Technology Education

Drafting 10

Do you enjoy working with computers, puzzles and problem-solving? Drafting is precision drawing used to create an accurate representation of an object. Students create basic shapes right to industry-standard projects using drafting and software called AutoCAD. This course is for those interested in careers such as: drafting, engineering, interior design, industrial design, architecture, carpentry, steel fabrication, cabinet making, electrician, plumbing, heating, or anyone of the numerous other professions which demand knowledge of drafting.

Electronics 10 -Robotics

Head to head battles between metal behemoths fighting for supremacy on the field! Well, not quite that exciting, but we will be building robots and having head-to-head competitions to see who built the strongest, fastest, best design. Learn basic theory of electronics, tools and test equipment, programming, basic metalworking and machining, design, and mechanical principles.

Woodwork 10

Do you enjoy creating something from scratch that you or somebody else can use in everyday life? You will explore different aspects of furniture building and creative woodworking design. Emphasis is on quality work and safe use of various hand tools, power tools and machines. You could make a small table, a laminated serving tray, bowls and pens on the lathes.

Skills Exploration 10-12

Do you plan to live in a house or apartment, or own a car some day? Gain valuable hands-on experience in 4 important trade sectors – Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanics, as well as being introduced to core skills common to many trades. Whether you intend to work in a trade or only want the skills to perform basic repair and maintenance on your own house or car, this is the course for you. During the semester we will build a small building, add some simple wiring for outlets, switches and lights, and install basic plumbing – a sink and a toilet. Separate from the small building will be a unit on basic mechanics. The course is one time only and is open to any student in grades 10-12.

Mechanics 11

The engines roar, the crowd screams… but only if you fix the carburetor correctly. “What’s a carburetor?” you ask. Come find out the answer and lots of other interesting information about chain saws, lawn mower engines, dirt bikes, model gas engines … we do it all. This is a grade 10 power mechanics course open to grades 11 and 12. The credit will be for TEC 10. Grade 11s and 12s who have already taken TEC 10 may re-take this course with approval of the instructor.

Drafting and Design 11/12

Do you have an interest in architecture, graphic art, fashion design, advertising layout or carpentry? This course may be for you! Drafting 11 is a continuation of Drafting 10, which begins by having students represent objects by creating mechanical drawings using drafting software called AutoCAD, just as objects are drawn in industry. From there students are taught the basics of house design and floor plans, and then they design and create their own ‘dream’ house using Google Sketchup. Grade 12’s who have taken DD 11 previously will be able to start by surfing the net for the lot of their dreams. Then, with help from some introductory assignments, students design and draw a house and garage to be built on that lot. By the end of this course, students have a sound grasp of housing/construction terminology, plot plans, floor plans, and elevation drawings.

Electronics 11/12 – Robotics

Head to head battles between metal behemoths fighting for supremacy on the field. Well, not quite that exciting, but we will be building robots and having head-to-head competitions to see who built the strongest, fastest, best design. Learn basic theory of electronics, the correct use of tools and test equipment, programming, basic metalworking and machining, and design and mechanical principles.

Trades Sampler

is just that--a sample of trades training offered at North Island College.  The program was offered for the first time in February 2018.  We look forward to continuing this program in subsequent school years depending on funding availability.  Students must apply in October for a February start.  SD72 will contribute to a portion of the tuition and lab fees.  Students will be responsible for books, NISU fees, Learner Fees and such gear as steel-toed boots.  There are a limited number of spaces for applications should be considered early on a first come first qualified basis.  Trades covered in the 2017/2018 school year included:  welding, metal fabrication, piping trades, electrical, automotive, heavy-duty mechanics and construction.  At the end of the 3 month program students have the option of taking part in Cooperative Education 12A and 12B work placements.  It is our hope that working with a variety of organizations and employers students will be able to secure an apprenticeship or a full time job.  See Ms. Camerin for details.

Mechanics 10

The engines roar, the crowd screams… but only if you fix the carburetor correctly. “What’s a carburetor?” you ask. Come find the answer and lots of other interesting information about chain saws, lawnmower engines, dirt bikes, model gas engines … we do it all. 

Jewellery & Metal Art 11/12

Jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments, Valentines Day gifts, artistic metal sculptures for the garden can all be yours in this class. Learn the safe use of metalworking hand and power tools and techniques, such as soldering, welding, brazing, forging, cutting, filing, etc. Projects might include: wind chimes, mobiles, candle holders, wine racks, wire sculptures, candle sconces, silver rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, copper enameled items or etched glass. 

Skateboard Construction 10/11/12

Create your own custom skateboard! Yes, you will design it, build it and use it in this course. You can personize your board to suit your needs and style. The art work you add to your board will be of your choosing. Not only will you create a unique deck, you will get to ride it as well. You can supply your own hardware or purchase it through the program. There may be a small cost for deck materials.

Woodwork 11/12

Come down to the woodshop and see what everybody is talking about. We’re building projects that you will hang on to for a lifetime. Whether you have taken Woodwork before or not, this course will present fun, new challenges. While building beautiful pieces of furniture, students will be taught how to use all the tools and machines in the shop safely. They will be introduced to basic machine operations as well as some complex machining and jig use. After a couple of mandatory projects, students are encouraged to build their own masterpieces and, if desired, can even cut their own wood from local trees with the sawmill behind the shop! Grade 12’s who have successfully completed Carpentry and Joinery 11 are encouraged to challenge themselves in the shop researching, designing and building a minor and major project of their choice.

Electronics 11/12  

We won’t be flying kites in lightning storms or licking 9 volt batteries. What we will do is find out why those are both bad ideas and lots of other interesting aspects of electricity and electronics. You will learn basic theory, the correct use of tools and test equipment, troubleshooting procedures, and soldering techniques, all while constructing electronic projects. Topics will include residential wiring, bread boarding techniques, and building printed circuit boards. We may also explore some basic robotics. In grade 12 you will continue to develop the skills learned in Electronics 11 by constructing more complicated projects and should be able to design circuits from schematic diagrams. By using more advanced test equipment you will be able to troubleshoot more difficult circuits

Dual Credit Courses (through North Island College)

Youth Train in Trades (formerly called ACE IT) is a dual credit program available to students who wish to take their first year of trades training at North Island College and receive both high school and college credits.  Students wishing to take the NIC dual credit programs in their Grade 12 year need to carefully plan their programs in Grade 10 and 11 to be able to access the college-level programs.  Please see Ms. Camerin for details.  Please note SD72 with assist with some of the costs related to tuition.  There are additional costs that need to be paid by the student to access these college-level programs. New to the offerings is the Trades Sampler Program running 2nd semester.  This program allows you to try most of the trades offered at NIC before committing to one particular trade.  The program begins 2nd semester and is completed in late April or early May.  Upon course completion students will be placed in Co-op Ed placements in a field of their choosing with the hope that the placements will lead to paid employment or apprenticeships. See Ms. Camerin for details and applications.

Contact Information

Doug Blue
Mechanics, Electronics

Paul Klein
Woodwork, Hackerspace