Grade 12 - Materials

It is expected that students will:

identify, describe, and select engineered wood products and composite materials for a given project
construct and finish a project that uses a variety of adhesives, fasteners, hardware, and finishes
describe characteristics of and uses for concrete
describe types of and uses for interior and exterior finishing materials
describe types of and uses for insulation and air/vapour barriers
describe and apply storage, handling, and conditioning procedures for materials

In the context of constructing a project, have each student select and utilize appropriate materials.
Display a selection (e.g., 12 samples) of engineered wood products and composite materials to the class. As a class, have students identify and then describe the characteristics of each sample.
Provide students with plans for a cabinet-style project (e.g., kitchen island). Have students identify the different, possible types of engineered wood products and composites from which this project could be made. Also have them identify the various types of hardware that could be used and explain how that might affect the functionality of the island.
Invite a representative from a local concrete company to give a presentation on the characteristics of and uses for concrete. As a class, have students brainstorm questions to ask the invited guest prior to the guest's appearance.
Lead class discussions on the types of and uses for insulation, air/vapour barriers, and interior and exterior finishing materials. Have students produce a scale model of a wall section with studs, sheathing, siding, insulation, vapour barrier and dry wall.
Have students, in groups, research and summarize different code requirements in residential construction. For example, one or more groups could investigate the code requirements for insulation in walls and ceilings. Have each group present its findings to the class.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Assess students' selection and utilization of materials in relation to constructing a project. Criteria might include:
- appropriateness of choice (given budget, end use, etc.)
- extent to which correct handling procedures are followed
- appropriateness of finish application process(es)
- selection of appropriate hardware and finishing materials.
For a specific project, have students evaluate the effectiveness of their use of materials and prepare a report on any changes that they would make. Evaluate their responses to questions such as:
- Were all the materials used compatible?
- Did the adhesives you selected perform satisfactorily?
- How much waste material did you generate?
- What problems, if any, did you experience when using fasteners and installing hardware?
Provide students with a list of wall components (insulation, vapour barrier, moisture barrier, interior finishing material, and exterior finishing material). Note to what extent the students are able to accurately explain the function of each wall component.

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

Print Materials

Video

Revised: December 2001