career in.

First semester, students will learn about the comprehensive process from concept design to completion of construction for buildings. Students will try their hand at basic drafting and will examine simple blueprints to understand the 2D representation of building elements. Teams will build structures out of simple materials to test the strength of different shapes.

Materials matter. The class will explore and experiment with the literal building blocks that define structures. From concrete and steel to aluminum and glass, each material has its unique properties and potentialities. Students will examine how material choices impact durability, aesthetics, cost, and environmental sustainability. The class will be challenged to think about all the components that go into buildings and will complete in-class labs and activities to test and evaluate construction materials. As examples, they will mix and test a small batch of concrete and consider the effect on strength of embedding reinforcing steel. Students will complete a lumber lab to understand dimensions and strength, and they will experiment with soil types such as stone, sand, and clay to demonstrate how these conditions dictate the design of foundations. The class will look at elements of the building envelope, finishes, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems) to understand these fundamental building systems.

This course is designed to inspire tomorrow's designers and builders and create an awareness and interest in the design and construction industry. Students will gain insights into the project management, collaboration, and problem-solving critical in these fields. This class will overview trends, innovations, and sustainability practices and will meet the team of stakeholders including owners, municipalities, architects, engineers, construction managers, trade contractors, and many others.

Topics in this Series: Building Basics (Semester 1) and Foundations to Finish (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on assignments.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, download articles, upload homework, track points earned, and message instructor and classmates.

Assessments: Will not be given.

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen or pencil.

Non-Meeting Days: This is a 10-week course that begins on September 30. There is no class meeting on 9/9/24, 9/16/24, or 9/23/24.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Career Exploration or an Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.