Plumbing,
Heating and Cooling
Course Description
EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING (3
credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Students
deciding to enter the plumbing, heating and cooling field will
be introduced to the basics of safety and sanitation, as well as
the use and care of hand tools, power tools and stationary equipment.
The students will be able to identify pipe, valves and fittings.
Students will be able to demonstrate the basic assembly skills
required for various materials used in the mechanical field, such
as copper, steel pipe, plastic pipe and cast iron, and assemble
basic sheet metal fittings. The students will be introduced to
basic residential mechanical systems and demonstrate an understanding
of the apprenticeship system. Shop safety will be introduced and
reinforced at all times. Technology-related mathematics, reading,
writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated
throughout the curriculum.
RESIDENTIAL
SYSTEMS – HEATING/COOLING (3 credits)
In Grade 10, the plumbing, heating and cooling program is designed
to provide students theoretical information covering the calculations
of heat loss and gain in a residential building to determine
required heating/cooling system capacities. The student will
be able to identify warm air and hydronic heating and cooling
systems found in residential structures and the advantages and
disadvantages of each type. Each basic system is investigated
using either oil or gas as the primary fuel for heating, and
a direct expansion type of cooling system. Basic service, repair
and maintenance of these systems are covered. The students will
demonstrate knowledge of combustion of fuels, efficiencies, operating
costs and some of the environmental concerns of burning fossil
fuel. The students will demonstrate knowledge of installations using the latest edition of the International Mechanic Code. They
will investigate control and power wiring of basic heating and
cooling systems. Students will participate in in-school and outside
plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum
and their skill level. The students will demonstrate knowledge
of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements
for job sites, ladder safety and use of ground fault circuit interrupters.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint
reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
RESIDENTIAL
SYSTEMS – PLUMBING
AND PIPING (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the latest
edition of the International Plumbing Code and apply the code
to real-world installations. They will demonstrate knowledge
of basic residential systems such as drain, waste, vent and water
distribution, and knowledge of back-flow and cross connections
and installation of various pumps and pumping systems. Students
will be able to demonstrate the installation, repair and maintenance
of various residential fixtures and appliances, including the
installation of water heating equipment, safety devices and insulation.
Students will also demonstrate knowledge of water chemistry and
treatment. The students will perform both in-school and outside
plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current
curriculum and their skill level. Students reaching an acceptable
level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning
(WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary,
blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
ADVANCED
SYSTEMS – PLUMBING,
HEATING AND COOLING (3
credits)
In Grade 12, students will continue investigating more advanced
plumbing, heating and cooling systems and installations. Students
will demonstrate knowledge of various types of heating systems
including hydro-air systems, ground coupled heat pumps, radiant,
water-cooled systems towers and steam heating systems. Students
will demonstrate competency in service and repair and maintenance
of these systems. Students will demonstrate competency in use of
the International Plumbing and Mechanical (IPMC) and the International
Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) by designing a plumbing, heating and cooling
system for a small house, which includes creating a proposal using
a set of plans and industry-standard labor factors, and justify
a labor rate for their project. The students will advance in their
participation in in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers. Students
will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and
interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students
reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for
Work Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the National
Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is
a performance-based test. Technology-related
mathematics, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout
the curriculum.
Students
successfully completing this course of study will be able to
pursue a two year or a four year engineering degree. Students
can obtain immediate employment in the plumbing, heating and cooling
field. Employment opportunities include: residential
and commercial heating and air conditioning apprenticeship in installation
and service apprenticeship; refrigeration mechanic; sheet metal
apprentice; sheet metal design; gas system technician; oil burner
technician; sales representative; wholesale supply representative;
appliance repair technician; residential and commercial plumbing
and heating apprenticeship; sprinkler-fitters apprenticeship; pipe-fitters
apprenticeship; steamfitters apprenticeship; gasfitters apprenticeship;
estimators; plumbing and heating service technician; plumbing and
heating maintenance; plumbing and heating sales representative;
and, wholesale supply representative. |
