Construction (TCJ/TAS)
The construction and applied woodworking studies we explore the often humbling study of the trades from a safety-first mindset. We recognize that often the academic studies are far more monotonous, repetitive, safe, and less intellectually-engaging than the challenges presented by environments of problem solving with genuine potential for hazard - the trades. So we adopt a lifelong student mentality with a deference for our projects, materials and tools. Here are some of the materials I teach with.
Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world. - Archimedes
SAFETY AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Worker Rights and Safety - The 3 Rights of Every Worker
Students learn the fundamentals of their rights as a worker to know, participate, and refuse. This page not only explores the hazards with video interviews of those impacted by negligence, but offers links to organizations and bodies of knowledge to support their safety on the workplace.
Ministry Resources and Standards
Here we explore not only the rights of workers, but also a number of standards which students can expect to encounter in many of the construction tech fields.
TOOLS AND SAFETY PASSPORT RESOURCES
Scroll Saw
Lesson materials on the basic operations, safety considerations, purposes, and accessories of one of our shop’s safest tools: the scroll saw.
Drill Press
Here’s another one of our shop’s favourite tools for students to use, the drill press.
Bandsaw
One of our best cutting tools in that it offers incredible power and speed with nearly no chance of kickback. Here we explore a staple of our shop: the band saw.
Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
Here are the lesson materials on one of our most versatile tools: the sliding compound mitre saw. Here we explore the basics of safe operations, roles of the tool, and accessories.
Table Saw
One of the most powerful and useful tools in our shop, the table saw enables operators to do so much more than simply rip wood. Here’s where we explore both its use and how to be safe.
Materials and Techniques
The Design Process - Drawings and Applied Standards
Here are the lesson materials on the engineering design process, architectural drawing standards, and applied measurement.
SketchUp - Introduction to CAD Design
Students learn CAD design and drafting standards through a very user-friendly interface with SketchUp Free. Here are the lesson materials we explore to visualize and create our dreams.
TinkerCAD - 3D Printing and Modelling Software
After exploring the CAD environment from our SketchUp lessons, we shift the same critical concepts to CAD design for 3D printing. Here are the lesson materials used to get students creating and printing.
Drywall
Definitely one of the most frequently used materials in the construction industry, here we explore its history, composition, handling, and associated tools.
Conservation of Material
It’s not only important to consider the impacts on our operating budget within the trades, but also the impacts on our environment. Here are some lesson materials on being effective in project planning and minimizing waste.
ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES
Career Research Assignment
The Ministry of Education outlines throughout the strands in the Technological Education Curriculum a need for students to “develop an understanding between the technology or industry sector.” Here is an assignment on career research for students to gain knowledge of what a life in the trades can look like, as well as how to go about pursuing one.