MATTHEW MCNAIR

SECONDARY SCHOOL
9500 No 4 Road, Richmond, B.C. V7A 2Y9 Telephone: (604) 668 - 6575

COURSE OUTLINE – AUTOMOTIVE

We will spend the semester exploring a variety of theories and fundamental skills involved in
automotive technology. Through demonstrations and practice, students will begin with basic car
care and continue to build confidence with further automotive operations. Safe work habits are
non-negotiable and will be maintained to a high standard. The course will be instructor and self-
guided through demonstrations, verbal instruction and inquiry based learning. The core
objective of this course is to provide students the opportunity to enjoy their time in the
automotive classroom and gain a unique and valuable skill set they will carry with them beyond
the classroom. If you have any questions or concerns, please see me in the Technology
Education labs.

EXPECTATIONS
Students will be expected to:
• Adhere to all rules and procedures of safe practice when using tools, machines, and any
other equipment in the workshop.
• Practice good workshop culture by respecting every member of the class, contribute to
classroom organisation, and put forward your best effort to participate and learn.
• Attend every class on time and prepared. There are a limited number of classes and it is
difficult to catch up in a project based course.
• Act in a professional manner by sharing cleanup duties, listening, and being involved in
demonstrations, and managing all course work.
• Assist each other in the classroom in addition to teacher instruction.’
• Complete all assignments and projects prescribed throughout the course.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to:
• Interpret basic automotive diagnostics and accurately assess a vehicle for repairs
• Apply practical knowledge in maintaining a vehicle (oil changes, tire rotations etc.)
• Operate machines and use tools with correct and safe techniques
• Identify appropriate procedures to troubleshoot vehicles and service procedures
• Apply the content they have learned in solving problems inside and outside of a
classroom – service, overhaul and repair

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

• Students must bring a pencil, eraser and a binder or file folder to every class.
• Food and drinks are not permitted in the labs except for water.
• Steel-toed boots and a shop coat are not mandatory, but recommended. Students must
wear close-toed shoes otherwise and think about bringing a change of clothes for lab
days.
UNITS
• Safety – Demonstrations, practice, and tests
• Vehicle Identification and Inspection – Includes locating VIN#s and vehicle identification
markers. Students will be able to locate general portions of the vehicle such as an
engine compartment, brake systems and transmission.
• Measurement – Metric and imperial units, and explore a range of measurement tools
• Tools and Fasteners – Familiarization with pneumatic and electric tools for the auto
shop. The unit will also include hand tools with fasteners.
• Road Safety – Students will be introduced to safe driving on the road. This will include
reading signs, identifying hazards and such but will not include driving of a vehicle.
• Car Care – Students will follow lab procedures and learn about basic car care. This will
include oil changes, brake pad service, tire rotations and other maintenance procedures.
• Self-Directed Project – Students with automotive proficiency may work on a personal or
family vehicle. Students will be provided support throughout the project but will be
expected to include their own research.

LABS
• Students will be expected to complete several labs designed to build confidence in
working on vehicles.
• All labs must be completed by the end of the semester, but may be completed in any
order the student wishes.
• The teacher must sign off each lab to consider the lab complete
• If time permits, there may be an opportunity to build your own small final project towards
the end of the semester. The pre-requisites include but are not limited to the completion
of all mandatory projects and personal research.
• The following are a few of the labs that will be completed:
Ø Safe operation of drive-on and 2 post hoist
Ø Lifting a uni-body and a body on frame vehicle with jacks and jack stands
Ø Fluid changes on a vehicle (oil, brake, etc.)
Ø Brake pad inspection and replacement
Ø CV axle replacement
Ø Self-Directed Project

ASSESSMENT
• Students will be assessed through a combination of theory and practical work. They will
be provided with detail on marking criteria prior to each project. A few examples of
assessment are tests, projects, and self-assessment. A preliminary breakdown is as
follows:
Ø Theory – Quizzes and tests with a majority focus on safety. Tests will be
conducted on Moodle on lecture material learned prior to the test. (30%)
Ø Road Safety – Upon completion of the road safety unit, students will take the
online ICBC road test and a verbal demonstration of road safety. Students will
not have to pay or take the real test at ICBC. (10%)
Ø Practical – Labs and assignments. Students will be provided a list of 30 labs, to
which they are required to submit at least 15 of the 30 for a “complete” grade.
They will be graded for completion and require teacher signature upon
submission. (60%)

Projects, assignments and coursework are subject to change. Availability of

materials and other factors may dictate the course structure and will be
discussed with students prior to the start of any unit.