Small Engine Equipment Technology

Program Overview

The Small Engine Equipment Technology (SET) program is divided into two areas of training: Outdoor power equipment and motorcycles. Students in the 9th-12th grades are guided through a progressive, educational competency environment. Some of the competencies covered are safety, carburetor theory, and the maintenance and repair of two and four stroke engines. In the fully equipped laboratory, the students apply the skills they have acquired by dismantling and reassembling L-head and overhead valve engines. As students progress through the curriculum, they learn to diagnose, service, and repair lawn and garden equipment such as lawnmowers, riding mowers, chain saws, line trimmers, and leaf blowers. The SET facility and curriculum content is certified by the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) which is the only nationally recognized certification body for the outdoor power equipment programs in colleges and high schools.

Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)
Educational & Physical Attributes Expectations
Program Safety & Physical Considerations
  • A focus on safety around moving equipment, hand tools & other equipment found in the industry
  • Ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly & accurately
  • Ability to work in tight spaces
  • Ability to work independently, read & follow directions
  • Good eye/hand coordination
  • Stamina to stand for long periods of time
Essential APTITUDES for this lab–Recommended levels
  • Finger dexterity, manual dexterity
  • Motor coordination
  • Critical thinking
  • Complex problem solving
  • Troubleshooting
  • Spatial/visual thinking
  • Good speaking skills
Reading
  • Explain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading text
  • Follow a complex multi–step procedure independently
  • Evaluate how key words and phrases shape meaning in texts
  • Comprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visuals
  • Learn and apply content–specific symbols correctly
  • Apply content–specific vocabulary correctly
  • Identify and explain how different ideas connect throughout text
  • Read and understand diagnostic and schematic data to solve a problem
  • Compare & contrast information in a text
  • Summarize information from different written resources
  • By the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficiently
  • Textbook: Small Gas Engines, Eleventh Edition, Average grade reading level: 13.725
Writing
  • Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience
  • Produce clear & coherent writing
  • Develop and strengthen writing by brainstorming, revising, editing & rewriting
  • Write with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabulary
  • Write routinely over short/long time frames for a range of tasks, purposes & audiences
  • Clearly convey with precision step–by–step work completed
  • Write fast–paced, accurate work reports
  • Use technology to produce, publish or share writing
Math Levels

    Numbers and Operations:

  • Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimals
  • Grade 6 – Fraction computations
  • Grade 7 – Fraction to decimal conversion
  • Grade 7 – Percent and ratio problems
  • Grade 8 – Decimals to rational number (fraction) conversion
  • Grade 8 – Estimate the value of irrational numbers
  • Algebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversions
  • Measurement:

  • NG – Units: English Metric Precision: 0.0001 inch
  • Grade 6 – Unit conversion within and between measuring systems
  • Grade 8 – Volume of cone, cylinder, sphere
  • Geometry – Apply volume formulas – including pyramid
  • Algebraic Concepts:

  • Grade 6 – One–step equation solutions – one variable with all non–negative components
  • Geometric Concepts:

  • Grade 7 – Scale drawings of geometric figures
  • Grade 8 – Pythagorean Theorem
  • Geometry – Scale models and drawings
  • Data and Probability:

  • Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictions
Theory Time
  • 2.5 hours/week
Homework
  • Minimum 1.5 hour/week
Lab Time
  • 8 hours/week
Tests
  • Pre–test and post–test for each unit
  • Independent learning guides
  • Practical Skills Assessment
  • Industry certifications
    • OSHA 10
    • Briggs and Stratton Master Technician
    • EECT Certified Technician
  • NOCTI (mandatory for all CTE programs)
POS Academics and Electives Recommended
  • English & Math are a component of the DCTS program
Study & Other Skills
  • Note taking skills
Technology Skills/Knowledge
  • Use and navigate school–issued laptop
  • Web navigation
  • Email management
  • Navigate learning management system and other instructional technology tools
  • Database navigation
  • Video conferencing
  • Use of calibrating equipment
Post–Secondary Options and Continuing Ed
  • Associates Engineering Technician
  • Bachelor/Master Mechanical Engineer
  • Trade School
  • Apprenticeship