A Journey in Construction, Digital Modeling, and Sustainable Practices
Construction Training
Hands-on practice in construction techniques, project management, and onsite assembly.
Digital Modeling
Comprehensive training in digital modeling, architectural visualization, and BIM software.
Sustainable Practices
Learn about sustainable materials, prefabrication, and environmentally-conscious construction.
Program Description
The yearly extracurricular program aims to provide comprehensive training in construction, digital modeling, and architectural visualization. The program is divided into quarters to align with the academic calendar, ensuring intensive summer sessions and balanced school-year activities. The goal is to equip participants with essential skills in construction, prefabrication, digital modeling, and project management, fostering career readiness and practical expertise.
New Cohort Recruitment and Program Foundations (June - August): This quarter focuses on recruiting new participants and laying the groundwork for the program. In June, we recruit and train a new cohort of students, evaluate the previous program's success, present final projects, and distribute certificates. July and August are dedicated to foundational skills, including career orientation, vital workplace skills, first aid/CPR training, and financial literacy.
Intermediate 3D Modeling and Animation (September - October): The second quarter delves into intermediate-level 3D modeling and animation techniques, equipping participants with the digital tools necessary for architectural visualization and construction planning.
Code of Conduct
Arrival and Preparation
Arrive 5-10 minutes early, store belongings, put on safety gear, and be ready to start work on time.
Appropriate Clothing and Safety Gear
Wear safe and suitable clothing for construction work, following all safety rules and regulations.
Conduct During Class
Pay attention, use good listening skills, ask questions, and actively participate in class.
Classroom and Work Environment Behavior
Follow all rules and guidelines, maintain a positive and respectful attitude, and adhere to safety protocols.
Breaks and Timeliness
Return to work on time after breaks and adhere to the instructor's timing.
Teamwork and Responsibility
Recognize that you are part of a team, and your actions can impact your teammates and the project.
Preparation for Success
Exhibit behaviors that align with professional standards in construction, including punctuality, initiative, and adaptability.
June: New Cohort Recruitment and Program Evaluation
Recruiting and Training a New Cohort of Students
During the first 4 weeks of June, the program focuses on recruiting and training a new cohort of students. The key learning outcomes are for participants to understand the program's goals and expectations. The deliverables include a list of recruited participants and completed training sessions to ensure everyone is prepared for the upcoming curriculum.
Evaluating Program Success Through Metrics and Feedback
Alongside recruiting the new cohort, the program also evaluates the success of the previous year's activities. This involves assessing completion rates, performance metrics, and gathering participant feedback. The goal is to thoroughly evaluate the program's overall effectiveness and identify areas for continuous improvement. The deliverables include evaluation reports, performance data, and summaries of the participant feedback.
Final Project Presentations and Certificates Distribution
The month of June culminates with final project presentations from the previous cohort, allowing them to showcase the skills and knowledge they've acquired. Certificates of completion are also distributed to recognize the participants' achievements. These activities help to solidify the learning outcomes and provide a sense of accomplishment for the graduates.
Planning for Future Program Improvements
Based on the evaluation findings, the program team develops continuous improvement plans to enhance the curriculum, resources, and overall experience for future cohorts. This learning outcome focuses on identifying areas for program enhancement, with the deliverables including detailed plans for implementing changes and upgrades.
July: Program Foundations and Essential Skills
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Introduction and Orientation
Welcome, program overview, initial assessments
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Career Aspirations and Roles
Discuss goals, overview of industry roles
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Vital Work Skills
Professionalism, time management, teamwork
The first four weeks of July are dedicated to laying the foundational skills and knowledge for the program participants. The focus is on orienting the new cohort, helping them identify their career aspirations and relevant industry roles, developing vital workplace skills like professionalism and time management, and providing essential training in first aid/CPR and financial literacy. These initial sessions ensure the participants are well-prepared to dive into the more technical aspects of construction, digital modeling, and sustainable practices in the coming months.
August: Core Technical Skills Development
Construction Fundamentals and Math Skills
Introduction to construction basics, including blueprint reading and construction math. Explore prefabrication techniques to streamline the building process.
Blueprint Reading and Surveying Techniques
Dive into interpreting blueprint symbols and creating shop drawings. Utilize total station surveying equipment to accurately capture site measurements.
Introduction to Digital Modeling Tools
Get hands-on with FormIt and SketchUp, learning advanced modeling techniques to bring designs to life in a digital space.
