Updated: 11/06/2009

Resources:

Teachers:

• Mike Mederos – Tulare
• Rick Cotta – Tehachapi
• Jake Dunn – Pitman
• Darol Fishman – Merced College
• Mike Spiess – CSU Chico
• Search for Ag Mechanics Teachers

Texts:

• Agriculture Mechanics Fundamentals and Applications – 6th Edition, Ray Herren
• Modern Agricultural Mechanics -- Burke, Stanley R., & Wakeman, T. J. (1990).  (2nd ed.). Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

Web Sites:

• Copper Tube Handbook

• Oatey Video (PVC gluing and Copper soldering videos)

• Spears Instruction Sheets (Plastic Pipe, site also has fittings and pipe information)

• Plumbing Definitions Glossary - A Detailed Plumbers Glossary of Plumbing Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms

• Working with Steel Pipe How To DIY

• RIDGID Professional Tools

Curriculum:

2550, 2551, 2552, 2553, 2554

Methods:

• Read the Plumbing units in the text book(s) you are using.
• Go to a local hardware store and gather a selection of fittings to use as props while teaching this unit. Or, check with your maintenance or grounds departments to “borrow” fittings and tools to use as visuals.
• Use your shop and surrounding buildings and grounds to view different plumbing systems.
• Be sure you are comfortable performing any of the skills you will be demonstrating to your class.

Standards:

4.0 Technology

Students know how to use contemporary and emerging technological resources in diverse and changing personal, community, and workplace environments:

4.1 Understand past, present, and future technological advances as they relate to a chosen pathway.

4.6 Differentiate among, select, and apply appropriate tools and technology.

5.0 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Students understand how to create alternative solutions by using critical and creative thinking skills, such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving techniques:

5.1 Apply appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills to work-related issues and tasks.

5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.

B. Agricultural Mechanics Pathway

B1.0 Students understand personal and group safety:

B1.1 Practice the rules for personal and group safety while working in an agricultural mechanics environment.

B1.2 Know the relationship between accepted shop management procedures and a safe working environment.

B1.3 Know how to safely secure loads on a variety of vehicles.

B4.0 Students understand plumbing system practices commonly used in agriculture:

B4.1 Know basic plumbing fitting skills with a variety of materials, such as copper, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), steel, polyethylene, and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

B4.2 Understand the environmental influences on plumbing system choices (e.g., filter systems, water disposal).

B4.3 Know how various plumbing and irrigation systems are used in agriculture.

B4.4 Complete a plumbing project, including interpreting a plan, developing a bill of materials and cutting list, selecting materials, joining, and testing.

Unit Topics:

1. Introduction (Outline) (PPT)
2. Safety (outline) (Safety Test)
3. Terminology
   1. Teacher Reference (HTML, Word)
   2. Student Reference (HTML, Word)
   3. Vocabulary (Word)
   4. Fittings (PPT)
4. PVC Plumbing
   1. Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:
      1. Properly identify common plumbing tools, materials, and fittings.
      2. Measuring, prepare, glue, assemble
      3. Select proper pipe type
   2. Topic Presentation (Outline) (PPT)
5. Steel Plumbing
   1. Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:
      1. Properly identify common plumbing tools, materials, and fittings.
      2. Measure, thread, and assemble steel pipe.
      3. Select proper pipe type
   2. Topic Presentation (Outline) (PPT)
6. Copper Plumbing
   1. Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:
      1. Properly identify common plumbing tools, materials, and fittings.
      2. Measure, prepare, assemble, and solder
      3. Select proper pipe type
   2. Topic Presentation (Outline) (PPT)
7. Fittings
   1. Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:
      1. Properly identify common fittings
      2. Select fitting appropriate for the job and type of plumbing system
      3. Describe fittings (e.g. for a bill of materials) plumbing tools, materials, and fittings.
   2. Topic Presentation (Outline) (PPT)
8. Plumbing Tools
   1. Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:
      1. Properly identify common plumbing tools by the correct name
      2. Select appropriate tools for the job
      3. Use tools safely
   2. Topic Presentation (Outline) (PPT)

Worksheet

• Steel Pipe
• Copper Pipe
• Plastic Pipe
• Plumbing Bill of Materials

Unit Assessment

• Plumbing Assessment

Skill Assignments / Projects

• Plumbing Project
• Plumbing Assignment
• Sprinkler Project

California Ag Mechanics Curriculum Project