Civil Engineering and Architecture

  • PLTW – Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)  (1 Year)

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  • Course Description

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  • Civil Engineering and Architecture is the study of the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects. The course includes an introduction to many of the varied factors involved in building design and construction including building components and systems, structural design, stormwater management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation, energy efficiency, and careers in the design and construction industry.

  • The major focus of the CEA course is to expose students to the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.

  • Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APPB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will analyze, design and build electronic and physical models of residential and commercial facilities.  While implementing these designs students will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process.

  • Civil Engineering and Architecture is a high school level course that is appropriate for 10th or 11th grade students interested in careers related to civil engineering and architecture.  Other than their concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and science courses, this course requires Intro To Engineering Design.

  • Civil Engineering and Architecture is one of four specialization courses in the Project Lead The Way® high school pre-engineering program. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology.

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  • What will my classes be like?

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  • Use 3D modeling software AutoDesk Revit Architecture to create and test your own residential and commercial designs, factoring in:

  • • Materials and Systems

  • • Structural Design

  • • Cost / Efficiency Analysis

  • • Stormwater Management

  • • Site Design and Considerations

  • • Utilities and Services

  • • Building Codes

  • • Architectural Style and Guidelines

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  • Research the careers and trends in the design and construction industry, including new developments in energy efficiency, green technologies, and changing populations. Be inspired to shape the spaces of the 21st Century!

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  • Course Goals / Objectives

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  • The Project Lead the Way curriculum, including Civil Engineering and Architecture, focuses on making math and science relevant for students.  The approach used is called APPB-learning (activities, projects, and problem-based learning).  By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students understand how the material covered in class can be applied in their everyday lives.  Learning activities will include teacher-led instruction, cooperative learning, and project-based learning.  Technology will be used to enhance student learning, and provide real-world applications.

  • Engineering is a profession that contributes to change and improvements in our world.  It creates imaginative and visionary solutions to the challenges of the 21st century – the problems of feeding the world, how we will use energy and continue to protect our environment.  Engineering and technology play a vital role in the quality of everyday life and wealth creation.  Appropriate attitudes relative to the professional social obligations of the engineer, and the relationships between math, science, technology and society need to be learned.  Real world, open-ended engineering problems that cover a wide range of content will be presented.

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  • Course Outline (1 Year)

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  • Unit 1: Overview of Civil Engineering and Architecture (15 days)

  • Lesson 1.1: History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

  • Lesson 1.2: Careers in Civil Engineering and Architecture

  • Unit 2: Residential Design (75 days)

  •            Lesson 2.1: Building Design and Construction

  •            Lesson 2.2: Cost and Efficiency Analysis

  •            Lesson 2.3: Residential Design

  •                       ***Midterm Exam***

  • Unit 3: Commercial Applications(50 days)

  •            Lesson 3.1: Commercial Building Systems

  •            Lesson 3.2: Structures

  •            Lesson 3.3: Services and Utilities

  •            Lesson 3.4: Site Considerations

  • Unit 4: Commercial Building Design (40 days)

  •            Lesson 4.1: Commercial Building Design Problem

  •            Lesson 4.2: Commercial Building Design Presentation

  •                       ***CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM***

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  • Assessment Standards / Grading Practices

    • Grades will be calculated on a straight point basis.  Projects will be based on a scale of 1 to 100 points depending on the assignment or project.  Daily work and participation grades will be based on completion of the Engineering Notebook and Portfolio.  Weekly quizzes, cumulative unit exams and a National PLTW Assessment will be given during the semester.

    • All students must maintain an Engineering Notebook and Portfolio to pass the class.  They will be checked periodically throughout semester.

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  • College Credit Opportunities

  • University of Texas at Tyler Dual Credit in Engineering

  • Field Experiences / Competitive Opportunities

  • The PLTW Engineering programs offer students an array of advantages, from career readiness and hands-on experience to college preparatory–level classes, labs and creative exercises. PLTW students succeed in the classroom and in life.

  • Our programs are designed to appeal to all students, from those already interested in STEM-related fields, to those whose experience in the sciences and math has been less comprehensive or who find themselves uninterested in traditional science and math curricula.

  • PLTW classes are hands-on, based in real-world experience, and engaging for students and teachers. We set the highest standards for rigorous, focused and relevant study, and develop students’ innovative, collaborative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.

  • Our relationships with teachers, parents, local and national business leaders and university partners allow us to offer a complete experience both for students wishing to pursue a post-secondary degree in a STEM-related field and for those planning to join the workforce after high school.  STEM literacy reduces dropout rates, increases attendance and helps students find better-paying jobs after school.

  • Students will also have the opportunity to compete in the Technology Student Association (membership required) at the regional, state and national levels. The University of Texas at Tyler also hosts a cardboard canoe challenge that students will have the opportunity to compete in.

 

 

College and Career Pathways

    • Design/Pre-Construction

    • Construction

    • Maintenance/Operations

    • Science & Mathematics

    • Engineering & Technology

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  • For sample occupations and post secondary educational requirements, visit:

  • www.careertech.org and click on “Career Clusters & Pathways”

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  • Placement Guidelines / Recommendations

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  • We are confident that the Career and Technology Center Chapel Hill experience is a positive and productive learning opportunity for Chapel Hill students. With this in mind, the following academic guidelines are recommendations intended to assist in scheduling students for success.

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  • Academic

  • ·        Attendance:  Being present and actively participating in class. If absent, it is the student's responsibility to see what he or she has missed and make that work up as soon as possible.

  • ·        Mathematics:  It is suggested that students have Algebra and Geometry completed with a grade of B or better.

  • ·        Reading/Writing:  It is suggested that students have a 9th - 10th grade reading level. Technical writing in this class is required.

  • ·        Science - No prerequisites for this course.

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  • Professional Skills

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  • ·        Time Management:  Students need to apply themselves on a daily basis.

  • ·        Personal Motivation:    Actively seeking and taking part in any undertaking relating to the chosen skill area.

  • ·        Problem-Solving Ability:  This course encourages and teaches students to problem solve and use critical thinking to solve problems.

  • ·        Reliability/Dependability:  Demonstration by the student that he/she can be relied upon to do what is expected in class and in group work. This includes completing assignments on time, in a professional manner, and working with his/her group or partner.

  • ·        Ability to Work with Others:  A variety of skills including teamwork are addressed.  In this course students must work in groups on various tasks and projects for solving problems, generating ideas, and stimulating critical thinking by unrestrained spontaneous participation in discussion. Students will acquire strong teamwork and communication skills throughout this course.