WEBVTT
00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:07.759
Hey orbiters! This episode is possible thanks to Level Up Texas, powered by Texas AM University.
00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:09.439
We hope you enjoy it.
00:00:13.039 --> 00:00:20.320
Hey parents, this is our final episode in the Cool Job series with Level Up Texas and the Texas AM Office for Youth Engagement.
00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:24.559
We've explored eight exciting STEM careers and the science behind their jobs.
00:00:24.719 --> 00:00:26.640
Okay, let's get started.
00:00:30.239 --> 00:00:40.960
Wow, Hank, look at that! I feel like every time we walk past this construction site, the building gets even taller.
00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:44.960
A few weeks ago, it was just a big hole in the ground.
00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:48.240
Then there was a foundation, then a few big metal poles.
00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:49.600
And now look at it.
00:00:50.479 --> 00:00:52.719
It's even taller than those trees.
00:00:54.079 --> 00:00:55.759
You know, that makes me wonder.
00:00:55.920 --> 00:00:58.079
How did they put something this big together?
00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:01.119
I mean, look at those giant metal beams.
00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:03.280
They can't exactly use a glue stick.
00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:06.000
And I don't think there's a roll of tape big enough either.
00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:12.239
Hey, I wonder what in the world is making those sparks up there.
00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.560
You think it's a dragon?
00:01:16.799 --> 00:01:20.239
I guess it does look like dragon breath, but I don't see a dragon.
00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:23.359
But I do see a person wearing a big helmet.
00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:25.200
I wonder what they're doing.
00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:29.200
Hey orbiters, do you ever wonder how big buildings are constructed?
00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:33.439
Or maybe how they make the metal stick together on your favorite playground equipment?
00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:36.400
Or even put the metal together on your trusty tricycle?
00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:39.439
Today, we're gonna learn about welding.
00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:43.439
One of the most important skills people use to build the world around us.
00:01:43.599 --> 00:01:46.879
You orbiter sent in some fantastic questions.
00:01:49.120 --> 00:01:54.560
Why does welding create sparks and bright light?
00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:58.719
Why do welders wear potatoed protective helmets?
00:01:58.959 --> 00:02:01.040
And we have the perfect expert to help us out.
00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:01.920
His name is Mr.
00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:02.560
Rudy.
00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:06.239
He's a welding teacher who has spent a lot of time welding things together.
00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:06.959
Hey there, Mr.
00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:07.359
Rudy.
00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:08.400
Good morning, overriders.
00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:09.680
My name is Rudy Rodriguez.
00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:13.520
I'm the agricultural science and welding instructor at Weimar High School in Weimar, Texas.
00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:14.319
Well, that's cool.
00:02:14.560 --> 00:02:16.159
You teach welding in high schools?
00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:17.039
What's that like?
00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:19.439
Every day I get to work with the students.
00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:23.199
I get to teach them how to weld, fabricate, and build all types of shop projects.
00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:26.080
Anything from fire pits to very big trailers.
00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:33.520
One of my favorite parts of the job is just watching students discover a new skill and realize that they can build anything from scratch with their own two hands.
00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:35.120
That sounds awesome.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:35.759
Hey, Mr.
00:02:35.919 --> 00:02:37.439
Rudy, what were you like as a kid?
00:02:37.599 --> 00:02:39.759
Well, as a kid, I was always outside.
00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:43.840
I grew up helping my father on the farm, being around farming ranch equipment.
00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:46.560
I loved taking things apart and seeing how they worked.
00:02:46.639 --> 00:02:50.479
And sometimes I even got to put them back together and still worked afterwards.
00:02:50.639 --> 00:02:53.120
I enjoy building and fixing things, working with my hands.
00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:57.439
These interests are really what pointed my career toward teaching welding and agriculture.
00:02:57.680 --> 00:03:00.000
All right, I have lots of questions for Mr.
00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:00.639
Rudy.
00:03:00.719 --> 00:03:01.919
Let's get started.
00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:11.520
Hey parents, our friends at Level Up Texas are developing resources for teachers and families to help their little ones explore these exciting careers.
00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:15.919
Stay posted and we'll add the links to the show notes as soon as they're available.
