Leaving Certificate Construction Studies

Project Folder Format2010-2011

PROJECT FOLIO CHAPTERS1. Project Planning2. Research & Investigation3. Design of Artefact4. Realisation – Manufacture of Project5. Experimental Work6. Evaluation

Remember everything you do even a simple sketch will all be included in the back of the folder. All this shows incremental design progress throughout your project. You should also have 1-2 sheets showing like a diary of events from start to finish.

Finally if I feel that you are not putting enough effort into your project and that this threatens our final date schedule I will contact your parents/guardians on this issue. I will not allow any student to compromise our finish date as a class due to lack of effort.

The above is not a specified format for the folder but if follow this format it will keep you focused throughout the project.

Chapter 1- Project PlanningThis chapter will outline your aims and objectives for your project. It can be broken down into the following subheadings

Introduction to project –Your own brief for the development of the project.

Aims & Objectives for the project –Your grade aim and your interest in this area.

Time Management Strategy- Gantt or similar charts for your time planning (Microsoft project)

Chapter 2- Research & Investigation Inventors/designers do not come up with final ideas/solutions overnight. The

process can be a long drawn out one but it must be recorded to show that this is your idea. You do not want an examiner correcting your project thinking that this idea is not the students work and has being directly copied. This is a record of your work.

• Analysis of Project –Development of brief, information,/knowledge required to complete the project.

• Theoretical investigation of project area – Research of the topic relating to your project.

• Key findings drawn from project – Evaluation of research, distillation of information gathered.

• Research sources include –Internet, Builders, Woodwork book, Dept of agriculture, Construction book, roofers, building providers, co. Council or local history club, books etc.

• Write away to companies-Proof of this will impress anyone correcting your project

How will I present this information??• Extract – from a magazine. Web etc,• Photos• Diagrams• Notes etc..

Always• Interrogate information gathered- get a 2nd source• Reference your source at all times if it is not your own work.• Draw conclusions from your findings...

Chapter 2- Research & Investigation

This chapter should record the development of your project from initial ideas to final solution.

• Design ideas for artefact – A progression of ideas to your final idea and then to your final design

• Working drawings – To scale using t-square or CAD.• Cutting list – List of materials required. If not available in school, state

where you sourced them• Models/ mock ups, templates, Jigs, Marking out boards- Keep these

and take photos of them

Chapter 3- Design of Artefact

Chapter 4 - RealisationThis is a step by step guide of the manufacture, almost like a diary of

events.

YOU SHOULD HAVE NOTES, SKETCHES, PHOTOS & DRAWINGS• Preparation of materials- What needed to be done to make

components.• Marking out –Use of templates etc• Processing of parts- jointing methods, skills used ,tools used etc.• Assembly – Gluing etc• Finishing- Preparation of surfaces, spraying, varnish etc..• Modifications – Record all changes and explain.

Chapter 5 – Experimental Work• You must submit three experiments that you undertook during

coursework. It should where possible be related to your project area.

The following are some ideas..• Testing jointing methods e.g. Mortise and tenon versus dowel joints• Test on moisture content of wood• Test quality of finishes e.g. Varnish versus lacquer etc..• Test on strength of structures – test roof members eg. Without purlin

how will roof react will it bend??• Bending strengths of wood• Different glues used for joints etc..• Strength of concrete..• Treatment of wood.

You should give a personal account of your learning experience gained from the project. This should include:

• Critical Appraisal of Project- Analyse your plans – did it turn out as I thought?

• What would I do different if I was to do it again?? • Did I finish on time- How could I have done it quicker?? • Would I have used different materials eg chipboard instead of MDF

etc.. • Would I have done things different eg used a different joint method,

different glue etc.

Chapter 6- Evaluation of Project