Blueprint Reading
Blueprint Reading
Blueprint Reading
¢ Key Terms. The following terms are presented in this lesson (shown in bold italics):
> blueprints
> blueprint reading
> compass
> drafting boards
> drawing scale
> lead pointer
> protractor
> scale ruler
> symbol
> T-square
¢ Interest Approach. Use an interest approach that will prepare the students for the
lesson. Teachers often develop approaches for their unique class and student situations. A
possible approach is included here.
Introduce the blueprint reading lesson by engaging the students directly with
objects and spaces they know. For example, have students create technical
drawings of some of their belongings—cellphone, ear buds, watch, or the
classroom. Then have the students build models from these drawings. This helps
create a direct relationship with the students and gets them excited about
drawing and building. You could have the students build a model using another’s
drawings. Using another person’s drawing helps reinforce how important it is to
create an accurate drawing. Blueprints are accurate representations of objects
and spaces.
Teaching Strategy: Many techniques can be used to help students master this
objective. Use VM–A and VM–B to review. Have students create individual technical
drawings of the classroom that include four walls and a floor plan. Assign LS–A.
Anticipated Problem: Which symbols, notes, and abbreviations are used on blueprints?
Teaching Strategy: Many techniques can be used to help students master this
objective. Use VM–C and VM–D to review. Before students begin their scale drawings,
you may need to review solving proportions. Using the drawing created in Objective 1,
have the students apply appropriate symbols and terms to that set of drawings.
Students could also add symbols, notes, and abbreviations to any set of existing
drawings. Assign LS–B.
Anticipated Problem: How are models built from blueprints or CADD specifications?
Teaching Strategy: Many techniques can be used to help students master this
objective. Use VM–E to review sample built models. Have the students build scaled
models of the drawings they created in objective one. Assign LS–C.
¢ Application. Use the included visual master(s) and lab sheet(s) to apply the
information presented in the lesson.
¢ Evaluation. Evaluation should focus on student achievement of the objectives for the
lesson. Various techniques can be used, such as student performance on the application
activities. A sample written test is provided.
Blueprint Reading
u Part One: Matching
Instructions: Match the term with the correct definition.
a. T-square e. blueprints
b. drawing scale f. protractor
c. lead pointer g. blueprint reading
d. scale ruler
_____1. Reproductions of technical drawings that use a contact print process on light-sensitive
material
_____2. A tool that consists of a head and a blade (or straightedge) used to draw straight lines
_____3. A tool used to measure and lay out angles on drawings
_____4. The size of the drawing relative to the actual object it represents
_____5. A tool formed from a strip of wood, aluminum, or plastic with a straightedge graduated
in inches or millimeters that is used for measuring and drawing
_____6. A tool used to sharpen drafting pencils and leads
_____7. The interpretation of the language—symbols, notes, and abbreviations—found on
construction, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
2. List the information blueprints provide through symbols, notes, and abbreviations.
DRAFTING TOOLS—
PROTRACTOR, STRAIGHTEDGE,
CUTTER, AND CUTTING BOARD
DRAFTING TOOLS—T-SQUARE,
COMPASS, AND SCALE RULER
BUILT MODEL
Blueprints include a scale reference to build a model to an
exact size for a home or a property development. Models
are constructed of soft wood, foam core, or mat board.
Objectives
1. Practice using manual or CADD blueprint materials and tools.
2. Sketch a floor plan with dimensions.
3. Sketch four elevations with dimensions.
4. Re-draw the sketches to scale using manual or CADD tools.
Materials
t drafting pencil
t drafting paper
t drawing board
t scale ruler
t triangles
t T-square
t tape measure
t computer
t CADD software
t printer
t tape measure
Procedure
1. Work independently.
Objectives
1. Draw the appropriate graphic symbols for all the windows and doors.
2. Add the appropriate symbols for specifications (e.g., windows and doors).
3. Add all dimension line information (e.g., including extension lines).
Materials
t drafting pencil
t drafting paper
t drawing board
t scale ruler
t triangles
t T-square
t drawing produced in Objective 1 (LS–A)
t computer with printer
t CADD software
t printer
Objectives
1. Determine an appropriate scale for your model with your instructor.
2. Re-draw the plan onto your model material using the dimension measurements.
3. Cut the model pieces and glue together (e.g., floor plan and all elevations).
4. Assemble the model.
Materials
t pencil
t paper
t cutting board
t glue
t X-acto® (or similar) knife
t straightedge
t scale ruler
t plan print and each elevations
t model building material, such as mat board
t drawing set created in LS–A and LS–B