00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:20.080
Alright, get us rolling, Egret.
00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:22.800
Hi everyone my name is Egret Masterhouse.
00:03:22.879 --> 00:03:23.840
I'm 10 years old.
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:29.599
I live in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and my question is what is welding?
00:03:29.840 --> 00:03:35.280
Well, Egret, to make it very simple, welding is a way of joining two pieces of metal together.
00:03:35.520 --> 00:03:36.319
Oh, interesting.
00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:42.960
Kind of like how I use glue to stick two pieces of paper together, or when Hank broke my mom's favorite vase and we tried to tape it back together.
00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:45.680
I know Hank.
00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:47.120
I didn't think mom would notice either.
00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:50.960
Instead of using glue or screws, we use heat to melt the edges of the metal.
00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.400
As the metal cools, it hardens into one solid piece.
00:03:54.560 --> 00:04:00.159
And if this is done correctly, the welded joint is actually just as strong, if not stronger than the original metal.
00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:01.120
Hey orbiters.
00:04:01.280 --> 00:04:02.639
Rudy said the word joint.
00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:05.520
A joint is a place where two different parts meet.
00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:08.560
In your body, your elbow is a joint, and so is your knee.
00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:11.199
They're places where different bones meet and connect.
00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:12.479
And welding, when Mr.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:17.759
Rudy says a joint, he means the place where two pieces of metal come together and are joined.
00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:18.560
Hey Mr.
00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:21.519
Rudy, where can we see things that have been welded together?
00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:22.560
And orbiters.
00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:28.319
Listen closely, and whenever you hear something that you've seen, I want you to slap one of your knee joints.
00:04:31.519 --> 00:04:33.600
You know, it's funny you ask that.
00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:35.920
You see it literally everywhere.
00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:37.680
You ride in a car, you've seen welding.
00:04:37.839 --> 00:04:39.680
Your bike has welds on it.
00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:48.800
The swing set of the park, bleachers in a football stadium, farm tractors, water towers, barbecue pits, and even roller coasters all rely on welding.
00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:55.439
Once you know what to look for, you'll start noticing them everywhere.
00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:57.680
Alright, orbiters, here's what to look for.
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:02.319
You're trying to find something made of metal where two different pieces of metal come together.
00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:05.360
Often there's a corner, edge, or a connection point.
00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:11.839
If you look closely, you may be able to see little bumps or raised lines where the metal was welded together.
00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:14.160
You can turn this into an activity.
00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:16.480
See if you can find things that have been welded.
00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:21.759
If you look closely, I bet you can find many things in your home, around your school, or in a playground.
00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:24.480
You can pause here if you'd like to try right away.
00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:25.120
Hey, Mr.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:29.279
Rudy, what exactly is happening to the metal when you weld something?
00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:34.800
During welding, a welding machine creates a source of heat.
00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:39.439
Through the transfer of electricity, it heats up the metal hot enough to melt.
00:05:39.600 --> 00:05:44.079
The heat melts the edges of the metal pieces we're joining, and often we add a little extra metal.
00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:45.199
It's called filler metal.
00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:45.600
Mr.
00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:47.279
Rudy said filler metal.
00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:50.800
To understand what that is, think about building a sand castle.
00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:55.439
Sometimes you need a little extra sand to fill in a gap to make the castle stronger.
00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:57.279
Filler metal does something similar.
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:02.399
The extra metal helps to fill space between the pieces and makes the welding joint stronger.
00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:09.519
When everything cools back down, the melted metal becomes one solid piece again, creating one continuous piece instead of two separate pieces.
00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:10.079
Hey, Mr.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:15.839
Rudy, when it's winter time and my family puts a piece of wood in the fireplace, it burns up and turns to ash.
00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:18.160
Does metal also burn up when you are welding?
00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:28.800
One important thing to understand is that metal doesn't burn away during welding, it changes from a solid into a liquid and then back into a solid, just like ice melts and then freezes back into ice.
00:06:29.040 --> 00:06:29.920
That's so cool.
00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:34.480
Hey, Samantha and I have a question about the sparks that Hank thought was dragon breath.
00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:39.360
Woo! Hi, I'm Samantha from Costa Rica.
