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Module 16: Concrete Foundation and Finishing (Core)

Suggested time: 2 - 5 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Module 7

Module Overview

Students will learn how to use cardboard forms for pilings, forms assembled for concrete basement walls, forms for large pads or floors, ready-mix trucks, pumps, and buckets to place concrete, and power trowels to finish large floor areas.

Foundational Objectives

  • To demonstrate knowledge of different building materials and their applications in the construction industry.
  • To use construction industry terminology in context.
  • To be knowledgeable of the basic construction concepts and technologies.

    Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

  • To use industry-related terms when discussing concrete. (COM)
  • To use numeracy when performing tasks in the construction industry. (NUM)
  • To take pride in the completed project. (PSVS)

    Learning ObjectivesNotes
    16.1 To describe the process for pouring concrete pilings, basement walls, and large pads. (COM) If projects in the community are unavailable, use video resources to familiarize students with concrete practices.

    Discuss continuous pouring.

    Discuss concrete specifications and testing such as slump tests, core samples, etc.

    Discuss the use of re-bar and other methods to increase the strength of concrete.

    Demonstrate mixing, pouring, and finishing concrete.

    Discuss the application of sealing products and their advantages.


    16.2 To describe finishing procedures for large areas. (COM) If possible, demonstrate the use of power trowels or visit a work site where power trowels are being used.




    Module 17: Interior and Exterior Finishing (Optional)

    Suggested time: 10 -15 hours
    Level: Advanced
    Prerequisite: None
    Module Overview

    Students will learn about common materials and procedures for finishing the interior and exterior of buildings.

    Foundational Objectives

  • To develop skills in the use of equipment and materials common to the construction industry.
  • To develop safe and knowledgeable use of hand and power tools in the construction industry.
  • To demonstrate knowledge of different building materials and their applications in the construction industry.
  • To become aware of the career opportunities in the construction industry. (TL)

    Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

  • To use industry terms in context. (COM)
  • To be knowledgeable regarding the various aspects of interior and exterior finishing. (TL)
  • To develop an understanding of how technology has shaped the construction industry. (TL)

    Learning ObjectivesNotes
    17.1 To identify common exterior finishing materials. (COM) Start with foundation finishes and work up to roofing materials.

    Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the various materials.

    Discuss wall and floor finishing materials.


    17.2 To identify common interior finishing materials. Discuss the apprenticeable trades that relate to material installation.


    17.3 To describe different millwork applications and installations including windows and doors. Students may trim out a typical door or window application.


    17.4 To describe and demonstrate safe practices for lifting and holding gypsum wallboard in place until fastened. Discuss the availability of equipment for rental or loan from suppliers. (TL)

    Discuss the safe use of ladders and scaffolding.


    17.5 To demonstrate safe procedures for scribing and cutting gypsum wallboard as panels and around electrical boxes. Eye safety protection is required.


    17.6 To demonstrate taping, filling, and sanding of gypsum wallboard. (TL) If possible, have students complete a small framed building. If that is not possible, completing even a corner cross section is useful. Small quantities of materials can often be scrounged from contractors or suppliers.

    Dust particle masks are required for this work.




    Module 18: Stair Framing (Optional)

    Suggested time: 10 - 15 hours
    Level: Advanced
    Prerequisite: Module 13

    Module Overview

    Students will learn common stair framing terms and practices as applied to various roof designs.

    Foundational Objectives

  • To use construction industry terminology in context.
  • To demonstrate knowledge of different building materials and their application in the construction industry.
  • To create an awareness of building code requirements.

    Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

  • To measure in metric or imperial units. (TL, NUM)
  • To use tables to determine dimensional lumber needs. (NUM)
  • To exercise care and to work in a safe manner. (PSVS)

    Learning ObjectivesNotes
    18.1 To be knowledgeable of terms used in the industry to describe stair construction. Define: finished flooring, glue block, groove, housed finished stringer, housing, nosing, platform, rabbet and groove, rise, rough stringer, run, stair carriage, stair horse, stairwell, storey pole, header, straight, sub-floor, total rise, total run, tread, etc. (COM)


    18.2 To lay out a carriage (stringer) for a straight stairway. (NUM) Discuss how to determine the riser height and the tread run.

    Tape paper to a wall and draw a stair opening to full scale. Have the students take measurements from the plan drawing.

    One rise plus one tread run should equal about 43 to 46 cm, (17 to 18 inches). Most building codes specify a maximum rise of 21 cm, (8 1/4 inches) and a minimum tread run of 23 cm, (9 inches).

    Discuss appropriate angles for stairways and headroom. Headroom of 2.15 metres (7 feet) or more is preferred.

    Students could draw a story pole using dividers placed on the wall.


    18.3 To create and assemble a complete stair assembly. Have the student(s) do a lay out on a 1 x 10 and cut the bottom and top ends and then place it against the full scale drawing for fit. How does one determine that the tread is Level?

    Students can make a stool with two or three risers that could be used in a shop or kitchen to access higher shelves. (TL)




    Module 19: Insulation and Installation (Optional)

    Suggested time: 5 - 10 hours
    Level: Advanced
    Prerequisite: Module 13

    Module Overview

    Students will learn common terms and practices as applied to the insulation of buildings.

    Foundational Objectives

  • To use construction industry terminology in context.
  • To be knowledgeable of basic construction concepts and technologies.
  • To demonstrate knowledge of different building materials and their applications in the construction industry.

    Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

  • To enable students to use vocabulary of the construction trade. (COM)
  • To develop an awareness of safety practices in the construction industry and to determine how to identify potential hazards. (CCT)

    Learning ObjectivesNotes
    19.1 To be knowledgeable of terms used in the industry to describe the installation of insulation. (COM) Define: acoustical insulation, building paper, flexible, furring strips, loose fill, foamed-in-place, sprayed rigid, ridge vent, roof ventilators, R value, soffit-vent, vapour barrier, ventilation, batt, blanket, etc PAA Survey: Insulation and Installation - Insulation Systems {4268:1508} PAA Survey: Insulation and Installation - How Does Insulation Work? {4266:1504} PAA Survey: Insulation and Installation - Insulation Installation {4270:1507} .
    19.2 To identify types of insulation and common applications for each type. (COM) Discuss the various materials from which each type may be made PAA Survey: Insulation and Installation - Types of Installation {4267:1505} .

    Discuss safe handling of insulating materials, fire hazards, etc. (PSVS)

    Spun fiberglass insulation work should be done with maximum skin protection from the insulation, as well as wearing a dust particle mask.


    19.3 To describe the components of an insulated foundation, wall, and roof section. A visit to a construction site is recommended.

    See video resources.

    Discuss both concrete and wood foundations requirements.


    19.4 To describe the dangers of inadequate ventilation or poorly installed moisture barriers. (CCT) See the recommended resources PAA Survey: Insulation and Installation - Insulation Problems {4271:1509} .

    19.5 To be aware of the economic and environmental advantages of a well insulated structure. Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada {4374:9743} Students could research economic factors in their own community such as heat source, super insulated homes, etc.


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