About This Activity
What are different metals? How can we get them or make them? What can we do with them? In this week-long course we explore those questions through hands-on experimentation. Outcomes will include: •Basic forging techniques (squaring, tapering, drawing, punching, splitting, twisting, and the use of tools) •Determining the carbon content and type of metal (spark testing) •Tool making (students should finish this class with forging tool kit including punches, chisels, and tongs) •Jewelry making (creation of a piece of jewelry made from copper) •Patinas, finishes, and sealing (chemical processes of altering the surface of the metal, painting metal surfaces, and using different types of sealants for different purposes) All of these processes will show the following: differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, chemical compositions of metals, and industrial and aesthetic applications of metalsmithing, all through the way children learn best – creation and play. Kids will get to see their hands make marks and changes in metal to create something, play games to remember what metals are made of, and best of all get to play with fire (plus maybe come out with some cool burns to brag to their friends about)! So kids, bring some close-toed shoes, pull your hair back, and let’s get to work!
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