Construction & Manufacturing Technology

Wood Technology I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard 

This course introduces students to the fundamental knowledge, tools, techniques and skills in the study of the woodworking industry and related construction trades. This course challenges students with problem-solving situations related to wood and wood technology. Students develop and use a variety of skills including safe work habits, organization, problem solving, and practical application of modern woodworking techniques. Students are required to complete several lab activities that will foster skill development and fundamental understanding of modern industrial processes. As a requirement of this course, students will perform numerous operations that demand the safe use of woodworking hand tools, portable power tools and machinery. Topics studied include workplace safety, measurement and layout, fasteners, joinery, abrasives, cutting and wood finishing. If time permits, students will produce a simple woodworking project utilizing the tools and manufacturing processes learned during the course.

Computer-Aided Drafting & Design I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard 

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design I (CADD I) course in which the students will learn the fundamentals of using AutoCAD software. Students in this course will learn the universal basic CADD techniques that are used to draw and edit mechanical drawing entities, manipulate screen displays, layout drawings, apply dimensions, plot drawings, and manage drawing files. Specific areas to be covered include working in model and paper space, preparing drawings using the coordinate system, and the spatial visualization of three-dimensional (3D) objects. Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), an essential tool used for product design in manufacturing and for solving complex engineering  problems. Basic drawing objects and simple working drawings will reinforce the commands learned in this class. This course is open to all students and is a prerequisite for those students expecting to take construction or to be considered for acceptance into the Advanced Manufacturing course.

Computer-Aided Drafting & Design II

Open to: All

Prerequisite: CADD I

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

In this full year course, students will be able to apply the Autocad 2023 commands and techniques learned in CADD I to draw more advanced technical drawings and to explore the mechanical drafting profession in greater depth. Students will be assigned drawing problems that are similar or identical to those practiced by professional drafters and mechanical engineers working in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Some of the units studied include: advanced orthographic projection, auxiliary views, sectional views and assembly drawings. Additionally, students will develop simple 3-Dimensional (3D) models and use the additive manufacturing process to print these models on a 3D printer working with Inventor. This new skill set can lead to entry-level employment in numerous high-demand ,high-wage careers beyond high school. Problem solving and creative thinking skills will be an integral part of this course.

Wood Technology II

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Wood Technology I

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard 

Wood Technology II is offered for a student interested in learning advanced skills in the fields of cabinetmaking, finish carpentry, construction and manufacturing. During this course, students will continue to build upon their knowledge in planning a project, the selection and use of materials, and the proper and safe use of the woodworking tools and machinery needed to produce a finished product. A major emphasis will be placed on shop safety, proper hand and power tool usage, and advanced woodworking processes. Students acquire knowledge and skills through demonstrations, educational media and practice projects. The working knowledge acquired in this course will enable students the opportunity to design and fabricate projects of their own design. The unique skills gained in this course will provide students with lifelong knowledge that can be applied to numerous technical occupations. As an integral component of this course, students will participate in a mini manufacturing unit that will require them to mass-produce a product.

Computer-Aided Drafting & Design III

Open to: Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: CADD II

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Standard

Architectural drafting (CADD III) is offered to students who wish to gain a more extensive knowledge of residential construction from a designers viewpoint. This course is also recommended for any student who possesses a genuine interest in exploring the numerous technical careers related to architecture, engineering or the building trades. Students will learn how to create architectural drawings for residential construction using AutoCad Architecture software. The major units of study include: how to draw floor plans and elevations, work with symbols, design kitchens and bathrooms and prepare electrical plans and sectional drawings. Each student will be required to develop the blueprints for a custom designed “dream house” which will detail all of the design features of the home and many of the construction aspects. The shape of the home as well as the layout of the rooms will be their own design. This course is open to self-motivated students that have developed solid AutoCAD skills and have demonstrated strong creative and problem solving skills.

Construction I

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Wood Technology I 

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Residential construction theory and applied skills will be the main focus of this course. An overview of the construction process from the planning, designing, and building stages of a structure will be covered. Topics covered will include foundation and framing theory, hand and machine tool use, construction techniques and safety. In addition, students will learn to read blueprints and produce material and cost estimates. Students will gain experiences in the construction of a building as well as various school and community projects. Heavy emphasis will be placed on teamwork and the development of a strong work ethic.

Construction II

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Construction I

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This course is designed for students who want to apply the theory and experiences gained in Construction I. The focus of this course is to provide students with an authentic learning experience in the construction trades. Students in this course will gain an advanced knowledge of the use of specialized carpentry hand tools, portable power tools and learn about modern construction materials through the design and construction of a “Tiny House” from the floor to the ridge of the roof. Students will learn about each phase of residential construction including floor wall, and roof framing working in small teams. Students will also learn the basic concepts and techniques of electrical wiring, drywall installation and roof and wall finishing. Strong emphasis will be placed on each student’s ability to demonstrate quality workmanship, strong work ethics and technical skills. Small scale individual projects may also be assigned depending on time and need.

Advanced Manufacturing

Open to: Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: CADD I  & Wood Tech I

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Honors

Advanced manufacturing is a new course that prepares students with a direct school-to-career pathway towards careers in the manufacturing industry after graduation. The curriculum for this course is The Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (YMPI). It is a workforce development program created and managed by the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) in collaboration with the state of Connecticut and regional stakeholders (manufacturing companies, organized labor, colleges, high schools, economic development and other partners). Students in this program will attend high-rigor skills training classes with a curriculum designed by teachers and employers in technology occupations such as precision machining, basic layout, blueprint reading, sheet metal fabrication and CADD. The curriculum is exclusively designed to align each student’s skill set and employment competencies with those that are in-demand by manufacturing companies. Seniors will have opportunities to earn their OSHA 10 certification, 150 apprenticeship hours, and interviews with local employers. College credit from CT Community College will be awarded upon completion of the formal program and achieving a passing grade on the hands-on evaluation.