Program Instructors:
James Piche (Dearborn) pichej@dearbornschools.org
Jamie Nack (Fordson) nackj@dearbornschools.org

This two-to-three year program prepares students for careers in the residential and commercial construction industries. Unique to this program is the integration of the math class into the shop projects (and vice versa) to gain a deeper understanding of the use of mathematics in the construction workplace. The program is designed to help students transition into various skilled trades apprenticeship after high school While the course is primarily focused on residential carpentry, students will explore careers in all trades, and learn the basic construction skills needed regardless of the career. Detailed Course Descriptions follow:

GEOMETRY IN CONSTRUCTION (First Year Program) –

This is a full-year two-hour block integrating the content from Geometry C (Taken at MBCC to make a 3-hour block). Students will explore various careers in residential and commercial construction and learn basic construction skills including: measurement and construction math, reading blueprints, construction terminology, materials and tools selection and basic assembly techniques. This is a project and career exploration focused class. Students who start the program in 11th grade will not repeat Geometry, but will take Algebra II at their home high school to prepare for the SAT. Seniors may take this class for two hours and it will count as their “Senior Math” requirement. Students will have the chance to earn all of the following in this course:

  • Geometry Credit required for Graduation
  • VPAA “Art” Credit required for Graduation
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certificate
  • NCCER Level 1 Carpentry Certificate

GEOMETRY C (Taken concurrently with Geometry in Construction)

This full-year, one-hour block course  is the same course taught at each high school.  Students will be enrolled in a matching section of Geometry in Construction. Students will apply their knowledge of Geometry (including Algebra II SAT Prep Materials) in the Construction Lab. The course is different from the high school course only in the order lessons are presented in and the use of projects (in addition to traditional paper and pencil tests) to assess students knowledge of content.

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TRADES (Second Year Program)

This is a full-year THREE-hour block integrating the content from Algebra II into the course (Juniors do NOT need to take a seperate Algebra II course). This advanced course will be weighted (graded on a 5.0 scale) like an AP or Dual Enrollment Course. Students will continue to master basic carpentry skills and culminating in the completion of a large-scale construction project. Students will participate in Work Based Learning during the year including in-class presentations and guest speakers as well as field trips to local trade programs and the potential for (unpaid) Externships and/or (paid) Internships with local Skilled Trades organizations. Students starting the program senior year will count this as their “Senior Math” requirement. nt. Students will have the chance to earn all of the following in this course:

  • Algebra II Credit required for Graduation
  • 3rd Year Science Credit required for Graduation
  • 2nd Year World Language Credit required for Graduation
  • CITF Level 3 Carpentry Certificate
  • Up to 8 college credits at HFCC (BLDG 120, BLDG 140)

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (OPTIONAL Third Year Program)

This is a full-year THREE-hour block focused on advanced construction management, project budgeting and leadership This advanced course will be weighted (graded on a 5.0 scale) like an AP or Dual Enrollment Course. Students will serve as job-site managers assisting program instructors in supervising the younger students. Students will assist with project budgeting and materials acquisition. Students may choose to focus on skills needed to start an independent construction business in the future. Students will senior year will count this as their “Senior Math” requirement. nt. Students will have the chance to earn all of the following in this course:

  • Senior Math Credit required for Graduation
  • NCCER Level 2 Carpentry Certificate
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Safety Certificate