California Career and Technical Education Standards

• ANR.B.B1.1 Practice the rules for personal and group safety while working in an agricultura...
• ANR.B.B1.2 Know the relationship between accepted shop management procedures and a safe wor...
• ANR.B.B8.2 Apply gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, or flux core arc weldin...
• ANR.B.B8.3 Weld a variety of joints in various positions.
• ANR.B.B9.2 Operate and maintain various arc welding and cutting systems safely and appropri...
• ANR.FS.10.4 Maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in the agricultural industry.
• ANR.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
• ANR.FS.4.2 Understand the use of technological resources to access, manipulate, and produce...
• ANR.FS.4.6 Differentiate among, select, and apply appropriate tools and technology.
• ANR.FS.5.1 Apply appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills to wor...
• ANR.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.
• ANR.FS.6.1 Know policies, procedures, and regulations regarding health and safety in the wo...
• ANR.FS.6.2 Understand critical elements for health and safety practices related to storing,...
• ANR.FS.6.4 Maintain safe and healthful working conditions.
• ANR.FS.6.5 Use tools and machines safely and appropriately.
• ANR.FS.6.6 Know how to both prevent and respond to accidents in the agricultural industry.
• ANR.FS.7.1 Understand the qualities and behaviors that constitute a positive and profession...
• ANR.FS.7.4 Understand that individual actions can affect the larger community.
• ANR.FS.7.5 Understand the importance of time management to fulfill responsibilities.
• ANR.FS.8.2 Understand the concept and application of ethical and legal behavior consistent ...
• ANR.FS.8.4 Understand how to access, analyze, and implement quality assurance information.

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical direction...2

• Get ready to weld! - Hooks / Set

  Since this is the first lesson, where we are out in the shop welding, I try to ease some of my students anxiety about welding.  I start off by announcing the day's activities and reassure them that they can weld.   I show them the video "The World's Youngest Welder", afterwards I continue to reassure them that anybody can weld, as demonstrated by a 5-year old boy.  I will transition into today's lesson by explaining  to them that welding is a skill, like anything thing else, if you want to be good you have to practice and master the techniques.

  • World's Youngest Welder Video [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ] This video shows a 5-year old boy welding.
• Welding Techniques Lecture - Lecture

  I use this powerpoint, to introduce the students to the concept of welding techniques prior to going into the shop.  This is one of the first lessons I use right after the safety unit with my welding students.  In addition, to this powerpoint, I have welding rod, welder and other materials to use in demonstrating the main point of this lesson.  I do not actually strike an arc in my classroom, but the welder is important during the lecture portion, to stress key points.  As I demonstrate the different techniques, I also have my students mimic them by gripping the end of their pencils and writing to get use to how an electrode holder with an electrode will feel in their hands when they begin to weld.  I have also given the students the required welds they will have to pass in order complete the course.  I have included that sheet with this lesson as well.  When a student has completed a weld to my satisfaction, I will sign off that particular weld and the students can move on to the next weld in the series. 

  • Welding Techniques Power Point [ Download ] Power Point for Welding Techniques
  • Welding Techniques Handout [ Download ] Handout that corresponds with Welding Techniques Power Point notes
  • Welding Skill Template [ Download ] Welding Skill Template Worksheet
• Stringer Bead Demonstration - Demo / Modeling

  Moving out into the shop is the next step.  This is where I demonstrate how to strike an arc, maintain an arc, and lay down stringer bead.  After which, I show the students how to clean the weld and present it for inspection.  The following steps are demonstrated and highlighted:

  1) Rod selection and how to read the welder setting poster.

  2) Properly setting up the machine to weld.

  3) Proper attire (Review)

  4) Striking and maintaining an arc.

  5) Weld technique

  6) Properly cooling and cleaning of the weld.

  7) Reassure students that they can do this!
• Stringer Beads - Lab / Shop

  Students will now reflect  upon what they have learned and apply that to actually laying down some stringer beads.  During this section of the lesson, I have each student complete 5 stringer beads.  As they bring each bead up to me for inspection, I show them how to evaluate the weld.  I have several welding charts in my shop from Lincoln Electric and Miller Electric that provides examples of weld beads and common flaws.  After a few examples, I will ask my students to evaluate their own welds and assess their progress. 
• Closure - Closure

  After we have cleaned up the shop and returned to the classroom, I will ask students to reflect upon their expereience welding for the first time.  I ask for a few volunteers to share their experiences and ask some questions of others.  I will also pick a few students' projects to highlight the growth made from their first bead to their last.  I show students that by practicing and working hard that improvement is made each class period to demonstrate that it is important they are here each period and work their hardest.