OT: career day

juniur · Oct 10, 2015

I'm looking for some input and opinions from all the kind folks here at YT. I have been asked to
speak at career day at my sons elementary school. The topic is why reading and math are
important in my particular profession. I am a mechanic my father and I run a small repair shop, in
the same community as the school and many of the teachers, staff, and parents are my
customers. I've never done this type of thing before and I'm a little nervous and I'm hoping that
maybe some of you have done this before. I am open to any suggestions or cautions. Thanks

Andy Martin · Oct 10, 2015

Really practical lessons from your own work are best. How important it is to be able to read and understand directions clearly. Maybe something like how slight misreading something can cost you. Mic'ing shafts is a good lesson in arithmetic, especially using a traditional vernier micrometer. Little things, like calculating an estimate or an invoice are important that you have to be able to do right. Regardless of computer use, when someone walks in and asks "how much" you need ot figure pretty well in your head.

farmerwithmutt · Oct 10, 2015

One of the best bits of information from a teacher was that I was going to be shown the table of contents and the index . If you know how to find the information is sometimes more important than the information itself.

ss55 · Oct 10, 2015

Which grade will you be talking to?

Den N Ms · Oct 10, 2015

Juniur,You can tell them how important it is for a mechanic to be able to read and comprehend shop manuals to do repairs on engines,transmissions and electronics,ect.Also mathematics, being able to reed micrometers,dial indicators,rules,gauges and figure ratios,speeds,bolt and nut size,wench and socket size ect.ect.

Den N Ms · Oct 10, 2015

Oh and take some shop manuals with you to pass around to look at and maybe a dial caliper.

Janicholson · Oct 10, 2015

I agree with Andy, the simple things you do with math from sizing and counting and making change, to the comprehension of written instructions and (important) diagrams and pictures of components are all that is needed. Be comfortable with the things you will say, do not try to over practice the words, it is what you get across, not specific words. Bring a simple thing like a worn shaft or failed bearing, and let them handle it/them. Show, and pass around a simple pencil on paper math notation you made to make a repair, and maybe a mockup of a invoice. Jim

juniur · Oct 10, 2015

15 minutes each with 4 groups of 3rd 4th and 5th graders. The good thing is a lot of the kids know me from the baseball team and other community activities. So that helps some. I appreciate the input. I like the measuring the shaft/ bearing idea. I'm so thankful I came along after digital micrometers. ( yes I know how to use manual micrometers too. ) All the shop manuals we use now are online ( Mitchell Ondemand) but I was thinking of bringing one of the thickest hard bound paper manuals I can find , to demonstrate it takes a lot of reading most of the time to properly diagnose and repair.

Dune Country · Oct 10, 2015

I agree with the mic and veneer ideas, maybe have them do a hands on, take a shaft or bearing and have them mic it and then look up to see if it is the proper size, or something of that sort.

JF in MI · Oct 10, 2015

I agree with Janicholson and Den N Ms. and it's not just your profession. Being able to read and comprehend complex manuals and use measuring tools can prepare one for any future. I was a mechanic for 26 years and transitioned straight into industry testing and troubleshooting complex medical equipment. From a "problem solving" background I felt like a wolf among sheep. I was not the fastest reader but I could understand what I read. I later went on to be the one writing the manuals because it turned out I had a big advantage over most of the engineers; proper grammar and I could spell.

Frank41 · Oct 10, 2015

Our hired men taught me alot, like getting the board strecher. Then they sent me to get the woven wire strecher, which I thought was another joke on me so I just puttered around in the shop.

Really you are the master of many trades as we farmers. You are a welder, plumber, machinist, body man, electrictian, and etc. You could fill the time easy. Just think of them as one of your customers that need things explained at a lower level than most and you will do fine. Just don't ask for questions. Good luck, you will enjoy it.

TomR Ont · Oct 10, 2015

junior,

When I was in the 4 grade Mrs. Goodwill instilled in me
that stick-to-it-iveness, was one of the most important
things to do, and it was.

Paul from MI · Oct 10, 2015

Nothing too it. Just use some of the common math that you use every day and apply it. Maybe a quick explanation of how to read an ordinary micrometer---AND why it's important. Like if you can't you'll put new expensive bearings in an engine only to ruin them after few hours run. Then maybe show how to use percentages to mark up part costs. Because without the mark-up you'll lose money on the job. Practical uses of math and technology make it mean something to kids that nothing else does.

Ron Muhlenkamp · Oct 10, 2015

You might describe how you go about fixing or repairing something that people bring you. The kids could see how you benefit them and their families.

phil_n · Oct 10, 2015

Metric / imperial conversions? Torque (wrench) metric / imperial specs? Reading/analyzing trouble codes? Keeping up with regulations - upgrading your skills to keep up with technology? Doing taxes? Knowing the law (as it applies to you, your responsibilities and your business)?

Andy Martin · Oct 10, 2015

(quoted from post at 18:47:45 10/10/15) junior,

When I was in the 4 grade Mrs. Goodwill instilled in me
that stick-to-it-iveness, was one of the most important
things to do, and it was.

During a blacksmithing demonstration for 4th graders, a little girl asked "is it hard?", so I could give her my favorite answer: Nothing in this world is hard except deciding to do it: everything after that is just patience and perseverance.

oldtanker · Oct 11, 2015

Keep it simple. While the dial caliper idea is good the kids will better understand billing and payments. So lightly touch on the calipers and pass em around. Then talk about billing and the math of hours times rate. Keep it light too. You can bore the heck out them in 15 minutes if you are not careful. You have to entertain them to keep their attention.

Rick

Janicholson · Oct 11, 2015

One last concept. Be careful to address the females in the room as often as the males. They are often (in my university classes) providing the leadership and thinking skills that set the pace for the men. Giving them absolutely equal attention is critical. Jim

OT: career day

juniur

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Andy Martin

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farmerwithmutt

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ss55

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Den N Ms

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Den N Ms

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Janicholson

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juniur

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Dune Country

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JF in MI

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Frank41

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TomR Ont

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phil_n

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