Mechanics 12 is divided into two parts;  Theory, and Practical . The theory component of Mechanics 12 and is held in Room T 103. The shop part is held in Room T 109, the Mechanics Shop. Very few, if any demonstrations are held in Mechanics 12. I'm assuming you know all this stuff from Mechanics 11. If you want to take the shop part of the course without any theory, sign up for a second block of Mechanics 12.

The topics covered in this course are:

1.The Electrical system. Batteries, Alternators, and Starters.

2.The Drive Train. Clutches, Transmissions, and Differentials

3. Frames, Suspension, Steering and Tires

4. Disc and Drum type Braking Systems

5. Emissions Control

6. Computer Engine Controls

          As the automobile changes, this course also changes to keep pace with technology. We do still, however, discuss old technology, because a lot of us can't afford new cars. To allow class notes to keep pace with the changing technology of cars, and because textbooks are extremely expensive, and become obsolete very quickly, classroom notes are available on the World Wide Web at the address, mxshop.com , which is the website of Vic High Mechanics. The website can be accessed at home, if you have an online computer, or you can access it from the school library, public library, L.D. and L.A. rooms, resource room, or from any teacher’s classroom simply by asking them. If you are having trouble accessing the website see me right away. Don’t leave it until the day before the test. All class notes are available there, as are sample questions from the unit tests. I suggest you bookmark the address. You will also be given a copy of the notes we discuss in class.  Before the test, review the notes, and try the sample test at the end of each section.

          Although there is less theory in Mechanics 12, it is more complicated and difficult, and therefore a minimum of a C+ in Mechanics 11 is required to progress to Mechanics 12.  

Requirements

You will need a duo-tang folder at least, or better still, a three ring binder to keep your notes in. At the start of every section you will receive a package of diagrams and drawings for that section. You will need to keep them in your binder and refer to them from time to time.

Grading

The theory part of this course is easy to mark. At the end of every theory class, we have a quiz in the form of a crossword puzzle. They are all from the material we discussed that day, and the answers are all in the notes you received that day. These quizzes form half of your theory mark. They happen almost every day, and almost everyone receives a ten out of ten, but if you are absent that day, obviously you can't have participated in the class, and can't do the crossword. One of the most important things we can teach you is to be at work on time, so if you are late for class, your maximum mark will be 5 out of 10.

At the end of each section, we will take a class to have a test. All the questions are multiple choice. These tests are not easy, but every word on them, we discuss in class and the answers are all in your notes, and on our website. Sample tests are also on our website. Your fellow classmates then mark those tests in class, and then you get to check them over, and complain if you were ripped off. After you have looked at them, you hand them back to me, I check them over, check the addition, and enter them in my files. 

At the end of the term,  I average all your tests and quizzes, and generate a letter grade, as per the approved school formula. (85-100% A, 75-84% B, etc.) Do not miss class! More people fail because of absence, than any other reason.

Theory Rules:   

1.      I will show up for class on time.

2.      I will treat all other members of my class, and the instructor with respect and dignity at all times, and in return, I expect to be treated in the same way.

3.      I will not interfere with the learning of other members of my class.

4.      I will not cheat, lie, or steal, from my classmates, the instructor, the school, or the shop.

Shop

Shop classes are held in Room T 109, the Automotive Mechanics shop. There are  few demonstrations, if any demonstrations in Mechanics 12, and what few there are usually occur when someone needs to know how to do something. Hopefully, all the demonstrations were done last year in Mechanics 11. If you missed a demonstration, or forget how to perform the job, instruction sheets can de downloaded from mxshop.com.

The most important thing you have to do is to keep busy all period, every period. This can be by providing your own project, or by working on one of the project cars assigned to you. Give it your best effort. That’s all anyone can ask. You will probably be working with a partner, but no more than two people work on the same job at once. Anyone found standing around, will be given a job to do. The quality, and quantity of work that I expect from you in Mechanics 12 is significantly higher than it was in Mechanics 11. Standing around not working will not be tolerated.

Grading in the shop is done on a daily basis. You are marked on the work you do during that class on a scale from zero to four. A ‘Four’ means you worked all period, with no standing around, did outstanding, trade quality work, and cleaned up after yourself. A ‘Three’ means you worked all period, with no standing around, did adequate, high school quality work, and cleaned up after yourself. A ‘Two’ means you didn’t work the whole period, did O.K. work, and your cleanup left something to be desired. A ‘One’ means you did little or no work that period. A ‘Zero’ means you didn’t participate in the class at all; probably you were away. Your daily shop mark is entered in a spreadsheet program, is averaged at the end of the term, and a Letter Grade is generated as per the approved school formula. Not that this is an easy course, because it's not; but more people seem to fail because of not attending, or by making no effort at all, than any other reasons. If you are absent for legitimate reasons, like a sudden rash of births, deaths, weddings, or rugby tours in your family; have no fear, you can make up your missed classes Wednesdays after school, when the shop is open from 3:05 - 4:30 for work. You can make up your lost time then. Check with me first, just to make sure the shop will be open.

Cars

 You don't need a car to get an 'A' in Mechanics. In fact many times in the past, the best students didn't have a car, or even have driver's licenses. Driving in and around the shop area must be done in a safe manner. Any unsafe driving, or laying rubber, around the school will result in you not being allowed to bring your car into the shop for a while.

Shop Rules:

1.        I will show up for class on time

2.        I will treat all other members of my class, and the instructor with respect and dignity at all times, and in return, I expect to be treated in the same way.

3.        I will give my best effort every day.

4.        I will not interfere with the learning of other members of my class.

5.        I will not cheat, lie, or steal, from my classmate, the instructor, the school, or the shop.

6.        I will not leave the shop for any reason without checking with the instructor first.

Follow these rules, and I guarantee you will pass!