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Intro to Automotive Industry: Comprehensive Curriculum (Spring 2026)

Course Description (for College Admissions):

This course is a comprehensive, project-based automotive industry experience that integrates practical mechanical skills with academic learning in business entrepreneurship, automotive technology, and service operations. Students research, purchase, and work on a vehicle throughout the semester, applying hands-on skills across six key areas: business/entrepreneurship, workshop setup, engine servicing, drivetrain servicing, performance tuning, and electronics. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, technical competency, business acumen, and real-world application through hands-on vehicle service and maintenance. Students document their complete automotive journey from vehicle research and purchase through technical service work, culminating in the development of a complete business plan and financial pro forma for "Full Throttle Automotive," demonstrating both technical mastery and business planning capabilities essential for professional development.

Overview

Student: Jackson Hurff
Grade: 11th Grade
Class Duration: January 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Project: Comprehensive Automotive Industry, Business & Technical Skills Program
Main Coordinator: Jimmy Hurff (Father)
Academic Supervisor: Jessica Hurff (Mother)
Location: Home Workshop & Local Automotive Suppliers, Palmetto, FL
Vehicle: Research and purchase a vehicle for Jackson (used for labs and local transportation)

Orientation Session - Monday, January 5, 2026

Time: TBD
Location: Home Workshop/Classroom
No Hands-On Activities - Orientation and Class Kickoff Only

Orientation Agenda:

  • Class Overview & Expectations Review
  • Course objectives and learning goals
  • Weekly schedule structure and time commitments
  • Safety protocols and workshop rules

  • Family roles and responsibilities

  • Schedule & Calendar Review

  • Complete semester timeline (January 5 - May 31)
  • Weekly session structure
  • Major deliverables and due dates

  • Vehicle research and purchase timeline

  • Vehicle Research & Purchase Planning

  • Vehicle selection criteria discussion
  • Budget considerations
  • Research process and timeline

  • Purchase decision framework

  • Workshop Setup Introduction

  • Workspace overview
  • Safety equipment location and usage
  • Emergency procedures and contact information

  • Basic tool introduction

  • Documentation & Portfolio Requirements

  • Journal writing expectations
  • Photo documentation guidelines
  • Budget tracking system
  • Technical documentation standards

  • Business plan development process

  • First Week Preparation

  • Vehicle research assignments
  • Business fundamentals reading
  • Equipment and tool preparation
  • Questions and clarification session

Orientation Materials Provided:

  • Complete course calendar
  • Safety protocols and emergency contacts
  • Documentation templates
  • Budget tracking forms
  • Vehicle research guidelines
  • Business plan framework

Class Objectives

  • Master fundamental automotive service and maintenance techniques
  • Understand business fundamentals and entrepreneurship principles
  • Develop workshop organization and safety protocols
  • Learn engine servicing procedures and diagnostics
  • Practice drivetrain service and maintenance
  • Explore performance tuning concepts and applications
  • Understand automotive electronics and diagnostics
  • Build business planning and financial analysis skills
  • Create comprehensive business plan and financial pro forma
  • Develop real-world technical and business competencies
  • Practice professional documentation and presentation skills
  • Build confidence through hands-on service work and business development

Weekly Schedule Structure

  • Weekly Sessions: Scheduled as needed for each section
  • Hands-On Lab Work: Vehicle service and maintenance activities
  • Independent Work: Research, documentation, and business plan development
  • Business Planning: Ongoing development throughout the semester

Learning Cycle:

  1. Instruction: Section concepts, procedures, and theory
  2. Hands-On Practice: Applied service work on vehicle
  3. Documentation: Photo documentation, notes, and reflection
  4. Business Development: Ongoing business plan and pro forma work
  5. Review & Assessment: Progress tracking and skill evaluation

Course Structure: Six Key Sections

Section 1: Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship (Weeks 1-5: Jan 6 - Feb 9)

Duration: 5 weeks
Focus: Business fundamentals, entrepreneurship, market research, business plan structure

Learning Objectives: - Understand business fundamentals and entrepreneurship concepts - Conduct market research for automotive services - Learn business plan structure and components - Develop financial planning and analysis skills - Research and select appropriate vehicle for project

Key Topics: - Business fundamentals and entrepreneurship - Market analysis and research methods - Business plan structure and development - Financial planning basics - Vehicle research and selection process

Deliverables: - Market research report - Business plan outline - Vehicle research documentation - Initial business concept development

Section 2: Workshop Setup and Maintenance (Weeks 6-7: Feb 10 - Feb 23)

Duration: 2 weeks
Focus: Workshop organization, tool selection, safety protocols, workspace setup

Learning Objectives: - Select and organize appropriate tools for automotive service - Establish safety protocols and procedures - Design and set up efficient workshop space - Understand tool maintenance and organization - Create safe and organized working environment

Key Topics: - Tool selection and procurement - Workshop organization and layout - Safety protocols and procedures - Equipment setup and maintenance - Workspace optimization

