Course Syllabus

                                                 Introduction to Metals

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of metalworking, including safety, material properties, measurement, tools, processes, and project fabrication. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical shop experience while emphasizing craftsmanship, problem-solving, and safety.

This class is a hands on class, you will work on solo projects, group projects and you are required to create multiple projects throughout the semester. 

Units

Unit 1 – Shop Safety & Orientation (September 1- September 17)

• Topics:
• General shop safety rules & OSHA guidelines
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Fire safety and first aid
• Safe operation of shop equipment
• Activities:
• Safety videos & demonstrations
• Safety contracts
• Shop tour and tool identification
• Assessment: Written safety quiz, signed safety contract

Unit 2 – Introduction to Metals & Material Properties (September 18-October 5)

• Topics:
• Types of metals: ferrous vs. nonferrous
• Metal properties: hardness, strength, ductility, conductivity
• Common uses of metals in industry
• Activities:
• Metal sample examination
• Reading labels/specifications
• Assessment: Worksheet and short presentation

Unit 3 – Measurement & Layout Tools (October 6- October 22)

• Topics:
• Reading rulers, calipers, and micrometers
• Layout techniques: scribing, center punching, squaring
• Tolerances and accuracy
• Activities:
• Practice measurement exercises
• Layout and marking a simple project
• Assessment: Measurement and layout skills check

Unit 4 – Cutting & Shaping Metals (October 23- November 9)

• Topics:
• Hand tools: hacksaws, snips, files
• Power tools: band saws, grinders, shears
• Shaping techniques: bending, forming
• Activities:
• Demonstrations and student practice
• Hands-on mini project (e.g., small metal plate project)
• Assessment: Project completion and safety observation

Unit 5 – Introduction to Welding & Joining Processes (November 10 – November 27)

• Topics:
• Welding safety
• Overview of welding types: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Oxy-fuel
• Introduction to soldering, riveting, and bolting
• Activities:
• Welding demos (basic beads and joints)
• Hands-on welding practice (guided)
• Assessment: Weld quality check and short quiz

Unit 6 – Machining & Finishing Processes (November 28 – December 15)

• Topics:
• Introduction to drilling, tapping, and threading
• Grinding and polishing
• Surface finishing and coatings (painting, plating, galvanizing)
• Activities:
• Drill press practice
• Finishing a small part
• Assessment: Shop performance evaluation

Unit 7 – Project Fabrication (December 16 – January 1)

• Topics:
• Applying measurement, cutting, joining, and finishing skills
• Blueprint reading and following project plans
• Teamwork and time management in shop projects
• Activities:
• Students complete a capstone project (e.g., tool tray, box, or simple welded structure)
• Assessment: Project rubric (accuracy, craftsmanship, safety)

Unit 8 – Careers, Industry Applications & Review (January 2 – January 14)

• Topics:
• Careers in welding, machining, fabrication, and engineering
• Industry standards and certifications
• Course review and reflection