Unit 2: Materials used in Construction

How to identify and label six core construction materials: concrete, masonry, glass, plastic, wood, and metal.
The three-tier classification system (Structural, Insulating, and Finishing) and the criteria for sorting materials based on functionality, properties, and construction sequence.
The physical and chemical properties of structural materials, including the strength-to-weight ratio of wood, the geological formation of construction rocks, the hydration process of cement, and the tensile strength of various steels and alloys.
The essential role and varieties of joining materials, distinguishing between mechanical fasteners and chemical binders.
The functional purpose and efficiency criteria (such as R-value) for insulating materials.
The protective and aesthetic applications of finishing materials like drywall, paint, and flooring.

Conduct a Material Scavenger Hunt on campus to document real-world applications of construction materials.
Engage in Design Challenges, such as building wooden bridges with toothpicks or constructing mini-archways to observe compression forces.
Perform scientific experiments, including mixing cement to observe hydration and testing the compressive strength of different material samples.
Research and rank joining techniques for diverse structures like residential homes and high-load bridges.
Evaluate insulation types through data analysis to determine the best material for specific building sections like attics or basements.

Labeled Photo Portfolios: Documentation of six distinct materials identified in the immediate environment.

Technical Assessments: Completion of multiple-choice and true/false questions regarding material classification and structural properties.

Technical Reports: Research reports on famous structures and the reasoning behind their specific material choices.

Final CER Capstone Project: A formal Claim-Evidence-Reasoning report where students justify material selections for three different building types based on factors like load, climate, and sustainability.