Unit 1 focuses on plumbing. Students learn about human resources, capital resources, and investment in human capital. They hear a short poem focusing on a task faced by Ms. Ivanov, the plumber, and then move through work stations where they assemble and disassemble a spigot and join and measure pipes. They take part in a story focusing on plumber education and learn about the activities of George Meany and the merger of the AFL with the CIO by role playing various labor organizations huddled together under an umbrella.

Unit 2 focuses on carpentry. Students again learn about resources and human capital by reading a story of a young boy trying to build things for his mom. They participate in Driving a Nail, Sanding Wood, Measuring, and Level Surface work stations. They learn about home construction and construct a house puzzle. They also read a story about Peter McGuire and the origin of Labor Day, later constructing a Labor Day parade featuring events in labor history.

Unit 3 focuses on sheet metal work. Students read about Billy, who lives in a very hot house until air conditioning is installed. They go on a scavenger hunt through the school in search of sheet metal work. Students construct duct work, a down spout, and an ornamental sheet metal piece. They also read about Mother Jones and her actions to eliminate child labor. Finally, they write letters to Mother Jones describing their school activities that build their work skills for future participation in the labor force.

This curriculum delivers education in human capital development, the construction trades, and the historical efforts of organized labor to bring about safe working environments.