Construction

CTF Construction – grades 5-9

2019-2020

Brad Shannon

bgshannon@cbe.ab.ca

403 777 7470 ext. 2031

Welcome to CTF Construction Studies!

(CTF) is an optional program of studies for Grades 5 through Grade 9 that allows students to discover and explore their interests and passions and to build skills so they may make reasonable career choices in the future. Construction studies is a project based course with a primary focus on woodworking. Project work varies by grade, and each level presents new challenges and learning opportunities.

Success will be a product of the growth that you demonstrate over a semester. Students will be graded with a mark 1 – 4, four being excellent, and one indicating not meeting. Quality over quantity is the goal. A commitment to your safety and the safety of others is a major priority! It’s a hands-on learning environment so arrive ready to create!

Project materials are supplied at no cost to the student.    

 Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

Students in Construction Studies are currently completing an orientation and safety review. Project work to begin this week!

New tools and building techniques are being introduced at all grade levels. The first major project is underway with a focus on continued skill development.

Grade 5 - trinket box 1 - introduction to the handsaw. This can be a big challenge for some students. It takes lots of repetition and practice!

Grade 6 - trinket box 2 -  refining hand-sawing technique using larger stock

Grade 7 - wooden tetris puzzle - introduction to the band saw

Grade 8 - rabbeted spruce box - introduction to thickness planer and router table

Grade 9 - treasure chest - much of the content introduced in grades seven and eight are being consolidated in the construction of this project. Orthographic drawing and a cutting list precede the build.

The first major project is nearing completion for most students and some have started the second assignment:

Grade 5 - pencil holder project - students will continue to refine handsawing technique. The challenge increases as larger dimension lumber is introduced to create this project.
Grade 6 - Small pencil box
Grade 7 - Key shelf
Grade 8 - Gumball Machine
Grade 9 - Most are nearing completion of the Treasure Chest. Beach Chair is the next building challenge. Students in grade nine are given the opportunity to turn a poplar bowl on the lathe. We have one lathe in the lab and my hope is to involve as many students as possible in this activity.


Grade 5 - pencil holder nearing completion for most students. Next up for the grade fives is a cat themed bird house.
Grade 6 - pencil box has been completed by many students. Door decoration (bird house theme) is underway.
Grade 7 - Tetris puzzle and key shelf should be completed within the next week. A few still remain on these projects. Major group project with tie in to science begins. Scale drawing for truss bridge underway.
Grade 8 - construction on the gumball machine continues for the majority.
Grade 9 - Treasure chest completed by some students. Monster truck or beach chair next up.