Leaving Certificate Construction Studies

Project Folder Format

2010-2011

PROJECT FOLIO CHAPTERS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Project Planning
Research & Investigation
Design of Artefact
Realisation Manufacture of Project
Experimental Work
Evaluation

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

Chapter 1- Project Planning

This 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

Chapter 2- Research & Investigation

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 3- Design of Artefact

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 4 - Realisation
This 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.

Chapter 6- Evaluation of Project

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.