Advanced Digital Modeling with Revit
Delve into the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Revit, mastering the software's capabilities to integrate project details seamlessly.
In September, participants focus on developing their basic 3D modeling skills using tools like SketchUp. They learn how to create simple 3D shapes, manipulate them, and combine them to form more complex structures. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for more advanced 3D modeling techniques in the coming months.
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Advanced 3D Modeling
Building upon the basic skills, participants then explore more advanced 3D modeling using software like Blender and Fusion 360. They learn how to create detailed, realistic models with intricate features, textures, and materials. This allows them to develop a strong understanding of 3D modeling as a crucial tool for architectural visualization and construction planning.
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3D Animation
Towards the end of September, participants are introduced to 3D animation techniques. They learn how to bring their 3D models to life, creating animations that showcase the construction process, building features, and sustainable design elements. This skill set empowers them to create engaging digital narratives and presentations for their future projects.
September: Intermediate 3D Modeling and Animation
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Introduction to 3D Modeling
During the first two weeks of September, participants are introduced to a variety of 3D modeling tools, including SketchUp, Blender, and Fusion 360. They develop their basic 3D modeling skills, learning how to create simple 3D shapes, manipulate them, and combine them to form more complex structures. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for more advanced 3D modeling techniques in the coming weeks.
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Advanced 3D Modeling
In the following two weeks, participants dive deeper into advanced 3D modeling, using tools like Autodesk software to enhance their complex modeling skills. They learn how to create detailed, realistic models with intricate features, textures, and materials. This allows them to develop a strong understanding of 3D modeling as a crucial tool for architectural visualization and construction planning.
October: Sustainable Materials and Prefabrication
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Sustainable Materials
Understand construction materials
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Bamboo
Focus on bamboo as a sustainable option
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Offsite Fabrication
Learn prefabrication techniques
The first two weeks of October focus on introducing sustainable construction materials, with a particular emphasis on bamboo. Participants will learn about the benefits and applications of using bamboo in building projects, as well as how to evaluate the sustainability of various construction materials. The deliverables for this section include detailed reports on sustainable materials.
In the latter half of the month, the program shifts to exploring offsite fabrication techniques and quality control. Participants will delve into prefabrication methods, understanding how components can be manufactured in a controlled environment and then assembled onsite. This knowledge will enable them to design and prototype prefabricated building elements, which will be the key deliverables for this section.
November: Onsite Assembly and Digital Storytelling
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Onsite Assembly
Develop practical skills
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Assembled Components
Deliver assembled parts
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Digital Narratives
Create storyboards and animations
The first two weeks of November focus on developing onsite assembly techniques through practical exercises. Participants will learn how to properly assemble pre-fabricated building components, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and methods required for successful onsite construction. The key deliverables for this section include the assembled components that demonstrate their newly acquired assembly skills.
In the latter half of the month, the program shifts to digital storytelling. Participants will learn how to create compelling narratives, storyboard their ideas, and bring them to life through animations. This skillset will enable them to effectively communicate the construction process, sustainable design features, and overall project vision through engaging digital presentations. The deliverables for this section include the storyboards and animated sequences that showcase their digital storytelling abilities.
Q3: Advanced Skills Development (December - February)
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Onsite Assembly Practice
In December, the focus shifts to onsite assembly practice, ensuring the quality and precision of the final assembly of the Maker Space. Participants will hone their hands-on skills, working collaboratively to properly install and integrate the prefabricated components they have been designing and prototyping throughout the program.
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Advanced Architectural Visualization
January is dedicated to advanced architectural visualization, where participants delve deeper into 3D animation and video production. They will create dynamic, engaging digital narratives that showcase the construction process, sustainable design features, and the overall vision for the Maker Space project.
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Advanced Construction Techniques
In February, the program explores advanced construction techniques, including rigging, welding, and electrical safety. Participants will also learn project management skills using Bluebeam software, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively coordinate and oversee complex construction projects.
December: Onsite Assembly and Narrative Development
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Hands-on Assembly Practice
During the first two weeks of December, the focus is on enhancing the participants' practical assembly skills. Through hands-on exercises, they will hone their techniques for properly installing and integrating the prefabricated components they have been designing and prototyping throughout the program. The key learning outcome is to ensure the participants can confidently and precisely assemble the various elements of the Maker Space project.
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Final Assembly and Quality Control
In the latter half of December, the participants will engage in the final assembly of the Maker Space, working collaboratively to ensure the quality and precision of the completed structure. This phase emphasizes the importance of thorough quality control, as the participants apply their newfound assembly skills to deliver a high-quality, fully assembled Maker Space that meets all necessary standards and specifications.
