Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Define and differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Identify the properties of various metals used in welding.
• List engineering applications for these metals.
• Identify common non-metallic materials and their uses.
• Discuss the importance of welding in Ghana's industrial sector.

Lesson summary

As future technicians, engineers, and welders in Ghana, understanding the materials you work with is the most fundamental skill. Imagine a welder at Suame Magazine in Kumasi trying to repair a truck's chassis and an aluminum cooking pot using the same welding rod – it would be a disaster! The chassis is made of steel (a ferrous metal), and the pot is aluminum (a non-ferrous metal). They behave differently, especially when heated. This lesson will give you the foundational knowledge to identify materials correctly, choose the right tools, and perform your work safely and professionally.

Lesson notes

Part 1: The World of Metals

In engineering, metals are the most widely used materials due to their strength, durability, and ability to be shaped. The biggest and most important way to classify metals is based on one single element: Iron (Fe).

The Key Question: "Does it contain iron?" If the answer is YES, the metal is FERROUS. If the answer is NO, the metal is NON-FERROUS. A. Ferrous Metals Definition: Ferrous metals are metals and alloys that contain iron as their main component. The word "ferrous" comes from the Latin word *"ferrum"*, which means iron. Key Properties: Magnetic: Most ferrous metals are attracted to a magnet. This is the easiest way to identify them. Prone to Rust (Corrosion): When exposed to moisture and oxygen, the iron in these metals oxidizes, forming iron oxide, which we call rust. This is a major weakness. High Tensile Strength: They are generally very strong and can resist being pulled apart. High Hardness: They are resistant to scratching and indentation.

Common Examples of Ferrous Metals in Ghana:

Evaluation guide

• Explain ferrous and non -ferrous metals with engineering applications and state
• the uses of non -metallic materials.
• Project- based learning: Learners are guided to use the appropriate charts or samples of
• items made of ferrous and non -ferrous metals to identify and fairly discuss the various