Students will be introduced to the automotive shop and taught basic skills including vehicle lifting, safety inspections, and safe use of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment. Students will begin to learn vehicle and engine configurations, basic engine construction, engine support systems, precision measuring, basic electrical/electronics, and starting and charging systems. Students will have the chance to disassemble, inspect and reassemble an engine. Students will take part in a 10-Hour OSHA safety course, earning their OSHA safety certification if they achieve a passing score. During the course students will be introduced to working on ‘live’ cars including practice vehicles and customer’s cars. (5 Credits)
Unit | Timeframe | Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions) and Major Learning Experiences from Unit |
|---|---|---|
Introduction to the Automotive Shop | September | Students will learn the layout and safety features of the shop including the location of emergency exits, fire alarms, safety switches, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and fire extinguishers. Students will learn general safety procedures and guidelines for working in an automotive service shop. |
Automotive Shop Safety | September - April | Students will familiarize themselves with working safely in the shop. They will be trained on safe use of shop equipment and work towards earning their OSHA certification |
Automotive Careers | October | Students will explore and research careers in the automotive service industry and begin to develop a career plan. |
Hand Tools, Power Tool, and Fasteners | October- November | Students will begin using professional automotive tools. They will also learn about fasteners associated with automotive repair and service. Students will demonstrate skills by disassembling an engine. While disassembled, students will be learning how to use precision measuring tools to take measurements of engine wear. |
Basic Piston Engine Operation | December- January | Students will explore the 4-stroke engine cycle and learn about basic engine components and operation. While covering this unit students will be reassembling the engines they had disassembled and measured. |
Basic Electrical Theory | January- February | Students will be introduced to basic electrical fundamentals. Students will learn about electrical circuits and how to take voltage, resistance, and current measurements. |
Batteries | March | Students will learn about battery safety and construction. Students will learn how to inspect and service batteries and perform testing using professional diagnostic equipment |
Starting Systems | April | Students will explore more complex electrical circuits used in starting systems. Students will learn about electromagnetism, relays, solenoids, and DC electric motor operation. Students will practice diagnosing starting system concerts and perform voltage drop tests. |
Charging Systems | May-June | Students will learn the principles of magnetic induction and rectifying alternating current to direct current using diodes and capacitors. Students will explore the internal parts of an alternator and how voltage regulators control output. Students will test charging systems using advanced diagnostic equipment. |