NARRATIVE FOR SCIENCE RELATED ACADEMIC SKILLS

for all NATEF Collision Repair and Refinish Technician Task Lists

The collision repair and refinish technician must be proficient in the following Science-Related Academic Skills that are imbedded in the occupation. Using these skills the technician must be able to:

• Analyze and evaluate waste products from the repair task and dispose of the parts, residue, or trash according to applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
• Follow all safety regulations and procedures while performing any task.
• Use the information provided in service manuals, charts, tables, graphs, or databases to determine the manufacturer's specifications for system(s) operation(s) and the appropriate repair/replacement part and/or procedure.
• Develop a hypothesis regarding the cause of the problem and test the hypothesis to determine the solution to the problem.

1. identify the problem
2. gather information
3. develop hypothesis
4. take action
5. check results

• Convert measurements taken using the English or metric system to specifications stated in terms of either system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical reaction that occurs in various compounds and substances used in the automobile.
• Explain the role an additive or catalyst plays in the mixing of fillers or finishes for use on the automobile body.
• Describe and explain the role that pigmentation plays in determining the specific shade of an automobile body or interior component color.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the total color spectrum by explaining the roles different colors play in different mixtures and finishes.
• Explain how various forms of energy are dissipated throughout the body based on the momentum of the vehicle at the time of impact.
• Explain the principles of force as it applies to the realignment of components.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of balanced and unbalanced forces on linear or rotating vehicle assemblies.
• Explain how the velocity of an object in motion impacts on another object.
• Explain how the rate of a force in motion can impact on an automobile body.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of pressure in relation to the concept of using force to realign a component.
• Explain the concept of heat transfer in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation in various automotive systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the expansion and contraction of system parts as a result of heat generated during use and the cooling down of the system when not in operation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effect that adding heat will cause in a state of matter, such as changing a solid to a liquid to a gas.
• Explain the role of insulation in maintaining stable temperatures or preventing the transfer of heat to an unwanted area.
• Explain the difference between heat and temperature and demonstrate an understanding of how to measure each in different situations.
• Explain how the angle or amount of light can impact on the appearance of a given finish in terms of texture and quality of finish.
• Explain color and shades of color based on how light hits or passes through it.
• Explain the difference between the principles of translucent light (diffuses) as contrasted to transparent light (passes through).
• Explain how ultraviolet rays can cause a finish or substance to deteriorate.
• Demonstrate an understanding of refraction in fiber optic systems.
• Explain that dyes added to fluids fluoresce under ultraviolet light and provide a process for determining the source of leakage in a system.
• Explain in detail the three states of matter.
• Explain to a customer how sound can be amplified due to resonant cavities and other physical characteristics of the vehicle.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of how sound generated in one place in the body and engine can be carried to other parts of the engine through metal and other materials.
• Explain the need for sound deadening and vibration damping materials to control the level of sound in the passenger compartment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of perceived intensity to decibel level of a noise.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the types of vibrations caused by out-of-balance or excessively worn systems.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the role of listening to sounds as part of the trouble-shooting process.
• Explain that the presence of overtones may indicate changes in the vibrations of various systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and discuss relative humidity in terms of effect on paint and substance applications.
• Explain how levers and pulleys can be used to increase an applied force or distance.
• Identify the effect of the pH of a solution on chemical changes in a system.
• Identify the characteristics that define a component or system that is operating within the manufacturer's specifications.
• Use precision measuring devices to determine if replaced components are within the manufacturer's specifications, and to assure that repair or replacement parts meet the manufacturer's specifications.
• Use tension gauges, such as a torque wrench, to measure the force or tension required to tighten connections to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Use a scale to measure component weight in order to mix an adhesive or to determine the strength and integrity of a component or part.
• Use pressure measuring tools to determine pressures in hydraulic or pneumatic paint systems and compare to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Use direct and indirect methods to measure system temperatures and then convert to Fahrenheit/Centigrade as required for proper cure and application times.
• Use direct and indirect methods to measure application times and compare the results to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Use direct and indirect methods to measure the volume of liquids in a mixture or compound.
• Use computer databases for information retrieval and input devices to process information for customers, billing purposes, warranty work, and other record-keeping purposes.
