Course of study for one semester of foundry work in a high school

Abstract

Scope of Study: This course of study was developed as a suggestive plan of foundry work for industrial arts in the senior high school shop, using aluminum for the casting metal. Data were taken from a number of listed text and reference books. The study considers specific objectives to be achieved, grade placement, teaching methods, and teaching aids including a course outline.

Importance of the course: The use of aluminum has been greatly increased both for military equipment and to meet the demands by the average person for products of greater beauty and utility. Aluminum is easy to work, weighs one third as much as iron or copper, is the fifth most commonly used metal, is highly resistive to atmospheric activity, is highly malleable and ductile, and will not tarnish or oxidize. The skills and processes involved in aluminum founding are similar to those involved in the founding of other metals. The materials and tools used are readily available and are appropriate to the ability of the senior high school student. Scrap aluminum has become relatively inexpensive since the ending of the war. This course constitutes the basic manipulative processes in foundry practice and extends over a period of one semester.

It is recommended that the course in foundry work be taught by the combination method consisting of (1) lecture, demonstration, and class discussion periods utilizing from fifteen to twenty per cent of the total time, and (2) actual shop practice in casting parts of light equipment selected for the needs of the school or home shop.