Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW)

Course Description

In Civil Engineering and Architecture, students learn important aspects of building and site design and development. They apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3-D architectural design software.

Grade Level(s): 10th-12th Grades

Introduction to Engineering Design is a Project Lead the Way course taught by Kirkwood teachers with PLTW curriculum and resources.  Curriculum for each subject area is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, which align closely with Missouri Learning Standards for Science.  The PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture Course Outline can be viewed HERE.

Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

Unit 1: Overview of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Unit 1 provides an introduction and overview of the past accomplishments within the fields of civil engineering and architecture, as well as a brief introduction to the wide variety of careers within the fields of civil engineering and architecture.

Unit 2: Residential Design

This unit of study introduces students to standard practice in the design of single family homes and provides an opportunity for students to develop a small single family home design that incorporates sustainable design practices as well as universal design features. Students will be introduced to building codes and their impact on design as well as common wood-framed residential construction techniques and practices. Students will also investigate the cost of construction and the significant impact of the choice of construction materials and practices on the ongoing cost of energy for heating and cooling. They will apply this knowledge to the design of a small, affordable home.

Unit 3: Commercial Applications

This unit will provide students with an opportunity to discover the diversity and complexity of commercial building design as they design a renovation to a commercial facility. The design of commercial facilities includes multiple building systems and involves a wide range of engineering and architectural considerations. In this unit, students will learn about site considerations important to the function of the building. Students will learn about common built-up systems that provide the building envelope, such as wall and roofs. They will learn about the utilities and services that supply power, water, and communication services to the building. In addition, students will learn about common structural systems employed to support all of the building components. Applying the knowledge they gain from this unit of study, students will design a renovation to a commercial facility and document that design using 3D architectural software.

Unit 4: Commercial Building Design Problem

This unit will allow students to collaborate on the design and documentation of a small commercial facility within a project design team. They will identify a need within their community, investigate a potential site, develop a preliminary design, and document the design of the facility as a team. They will also present their design concept to a panel that will critique their design and offer feedback to the team related to their design and presentation.