Amherst County High School

James M. Burton,  C. D.      (Jim)

Certified Mechanical Drafter,     Certified Architectural Drafter,     Certified AutoCAD Drafter

jburton@amherst.k12.va.us

Ideally, the “three year” CAD program is for those students who have an interest Engineering or Architecture, However, it also provides a background for those students who plan to follow construction or manufacturing careers since those students will need a blueprint reading background. Students will even receive free CAD software to load on their home computers. See "software note" below on this page.

Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting I

Prerequisite:           None –any grade level (just an interest in Engineering & Architectural careers) 

1 credit--1 period   (year long class) 

 This is an introduction to the Computer Aided Drafting program.  Students will be exposed to the basic Computer Aided Drafting commands as they relate to Engineering and Architectural Drafting along with blueprint reading.  This introduction is a prerequisite for CAD I and II.  

Computer Aided Drafting I

 Prerequisite:           Intro to Computer Aided Drafting 

2 credits--2 periods                   NOTE:: students are REQUIRED to take the “Intro” class

 Computer Aided Drafting I is a yearlong occupational preparation course for students interested in a computer aided drafting career as well as students interested in continuing their education after high school in the areas of Architecture or Engineering.  Students will be exposed to the basics of drafting procedures using manual board drafting practices by hand as well as AutoCAD software. The emphasis in CAD I will be on engineering drafting.  Students will prepare drawings of machine parts such as those found in local industries.  These drawings will include two dimensional and three dimensional views with dimensions, animations, and instructions from which the parts can be manufactured. Students will also have the capability of using 3D modeling technology to actually produce plastic models of parts they design.

 Computer Aided Drafting II/CVCC           Dual Enrollment

 Prerequisite:      Successful completion of “both” Intro to Computer Aided Drafting and Computer Aided Drafting I  

2 credits-2 periods

 Computer Aided Drafting II is a yearlong occupational preparation course which will allow students to advance their CAD training.  The emphasis in CAD II will be on Architectural Drafting as it relates to light residential construction.  Students will be trained to draw a complete set of house plans which would include floor plans, elevations, wall sections, and details from which a contractor can build.  Successful completion of the TWO year program will allow the student to articulate into the Engineering Technology Program at Central Virginia Community College and receive three semester hours of Dual Enrollment college credit. Students completing the THREE YEAR program will be required to take an “industry approved” end of year test. Senior students in CAD II will pay $20 dues for Skills USA.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Revised    8-1-2012    JB

"Software Note"

       All CAD students are expected to download the AutoCAD software (no charge) onto their home computers for the purpose of completing make-up work whether it be late or missed assignments. This will also alow the students the opportunity to get "outside" practice with the Engineering and Architectural software. The software is available by DVD from the instructor or may be downloaded direct by going to usa.autodesk.com/  . Once at the site's homepage, select the tab "Comminities" and go to "Students & Educators". At the Education Community page select the "Free Software" tab. On the Product Catalog page, select "AutoCAD".