Automotive Technologies

Instructors: Mr. Alfredo Macias

Mr. Richard Alarcon

Career Cluster

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Overview

The automotive program prepares students in the area of Automotive Technology using a rigorous curriculum with a minimum of 1,080 hours of classroom instruction combined with practical experience. The curriculum provides students experience in each of the following areas: electric applications, steering and suspension, brakes, engine performance, and live shop which leads to work-based learning opportunities.

Students will work out of the Automobile Live Shop while honing their skills in maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting automobiles, and experience actual conditions that a technician faces each day in the automotive industry.

11th Grade

The 11th grade automotive program is divided in half. Students receive instruction in Steering Suspension and Brake systems during one semester, and Engine Performance in the other. Steering and Suspension is an advanced program, introducing the automobile chassis and its various systems. There is an emphasis on wheel alignment, steering and suspension component repairs. This course centers on the theory of wheel alignment and steering geometry. The brake course concentrates on brake system operation theory and hydraulic theory is emphasized on actual vehicles and mock-ups. The introduction of precision measurement tools such as micrometers and dial indicators are infused to reinforce math skills. Basic machining skills are utilized with brake drums and rotor resurfacing lathes.

In the Automotive Mechanic Engine Performances course, students will address the current engine drivability problems incurred with today’s complex computerized vehicles. The introduction to diagnostic procedures and the use of oscilloscopes, diagnostic scan tools and multi meters are thoroughly addressed. Students perform hands-on activities on live engines which are used to troubleshoot and diagnose computer and performance-related problems. A Snap-on Solus Ultra Scanner course which culminates in students receiving an industry recognized certification is achieved through the use of the latest Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Language Arts skills are emphasized through the use of project-based learning. Interdisciplinary projects utilizing the computer, internet, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint reinforce these skills.

12th Grade

12th grade Automotive Service is a two-term course where students make the leap into the automotive field. This course provides the student with actual conditions that a technician faces each day in the automotive industry. Students work on actual cars that are brought into the lab to be repaired. The vehicles belong to parents, teachers, other students, and members of the community. Students perform a variety of tasks such as tune-ups, brake jobs, wheel service, wheel alignments, and New York State Inspections. The top students are chosen to compete in various competitions, such as the GNYADA Troubleshooting competition and the SkillsUSA Automotive Technology and Service Competitions, which take place at the city, state and national levels. Here the students will display their knowledge and skills in a competition-based setting.