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CCOG for LAT 115 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
LAT 115
Course Title:
Tool and Equipment Safety, Operation and Maintenance
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Introduces the function, safe operation and minor maintenance of the most common tools and equipment in the landscape industry. Includes both power equipment and handheld tools. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Identify and select landscape tools and equipment appropriate for specific tasks in the field.
  2. Operate equipment safely to achieve project goals.
  3. Troubleshoot tool and equipment malfunctions.
  4. Perform routine equipment maintenance to insure proper, safe function of equipment.
  5. Instruct others on the safe operation and maintenance of landscape equipment.

Aspirational Goals

- gain confidence in using common tools and equipment

Course Activities and Design

The Instructor prepares hands-on labs before class (e.g.  order and stage materials, prep site for safe use). During the lab period, the Instructor teaches landscape tool safety and skills through active demonstrations in real time. Students then build practice tool skills with the Instructor's guidance and receive verbal feedback as they work.   Students develop a course project - an employee training program for a particular piece or suite of equipment. The reports are submitted and the Instructor evaluates the reports outside of class time - providing a score and feedback on technical accuracy, completeness and professionalism.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student learning will be assessed by the following:

1) midterm exam - partially performance based

2) final exam - partially performance based

3) weekly skills assessment in lab - equipment operation and maintenance

4) course project - develop an employee training program for a particular piece or suite of equipment

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Selecting the right tools and equipment for the task at hand.

Operating equipment safely.

Operating equipment efficiently and competently.

Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions.

Tool and equipment care and maintenance.