The AFS Saginaw Valley Chapter has a goal of developing the next generation of metalcasters through education. With the aid of volunteers, the Michigan-based chapter has helped spread awareness of what metalcasting is and the number of diverse careers within the industry.
“We do two to three events a month. Mostly schools,” said Brian Smith, Saginaw Valley Chapter member and organizer of metalcasting demonstration events.
For the Saginaw Valley Chapter, conducting a metalcasting demonstration is an opportunity to educate the next generation about careers in the industry. During each metalcasting demonstration, the chapter uses “A Career Enriched by AFS Involvement” poster to illustrate how rewarding a metalcasting career in partnership with an AFS membership can be.
Since October 2013, the Saginaw Valley Chapter has held over 80 events. That’s nearly 32,000 students the chapter has helped introduce to metalcasting.
“We only ask parents to volunteer when we’re in the classrooms and for donations to buy more tin,” said Smith.
On Jan. 17, fourth and fifth-grade students at Havens Elementary in Saginaw, Michigan, were treated to a metalcasting demonstration.
“Our students loved learning about metalcasting!” said Havens Elementary fourth-grade teacher Lauren White. “Many students had very little prior knowledge about the topic before the presentation, so they were eager to learn about the metalcasting process.”
Eager participants watched with fascination as volunteers poured molten tin into molds hand-picked by each student. Once the tin cooled and was extracted from the sand, volunteers trimmed away excess metal before handing them off. Each student got to take home their new token of a fun day spent learning about metalcasting.
The metalcasting demonstration was a large educational success as students were enthralled with the Saginaw Valley Chapter’s presentation. Chapter members spoke on the importance of the $33 billion metalcasting industry and how so many of our everyday items come from foundries.
“In social studies, all fourth-grade classes had just been learning about how Michigan's location and natural resources influenced its economic development,” said White. “Saginaw Valley Chapter members were able to share about this concept when presenting to students.”
The Saginaw Valley Chapter’s progress in educating the next generation has inspired others to take on the same commitment. With the help of Saginaw Valley, the AFS Detroit/Windsor Chapter has begun hosting metalcasting demonstrations for students as well. The chapter is conducting a metalcasting demonstration at the annual Maker Girl Mania STEM Festival in April.
The Saginaw Valley Chapter’s strong commitment to supporting the next generation of metalcasters through education is helping grow the industry. With the success of the Havens Elementary event, the chapter has left a positive impression of metalcasting on both students and educators.
“I would highly encourage other schools to get involved with their local AFS chapters. This was such an amazing opportunity for students to learn something new from experts who live in their own community,” said White. “Overall, working with our local AFS chapter was incredible and we plan to bring this program back for students each year.”