Picking perfect plumbing products and more

This unit can be adjusted to best meet the needs of your students. Some instructors may wish to use it as a way to introduce or reinforce blueprint reading skills, while other instructors may wish to use to stress the importance of understanding your client's needs. Structure the learning in a way that will be most beneficial to your students.

Students should work in small groups; 3 or 4 students per work team is recommended, but larger groups could be utilized.

Limiting the project to two or three large manufacturers of each plumbing appliance or fixture will help narrow the focus of the students. (e.g., Kohler, Moen, A.O. Smith, Bradley, American Standard).

Blueprints used as a guide for decision making by the students could be the same for all groups, or could be different for each group.

Students could be given the flexibility of suggesting plumbing appliances and fixtures other than those suggested by the project.

Groups may use various criteria for making decisions on what appliances and fixtures to select. Decisions could be based on one, or a combination, of the following: price, options, reliability, utility, or other factors.

Part of the evaluation process should include using other teachers, administrators, advisory members, community members, or others, to play the role of the homeowner(s) to which the group will be presenting.

Standards

Competency 2.1 Examine the various materials used in construction
Competency 2.4 Select materials for various construction applications
Competency 3.1 Demonstrate mathematical calculations necessary to estimate time, material, equipment, and design needs
Competency 3.2 Estimate needed materials and equipment
Competency 4.3 Analyze the relationship among various construction stakeholders
Competency 4.6 Apply industry standards and practices to maintain project quality
Competency 5.1 Apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information provided in oral communications
Competency 5.2 Listen and speak effectively to contribute to group discussions and meetings
Competency 5.3 Deliver formal and informal presentations that demonstrate organization and delivery skill
Competency 5.4 Write coherent and focused technical communications that support a defined perspective
Competency 5.5 Utilize communication technology
Competency 5.9 Explain the fundamentals of schematics, specifications, and construction drawings
Competency 5.10 Read and interpret construction drawings, specifications and other contract documents
Competency 6.1 Demonstrate the ability to work on a team in a construction environment
Competency 6.2 Perform responsibly as a team member
Competency 6.6 Resolve conflicts to maintain a smooth workflow
Competency 9.5 Comply with governmental regulations and applicable codes
Competency 9.8 Explain accessibility issues
Competency 10.1 Employ critical thinking and problem solving skills to formulate solutions to problems
Competency 10.2 Apply problem solving and critical thinking techniques to the conflict between available resources, requirements of the project, and construction timelines
Competency 10.3 Combine critical thinking and team-building skills to solve problems
Competency 18.1 Analyze information from a complete set of blueprints
Competency 18.2 Prepare sketches and diagram
Competency 18.8 Install common fixtures and appliances
Competency 22.1 Employ methods of data collection and analysis to gather project information
Competency 22.2 Determine potential client/agency needs and propose solutions
Competency 22.3 Assess building systems and their interrelationships to develop design criteria
Competency 22.6 Apply design requirements to accommodate people with varying physical abilities
Competency 22.8 Use relevant materials to visualize proposed project and transfer data to the project design
Competency 23.1 Apply basic organizational, spatial, structural, and constructional principles to the design of interior and exterior space
Competency 23.2 Evaluate and select building materials and assemblies to meet project objectives
Competency 23.3 Employ appropriate representational media to convey design
Competency 24.5 Draw plumbing and HVAC plans
Competency 29.1 Clarify client expectations
Competency 29.2 Employ positive client relationships

Credits

This webquest comes from the Ohio Resource Centre, I just put it here to make it accessible to students.

http://ohiorc.org/standards_first/units/?unit=13