AGRI 296 Lesson Ideas
Last Updated:
05/29/2009
These lessons are 15-30 minutes long depending on how they are taught. Most can include a demonstration and/or working with a student which effect the time. Most lessons on tool use can be done in the context of a project so build a project (or part of one) as you demonstrate. For example: Cut out a "nut" when demonstrating the hack saw and file or make a box when demonstrating the proper use of the sheet metal brake.
| Topic | References |
| General | |
| Measuring (include fractional and decimal inches, tools such as steel tape, square, caliper, etc.) | Basic Core Curriculum (900), CLF2150 |
| Use of drill motor (safety, drill motor selection, drill selection) | |
| Drawing and Sketching (show how to sketch in three views, have students make a sketch, etc) | Basic Core Curriculum (900), CLF2450 |
| Tool ID Drill (lots of ways to teach the name and what tools are used for. Tools tend to fall into groups (ie. cold metal) that can be taught together. Consider an ID competition to make it fun) | Basic Core Curriculum (921) |
| Plan Reading | |
| Cold Metal | CLF2350 |
| Use of a Tap (including drill selection) | |
| Use of a Die (including adjustment) | |
| Using a drill press (center punch, drill selection, safety, hold down) | |
| Using the Bender, sample setup and bending (ex. eye) | |
| Layout of a project (use of the combination square, scribe, center punch) | |
| Fasteners (include machine screws, bolts, types of threads, pop rivets), demonstrate proper installation and application | CLF2200 |
| Types and properties of metals, how to identify | |
| Use of a hacksaw (include blade selection) | |
| Use of a file (include types of files) | |
| Use of Cutoff Saw (safety, blade selection, proper operation) | |
| Electrical | CLF2650 |
| Circuits (simple AC circuits) | |
| How to wire a 3 way switch or duplex receptacle | |
| How to use a Volt-Ohm-Meter | |
| How to read an electric motor name plate | |
| How to wire an electric motor | |
| How to install a service entrance | |
| How to wire a three phase pump/motor | |
| How a motor controller works and is connected | |
| Materials used in electrical wiring (AC). | |
| Tool Sharpening | CLF2100 |
| Sharpening a twist drill | |
| Sharpening a Center punch | |
| Sharpening a Cold Chisel | |
| Dressing a grinder | |
| Grinder adjustment and safety | |
| Grinder stone selection | |
| Using a whet stone | |
| Hot Metal | |
| Bending metal with heat | |
| Tempering | |
| Sheet Metal | CLF2350 |
| Layout of a project | |
| Use of the brake | |
| Use of the shear | |
| Use of the hand shear | |
| Cut out of a project using snips (types of snips) | |
| Joining sheet metal (screws, spot welding, types of joints) | |
| Oxy-Acetylene Welding & Cutting | CLF2250 |
| How to setup a cutting torch and cut steel | |
| How to weld mild steel (show how to set torch, carry a puddle, weld with filler rod etc.) | |
| How to braze (use 16 gauge or similar metal) | |
| How to braze weld ("V" out some broken cast iron and demonstrate) | |
| Arc Welding | CLF 2300 |
| Types of rod and welder setup for each (ex. AC, DCRP, etc.) | |
| How to strike an arc and run a bead | |
| Types of joints and welding positions (explain strengths, types of rod used, etc.) | |
| MIG Welding (how to run a bead, machine setup, etc.) | |
| TIG Welding | |
| Ropework | CLF2600 |
| Identify types of rope & chain and their properties | |
| How to tie common knots and hitches | |
| Tie a rope halter | |
| How to properly secure a load on a truck | |
| Misc. Welding and Fabrication | |
| Using a Plasma Cutter | |
| Using a hydraulic shear | |
| Land Measurement/Surveying | CLF2700 |
| Using a laser level | |
| Using a level and Philadelphia rod | |
| Using a GPS (hunt to a point) | |
| Wood Working & Construction | CLF2400 |
| Using the table saw (operation and safety, blade selection) | Safety Resources |
| Using the band saw (operation and safety, blade selection) | Safety Resources |
| Using the radial arm saw (operation and safety) | Safety Resources |
| Using the power miter saw (operation and safety, blade selection) | Safety Resources |
| Using the jointer (operation and safety) | Safety Resources |
| Using the circular saw (operation and safety) | Safety Resources |
| Using the saber or jig saw (operation and safety, blade selection) | Safety Resources |
| Using the jointer (operation and safety) | Safety Resources |
| Using the jointer (operation and safety) | Safety Resources |
| Use of battery powered drill | |
| Proper use and adjustment of a plane | |
| Use of the Farming Square (different scales) | |
| Cutting a rafter or stair jack | AGET 90 Lab |
| How to frame a wall | |
| Plumbing | CLF2550 |
| How to solder copper pipe (use some pipe scraps and solder caps or couplings) | |
| How to measure and cut PVC pipe (include types of glues, priming) | |
| Pipe fitting ID | |
| How to thread steel pipe (hand or power tools & technique, cutting, threading, reaming) | |
| How to install a sprinkler system (pick a single component like a sprinkler head, time clock, automatic valve, or anti-siphon device) | Rain Bird |
| Repairing broken plastic pipes, sprinkler risers, etc. | |
| How to measure water flow and pressure from a hose bib (for a home sprinkler system) | |
| How to measure sprinkler uniformity using a series of catch cans | Wateright |
| Concrete | CLF2500 |
| Demonstrate mixing concrete to various ratios (ex. 1:2:3, 1:2:4, identify sand, aggregate, cement) | |
| Calculate the concrete volumes (ex. how much do we need for..., how much for the shop floor) | |
| Demonstrate finishing using an edging trowel and steel trowel (use a stepping stone and premix and pour the concrete so it is properly set to finish) | |
| Demonstrate how to form a small project (ex. side walk) | |
| How to mix concrete in a mixer, or by hand | Safety Resources |
| Small Engines | CLF931, CLF932, Briggs and Stratton Repair Instructions |
| Adjusting idle speed | |
| Adjusting the carburetor mixture | |
| Installing rings on a piston | |
| Identification of parts on Small Engines | |
| Small Engine Timing | |
| Basic Troubleshooting | |
| Farm Power | |
| Four Stroke Cycle Engines | Howstuffworks "How Car Engines Work" |
| Diesel Engines | Howstuffworks "How Diesel Engines Work" |
| How to hook up a 3 point implement | |
| Identification of common tractor parts | |
| Pre-Start Safety Checks | |
| How hydraulics work | Howstuffworks "How Hydraulic Machines Work" |
| Basic engine components and their function. | |
| Tractor systems (electrical, cooling, oil, injection) | |
| Machinery (operation, safety, function of all types of machinery. eg. baler) | |
| How to properly torque a bolt/nut | |
| Mechanics Tool ID (socket types, types of wrenches, etc.) | |
| How gears, belts and chains work (gear ratios). Types of chains, gears, sprockets, pulleys, sheaves, and belts. | Howstuffworks "How Gear Ratios Work" |
| Basic electrical diagnostics. Troubleshooting trailer lights, etc. | |
| How to read/use an operator's manual | CLF2750 |
| Sprayer Calibration | (see web) |
| Sprayer nozzle selection and installation | TeeJet |
| Grain Drill Calibration | Operator's Manual |
| Unit Planter Calibration | Operator's Manual |
| Hay Rake Adjustments | Operator's Manual |
| Hay Baler knotter or twister function and adjustment | Operator's Manual |
| Swather operation and header adjustment | Operator's Manual |
To read Portable Document Format (PDF) files you must have Adobe's Acrobat Reader software. It can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com