• Explain how an applied force at one location can be transmitted via fluid pressure to provide a force at a remote location.
• Explain to the customer the need for lubrication of adjacent parts to minimize friction as a result of movement at the junction of the parts.
• Explain the criticality of metals with different hardness, depending on the function and location of the metal as well as how fillers and finishes adhere to metal.
• Explain the necessity of knowing that the hardness of a metal determines, in part, its function and location in the automobile.
• Explain the dynamic control properties of a hydraulic system.
• Explain the surface processes that occur on system seals due to the absorption of the contained materials.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how torque relates to force and angular acceleration.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how cams, pulleys, and levers are used to multiply force or transfer directions of force.
• Explain how rotational motion is changed to linear motion and the need for balance in rotating systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how variances in flow rate will effect operation of pneumatic tools and equipment.
• Explain the dynamic control properties of a hydraulic system in terms of its impact on spray patterns, volume, etc.
• Explain the surface process that occurs on system seals due to absorption of the contained materials.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how a contaminated liquid can cause a chemical reaction, which can result in the deterioration of the finish or a plastic component.
• Use precision gauges or instruments to measure the flow rate of air in a painting application.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how variances in flow rate can effect the spray patterns, thickness of coat, etc., in the finishing process.
• Correctly use proportions and ratios in mixing fillers, finishes, and other substances.
• Explain the role that acids and bases have in altering compounds used on or in the automobile.
• Understand the use and safety requirements of all solvents used in an automotive application.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how surface processes and cohesive/adhesive forces aid in glues, tapes, and sealants.
• Identify the physical properties of an automobile component or system that are made of glass or plastic.
• Describe or explain the role that activators have in causing a change in the chemical state of a compound or filler.
• Explain fluid viscosity as a measurement and why it is important to the application of fillers, plastics, and finishes.
• Locate and explain the properties of a given source of light.
• Electrical/Tolerances
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the properties of electricity that impact the lighting, engine management, and other electrical systems in the vehicle.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of a quality electrical ground and explain the problems associated with an inadequate electrical circuit ground.
• Explain voltage and current flow in series and parallel circuits.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the processes used to locate a short circuit in the electrical/electronic system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the alternator in maintaining battery and system voltage.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of solar panels in maintaining battery voltage and operating selected accessories.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the ignition coil's role in generating the high voltages required to fire a sparkplug.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the correct procedure used to measure the electrical parameters of voltage, current, resistance, or power.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the role of a fuse or fusible link as a protective device in an electrical or electronic circuit.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the use of Ohm's Law in verifying circuit parameters (resistance, voltage, amperage).
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of resistance to heat, voltage drop, and circuit parameters.
• Explain and demonstrate an understanding of system voltage generation, uses, and characteristics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ion transfer process that occurs in an automotive battery.
• Explain the effect of oxidation on electrical connections as well as on an automotive finish.
• Explain the effect of magnetic fields on unshielded circuits and voltages induced in other circuits by the magnetic fields.
• Explain how attaching magnets to an automobile body can cause paint to be evenly distributed through the principles of magnetism.
• Explain the conductivity problems in a circuit when connectors corrode due to electrochemical reactions.
• Explain the relationship between electrical current in a conductor and the magnetic field produced in a coil such as the starter solenoid.
• Explain the ability of a coil to increase battery voltage to the level required to fire a sparkplug.
• Explain the effect of magnetic fields on unshielded circuits in selected control modules.
• Explain the need for a specific gravity test of battery electrolyte to determine charge.
• Use precision electrical test equipment to measure current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and/or power.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of capacitance in timer circuits, such as RC timers or MAP sensors, where the changing manifold pressure causes two metal discs to act like a capacitor by sending varying voltage to the electronic engine control system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the capacity of semiconductor devices to modify rapidly engine operation parameters depending on multiple inputs from engine operational sensors.
• Explain how the movement of a conductor in a magnetic field can generate electricity.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of mechanical transducers in sending electrical control signals to modify system operating characteristics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of photocells and measurement processes relative to determining output.