Architecture and Construction Cluster
CIMC supports instructors and programs in the Architecture and Construction career cluster by providing a variety of instructional materials, ranging from career exploration to occupational preparation. Some of our related resources are featured below. Many others are available. See the Career Clusters Resource Matrix for a more comprehensive list of products available in your cluster. To learn more, or to order any of these materials, contact our customer service department at 800.654.4502 or by e-mail, or use our online catalog.
Career Clusters Resource Matrix
Free Download
The Career Clusters Resource Matrix identifies the skill standards, curriculum, and assessments produced by our divisions (CIMC, MAVCC, and Testing) that can assist you, whether you are looking for occupational duty and task statements, in-depth curriculum content for students and teachers, competency assessments of occupational competencies—or a combination of these. Simply identify the specific pathways within the Architecture and Construction cluster to locate the resources that meet your needs. Matrices for different Career Clusters can be found on our Instructional Choices page. For more information about Career Clusters, visit CareerTech's Career Clusters website.
Architecture and Construction matrix (PDF file)
Operative Plasterers: Book One
Free Download
Operative Plasterers Book One was developed by the CIMC and the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA), and is the first in a series of books that will be used in the OPCMIA's apprenticeship program. This curriculum introduces the student or apprentice to the tools, materials, and skills needed to begin their career in the plaster industry. Students will learn about the history of the occupation, and then study the various career specialties available to the skilled plasterer. Students will learn the math and measuring skills needed to succeed before they begin hands-on learning. They will learn to inspect lathing, prepare a variety of plaster mixes, and apply base coats, scratch coats, and finish coats by hand and by machine. A student or apprentice who has completed this curriculum will have the skills necessary for entry-level employment in the industry.
The student book uses full-color photos to illustrate important steps. The teacher’s book includes a CD with PowerPoint presentations for each unit in both English and Spanish.
Operative Plasterers covers the following Architecture and Construction pathways:
- Construction
- Maintenance/Operations
We are offering Unit 11, "Mix and Apply Scratch Coat," as a free sample for you to download. For specific objectives, please download the Profile of Training Mastery - a form to document student performance that lists the specific competencies/objectives covered in the book.
Mix and Apply Scratch Coat, Teacher Edition (PDF file, 1 MB)
Mix and Apply Scratch Coat, Student Workbook (PDF file, 9.75 MB)
Operative Plasterers: Book One, Profile of Training Mastery (PDF file, 106 KB)
Concrete and Cement Masonry Series
Free Download
CIMC's Concrete and Cement Masonry series was developed with the assistance of industry experts and is endorsed by the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA). Multimedia materials are also available. For more information on this series, and to download free samples, visit our Concrete and Cement Masonry Series page.
Books in the Concrete and Cement Masonry series cover the following Architecture and Construction pathways:
- Construction
- Maintenance/Operations
Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Free Download
This revised publication offers updated information on first aid, EPA regulations and technician certification, math and measuring, refrigerants, basic mechanical refrigeration, evacuation, leak testing, and charging. Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is crosswalked to PAHRA/NATE and HVAC Excellence tasks and competencies.
Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration covers the following Architecture and Construction pathways:
- Construction
- Maintenance/Operations
We are offering Unit 14, "Refrigeration System Accessories," as a free sample to download.
Refrigeration System Accessories, Teacher Book (PDF file, 1.23 MB)
Refrigeration System Accessories, Student Guide (PDF file, 850 KB)
TechConnect Concrete
TechConnect is designed to link technology education programs, traditionally offered to sixth through eighth grade students, with the technical preparation programs offered to juniors and seniors at local technology centers. TechConnect is designed to transition ninth and tenth grade students to the next level of career development. It gives those students a chance to experience and develop foundational skills in career options at a time students are considering career goals.
Designed as a two-year program, TechConnect can be taken in a one-period format referred to as “TechConnect” or a two-period format called “TechConnect Two” that contains expanded laboratory experiences.
The TechConnect Concrete curriculum contains eight units of instruction covering such topics as industry orientation, safety practices, math & measuring, interpreting architectural blueprints, materials and tools of the trade, form construction, basic site preparation skills, and placing concrete.
For more information, visit our TechConnect page.
TechConnect Concrete covers the following Architecture and Construction pathways:
- Construction
Carpentry Crosswalks
Free Download
This document crosswalks CIMC's Residential and Commercial Carpentry Modules to the CareerTech Carpentry Skills Standard by objective.
Carpentry Crosswalks (PDF file, 2.47 MB)
Online Competency Testing
Our Testing division offers online competency tests for several different careers in the Architecture and Construction cluster.
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Updated 04.02.07