22207
Course Syllabus: Excavation Math (NCCER Module 22207)
Course Information
- Course Title: Excavation Math
- Module ID: 22207 (from NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two)
- Credit Hours: 1.75 (non-credit training module)
- Total Contact Hours: 17.5 hours (including instruction, practice, and assessment)
- Delivery Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on calculations, and practical exercises
- Prerequisites: Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum or equivalent basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages)
Course Description
This module introduces the mathematical concepts and calculations essential for site excavation work in heavy equipment operations and construction. Learners develop proficiency in computing areas, volumes, slopes, cut and fill quantities, and material adjustments for swell and shrinkage. The course emphasizes practical application of math skills to real-world excavation scenarios, ensuring accurate estimation and planning on job sites.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:
- Perform basic arithmetic operations and follow the order of operations correctly.
- Calculate the perimeter, area, and volume of common geometric shapes, including squares, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, circles, cubes, rectangular prisms, and cylinders.
- Determine slope lengths, ratios, and grades using rise, run, and pitch.
- Compute excavation volumes for simple and complex shapes, including foundations, trenches, and irregular areas.
- Calculate cut and fill requirements, accounting for site balancing.
- Apply swell (load) and shrinkage (compaction) factors to adjust bank, loose, and compacted volumes.
- Convert units of measurement (e.g., cubic feet to cubic yards) and calculate material weights based on volume and density.
- Solve practical excavation problems using formulas and estimators’ shortcuts.
Required Materials
- NCCER Trainee Guide: Excavation Math (Module 22207)
- Scientific calculator (non-programmable)
- Notebook, pencil, and graph paper
- Ruler, protractor, and measuring tape (for hands-on exercises)
- Access to NCCER online resources (if available through training provider)
Course Outline and Schedule
The module is divided into key topics, with approximate time allocations based on a 17.5-hour format.
| Session | Topics Covered | Hours | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction and Basic Math Review – Order of operations – Fractions, decimals, percentages – Unit conversions | 2.5 | Lecture, worksheets, group drills |
| 2 | Perimeter and Area Calculations – Squares and rectangles – Triangles and trapezoids – Circles (circumference and area) | 3.0 | Examples, practice problems, real-world blueprints |
| 3 | Volume Calculations – Cubes and rectangular prisms – Cylinders – Simple excavations (foundations, trenches) | 3.5 | Hands-on calculations, volume estimation exercises |
| 4 | Complex Volumes and Irregular Shapes – Breaking down complex areas – Composite shapes in excavations | 2.5 | Case studies, problem-solving scenarios |
| 5 | Slopes and Grades – Slope length and ratio – Rise, run, pitch, and grade percentage | 2.5 | Diagrams, slope staking simulations |
| 6 | Cut and Fill Calculations – Site balancing – Swell and shrinkage factors – Bank, loose, and compacted volumes | 2.5 | Practical exercises, material adjustment problems |
| 7 | Review and Application – Integrated problems – Job site scenarios | 0.5 | Group work, Q&A |
| 8 | Final Assessment | 0.5 | Written exam and performance verification |
Assessment and Evaluation
- Performance Tasks (50% of grade): Trainees must demonstrate competency by accurately completing assigned calculations (e.g., volume of an excavation, cut/fill with swell factor). Tasks are evaluated using NCCER Performance Verification rubrics.
- Module Exam (50% of grade): Multiple-choice written exam covering all objectives (typically 20-30 questions).
- Passing Requirement: 70% or higher on the exam, plus successful completion of all performance tasks.
- Certification: Successful trainees earn the NCCER Excavation Math credential, recorded in the NCCER National Registry.
Policies
- Attendance: Full attendance is required for certification eligibility.
- Safety: All calculations must prioritize accurate planning to support safe excavation practices.
- Academic Integrity: Collaboration is encouraged on practice exercises, but assessments must be individual work.
- Accommodations: Available upon request for qualified individuals.
This syllabus aligns with NCCER standards for Module 22207 and prepares trainees for advanced topics in heavy equipment operations, site layout, and grading.