Forestry and Lumber Production

Course Syllabus
Course Description:
Students will take on the role of a forester to develop the skills necessary for
being successful in the field. Much of the students time will be spent observing natural
processes including the growth cycle of plants, trees, mammals, birds, and aquatic life.
Students will learn through project based learning experiences, classroom discussion, and
laboratory based experimentation. Both hand tools and power tools will be used to
supplement instruction and provide students with experience in using the tools of the
trade. Highly qualified students completers may take the NY State Game of Logging
exam and may receive a technical endorsement.
Prerequisite: Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum (year 1).
Major curriculum topics:
o Silviculture
o Wildlife (fauna)
o Chain Saw Safety and Operation
o Band Mill Safety and Operation
o Climbing safety
o Fabrication
o Select heavy equipment operation

Required Advanced Courses: All Forestry students will be required to take

advanced courses in Dump Truck pre-check and operation as well as Welding

 Course objectives:
1. Students will learn the skills and workplace responsibilities necessary to
secure a position as a Forester and/or Lumber Production Industry.
2. Participants will experience the chain of command hierarchy common in the
construction industry, through the implementation of work-crews led by
student foreman.
3. Each student will exhibit problem solving and critical thinking strategies that
will involve the use of basic and specialty tools.
4. Course participants will mathematical and scientific principles for solving
problems presented in class.
5. The learner will be able to explain the theory of operation for a two and four
stroke internal combustion engines.
6. Class members will demonstrate a complete understanding in using precision
measuring tools.
Student Responsibilities:
1.

Students are expected to be in their seats and on time for the start of
every class.

2.

Students will be prepared for class and bring all necessary materials.

3. Class members will demonstrate an interest in learning by being attentive

during class and will also take part in discussions.
4. All out of class work will be handed in on time, with correct punctuation
and grammar.
5. Each student will wear safety glasses and personal protective equipment
throughout all work periods and follow all safety rules within the lab.
6. Each student will assist in class cleanup until the lab is back its original
condition.

Assessment of student achievement will be accumulated under the following criteria:

As with all majors in the EnCon class grades will be given based on participation,
completion of quarterly projects, and written tests.
Participation grades will be assigned daily by the student's foreman, or in the case of a
foreman, the grade will be given by the instructor. Participation grades are on a scale of 1
thru 6 with a 0 being given if a student is not in attendance.
As per the EnCon grading policy, if a student is in attendance and is given a 3 or less, the
student must be informed of the grade and the reason for the grade by the foreman. The
student can appeal the grade to the instructor if they think the grade is not warranted.
The participation grades amount to 60 % of the students quarterly total, with the
remaining 40% divided between the projects and any tests given.
Because of the weight given to participation grades, if a student misses more than 7 days
in a quarter, they automatically fail. Additionally, it is nearly impossible for a student to
pass if they do not turn in their quarterly project.

Adam Cancio
Environmental Conservation
H.F.M. BOCES Career & Technical Education Center
Phone 518-736-4330 EXT. 4378
Fax 518-736-4331