January: Advanced Architectural Visualization
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Digital Storytelling
3D animations using Unreal Engine and Blender
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Video Production
Editing with DaVinci Resolve
During the first two weeks of January, the focus is on developing advanced digital storytelling and 3D animation skills. Participants will create dynamic, engaging 3D animations using industry-leading software like Unreal Engine and Blender. The key learning outcome is for them to master the art of digital storytelling, bringing their architectural designs and construction processes to life through captivating visuals. In the latter half of the month, the program shifts to video production and editing. Participants will learn how to use DaVinci Resolve to produce high-quality videos that showcase the Maker Space project. This includes editing footage, incorporating 3D animations, and polishing the final deliverables to create impactful digital narratives.
February: Advanced Construction Techniques
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Rigging
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Welding
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Electrical Safety
During the first two weeks of February, the program focuses on equipping participants with advanced construction techniques, including rigging, welding, and electrical safety training. The key learning outcomes are for the participants to acquire these specialized skills, which are critical for successfully coordinating and executing complex construction projects. In the latter half of the month, the program shifts to project management, with a specific emphasis on using Bluebeam software. Participants will develop essential project management skills, learning how to create detailed plans, track progress, and ensure the successful delivery of construction projects. The deliverables for this section include comprehensive project management plans that demonstrate their newfound expertise.
Q4: Capstone Projects and Program Evaluation (March - May)
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Final Assembly and Inspection
In March, participants finalize the assembly of their capstone projects, ensuring all components are properly installed and integrated. They conduct thorough inspections to verify the quality and functionality of the completed structures, addressing any issues that arise to deliver a high-standard final product.
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Integrated Project Work
April is dedicated to the participants' integrated project work, where they combine their 3D modeling and digital storytelling skills to create comprehensive video presentations showcasing their capstone projects. They refine their animations, incorporate footage of the on-site assembly, and polish the final deliverables for public release.
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Final Presentations and Evaluation
In May, the participants prepare and deliver their final presentations, highlighting the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program. They also undergo a thorough program evaluation, providing feedback to the organizers to help improve the curriculum and ensure continuous improvement. This quarter aims to celebrate the participants' achievements and set the stage for future program iterations.
March: Final Assembly and Project Evaluation
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Completing Final Touches and Inspections
During the first two weeks of March, the participants focus on completing the final touches and inspections of their capstone projects. They ensure that all components are properly installed and integrated, leaving no detail unattended. The key learning outcome is to guarantee the successful completion of their projects, with thorough inspections to verify quality and functionality.
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Comprehensive Project Review and Presentation Preparation
In the latter half of March, the participants engage in a comprehensive review of their projects, preparing for the final presentations. They analyze the overall process, identify areas of strength and improvement, and document their findings in detailed project review reports. This phase equips the participants with the necessary insights and materials to deliver impactful final presentations that showcase their achievements and the lessons learned throughout the program.
April: Capstone Project Development
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Integrated Project Work
3D modeling and storytelling
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Complete Capstone Projects
Finalize project files
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Video Presentation Refinement
Finalize project presentations
During the first two weeks of April, the participants focus on the integrated project work involving 3D modeling and storytelling. This phase is dedicated to completing their capstone projects, ensuring that all the necessary project files are finalized and ready for the final presentations.
In the latter half of the month, the participants shift their attention to refining their video presentations. They use their newly acquired skills in 3D animation, video production, and digital storytelling to create impactful final deliverables that showcase their capstone projects. The key learning outcome is to deliver polished, professional-grade video presentations that effectively communicate the participants' achievements and the lessons learned throughout the program.
May: Final Presentations and Publicity
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Final Presentation Preparation
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Publicity and Promotion
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Program Evaluation
During the first two weeks of May, the participants focus on preparing their final presentations. They refine their presentation materials, ensuring their projects are showcased in a polished and professional manner. The key learning outcome is for the participants to deliver impactful final presentations that effectively communicate their achievements and the lessons learned throughout the program. In the latter half of the month, the program shifts to publicity and program evaluation. The participants' capstone projects are published and promoted, allowing them to share their work with a wider audience. Additionally, the participants undergo a thorough program evaluation, providing feedback to the organizers to help improve the curriculum and ensure continuous improvement. This phase aims to celebrate the participants' accomplishments and set the stage for future program iterations.