Oxford High School

Courses in Technology Education

 #        Construction Systems (9-12)           One Semester                 0.5 Credit

Construction Systems will focus on the study of various structures such as buildings, bridges, towers, dams, and roadways. Students will examine the forces and stresses involved in the construction of safe and efficient structures. Students will design and build models of truss bridges and towers and then destructively test them in order to determine their strength. Also, students will build wooden models of residential homes. This course will allow students to become aware of standard construction practices for wood framed homes. Human, economic and environmental impacts will also be studied in regard to construction.

1. Enduring Understandings (broad ideas, usually grounded in the discipline):

• Evaluate the effects of existing and emerging technologies on people and the environment over time;
• Recognize the scope of technology and evaluate the impact and influence technology has on society, culture and the environment – past, present and future;
• Develop and use strategies for adjusting to new technologies and changing interactions among science, technology and society;
• Develop cognitive and psychomotor problem-solving skills through applied research, design, production, operation and analysis of technological systems (informational, physical and biological);
• Safely and effectively use resources, processes, concepts and tools of technology;
• Create devices for solving problems, using creativity and concepts of design and technology; and
• Understand the influences of technology on consumer and career choices.

2. Course Specific Goals (aligned with Content Standards):

• Identify different forms of construction.

• Categorize different forms of construction.

• Recognize various construction techniques.

• Utilize various construction techniques when building structures that need to be light, strong, and economical.

• Utilize research tools and techniques to assess, evaluate and synthesize information in order to answer questions, solve problems, and/or defend positions.

• Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze problems and support conclusions using appropriate methods and technology.

• Utilize technology to research and communicate effectively.

• Demonstrate the ability to express themselves creatively.

• Demonstrate the ability to broaden their own intellectual interests.
   

3. Expected Performances (aligned with state Expected Performances)

• Become aware of the construction business.

• Design and build wooden models of truss bridges and towers.

• Apply the knowledge of forces to the study of structures.

• Build wooden models of residential homes.

• Develop awareness of standard construction practices.

Construction Systems:  Scope and Sequence Calendar