Deliverables: - Workshop layout plan - Tool inventory and organization system - Safety protocol documentation - Workspace setup completion

Section 3: Basic Engine Servicing (Weeks 8-12: Feb 24 - Apr 6)

Duration: 5 weeks
Focus: Engine maintenance, oil changes, filters, cooling systems, basic diagnostics

Learning Objectives: - Perform oil changes and fluid services - Replace filters correctly - Service cooling systems - Conduct basic engine diagnostics - Document service procedures

Key Topics: - Oil changes and fluid services - Filter replacement procedures - Cooling system maintenance - Basic engine diagnostics - Service documentation

Deliverables: - Completed engine service procedures - Service documentation with photos - Diagnostic reports - Maintenance records

Section 4: Basic Drivetrain Servicing (Weeks 13-15: Apr 7 - Apr 27)

Duration: 3 weeks
Focus: Transmission service, differential maintenance, drive shafts, CV joints

Learning Objectives: - Service transmission systems - Maintain differential systems - Service drive shafts and CV joints - Conduct drivetrain diagnostics - Perform preventive maintenance

Key Topics: - Transmission service procedures - Differential maintenance - Drive shaft and CV joint service - Drivetrain diagnostics - Preventive maintenance schedules

Deliverables: - Completed drivetrain service work - Service documentation - Diagnostic reports - Maintenance schedule documentation

Section 5: Engine Performance Tuning (Weeks 16-18: Apr 28 - May 18)

Duration: 3 weeks
Focus: Performance theory, intake/exhaust systems, engine optimization, tuning basics

Learning Objectives: - Understand performance theory and principles - Work with intake and exhaust systems - Apply engine optimization techniques - Learn tuning basics and adjustments - Document performance improvements

Key Topics: - Performance theory and principles - Intake and exhaust systems - Engine optimization techniques - Tuning basics and adjustments - Performance measurement and documentation

Deliverables: - Performance improvement documentation - Before/after comparisons - Tuning procedure documentation - Performance analysis report

Section 6: Electronics (Weeks 19-20: May 19 - May 25)

Duration: 2 weeks
Focus: Electrical systems, modern vehicle electronics, diagnostics, troubleshooting

Learning Objectives: - Understand electrical system fundamentals - Work with modern vehicle electronics - Use diagnostic equipment effectively - Conduct troubleshooting procedures - Document electronic system work

Key Topics: - Electrical system fundamentals - Modern vehicle electronics - Diagnostic equipment usage - Troubleshooting procedures - Electronic system documentation

Deliverables: - Electrical system documentation - Diagnostic procedure reports - Troubleshooting documentation - Electronics competency demonstration

Final Project: Business Plan & Pro Forma (Week 21: May 26 - May 31)

Duration: 1 week
Focus: Complete business plan and financial pro forma for Full Throttle Automotive

Final Deliverables: - Complete Business Plan for Full Throttle Automotive - Executive summary - Market analysis - Operations plan - Marketing strategy - Management structure - Financial projections summary

  • Financial Pro Forma
  • Startup costs analysis
  • Revenue projections (3-year)
  • Operating expenses
  • Break-even analysis

  • Cash flow projections

  • Technical Portfolio

  • Service documentation portfolio
  • Before/after photos
  • Skill demonstration evidence

  • Vehicle improvement documentation

  • Final Presentation

  • Business concept presentation
  • Technical achievements showcase
  • Financial analysis summary
  • Q&A preparation

Assessment & Grading

Technical Competency (40%)

  • Hands-on service work completion
  • Technical skill demonstration
  • Procedure documentation
  • Problem-solving abilities

Business Planning (30%)

  • Business plan quality and completeness
  • Financial pro forma accuracy
  • Market analysis depth
  • Business concept viability

Documentation (20%)

  • Journal entries and reflections
  • Photo documentation
  • Technical documentation
  • Portfolio compilation

Professional Development (10%)

  • Attendance and participation
  • Safety protocol adherence
  • Professional presentation
  • Continuous improvement

Resources & Materials

Required Tools & Equipment

  • Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers)
  • Oil change equipment
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Safety equipment (gloves, eye protection)
  • Diagnostic equipment (as needed)
  • Workshop space and organization systems

Vehicle Requirements

  • Suitable vehicle for service work (purchased during course)
  • Vehicle must be safe and serviceable
  • Appropriate for learning objectives

Learning Materials

  • Service manuals and guides
  • Business planning resources
  • Financial planning templates
  • Documentation templates
  • Online resources and tutorials

Academic Standards

This course meets high school academic standards for: - Career and Technical Education (CTE) - Business and Entrepreneurship - Applied Science and Technology - Project-Based Learning - Real-World Application

The program is designed to demonstrate college-level competencies in: - Technical skills development - Business planning and analysis - Project management - Professional documentation - Critical thinking and problem-solving