00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:41.279
I'm seven years old.
00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:48.319
And I want to know why does welding create sparks and bright light.
00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:53.040
Sparks are just tiny pieces of hot metal flying away from the weld.
00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:55.279
They're glowing because they're extremely hot.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.600
And then the bright light comes from the welding arc.
00:06:57.759 --> 00:06:57.920
Mr.
00:06:58.000 --> 00:07:00.399
Rudy said another cool welding word.
00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:01.920
A welding arc.
00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:08.639
A welding arc is a stream of electricity that jumps through the air between the welding tool and the metal.
00:07:08.800 --> 00:07:13.439
As the electricity moves through the air, it creates superheat that melts the metal.
00:07:13.600 --> 00:07:14.879
Actually, orbiters, Mr.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.560
Rudy gave me a really fun fact.
00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:19.120
How hot do you think the welding arc can be?
00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:20.160
Here's some options.
00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:24.160
Is it as hot as an oven, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:28.079
Is it as hot as a campfire, a thousand degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:32.480
As hot as a rocket booster, or 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.000
Or even hotter?
00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:35.360
Shout out your guests.
00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:44.879
Which you can reach temperatures of around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is actually hotter than the surface of the sun, which is why welders always wear special helmets to protect their eyes.
00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:48.000
Holy Jamolys, hotter than the surface of the sun?
00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:48.639
Mr.
00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:51.759
Rudy mentioned wearing special helmets to protect their eyes.
00:07:51.920 --> 00:07:54.319
That reminds me of this question from Josh.
00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:03.519
Hello, my name is Josh, and I'm four years old and I live in downtown Houston.
00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:10.560
And my question is, why do why do welders wear protected protective helmets?
00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:13.519
Wanna know something super interesting, orbiters?
00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:20.399
The bright light from a welding arc isn't just bright, it also gives off ultraviolet light, which we can't see.
00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:27.439
Just like too much sunlight can give your skin a sunburn, ultraviolet light from welding can damage your eyes if you look at it without protection.
00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:30.639
That's why welders wear special helmets with dark lenses.
00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:32.559
And here's an important safety tip.
00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:34.639
Never stare at someone who is welding.
00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:37.279
The bright light can hurt your eyes, even from far away.
00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:41.200
Speaking of equipment, Lily had a question about technology.
00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:43.519
My name is Lily.
00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:46.159
I'm 9 years old and I'm from Florida.
00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:49.200
My question is, what do you use to weld?
00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.399
Great question, Lily.
00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:54.000
If you were a welder, you'd usually use a few important tools.
00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:56.240
First, there's a welding machine.
00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:58.879
The tool that creates the heat needed for welding.
00:08:59.039 --> 00:09:03.919
Then there's the welding torch, which is what the welder holds and points at the metal.
00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:10.320
Sometimes, welders also use filler metal, which is a little extra metal that helps create a strong weld.
00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:15.840
And of course, they wear special safety equipment, like helmets, gloves, and protective clothing.
00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:16.559
Hey Mr.
00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:19.840
Rudy, can you tell me and Lily more about welding technology?
00:09:20.080 --> 00:09:22.399
Today's welders use some amazing technology, Lily.
00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:33.360
There are computer-controlled welding machines, robotic welders that build cars, laser welders used for precision work, and helmets that automatically darken the instant welding begins.
00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:40.480
The basic idea welding has been around for a very long time, that technology just keeps getting smarter and smarter, making welding safer and safer.
00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:41.039
Hey, Mr.
00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:43.440
Rudy, I heard there are different ways to weld.
00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.639
Can you tell us about that?
00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:45.440
Absolutely.
00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:50.559
Some methods work better on thick steel, while others are better for sheet metal or aluminum.
00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:53.600
Some use electricity, while others use special gases or lasers.
00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:57.679
Engineers usually choose the best type of welding based on what they're building.
00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:04.399
Okay, so it sounds like the type of welding you use depends on what type of metal you are welding and what environment you're working in.
00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:05.919
Are there some common types, Mr.
00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:06.480
Rudy?
00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:09.200
The three most common are MIG, stick, and TIG welding.
00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:11.840
MIG is perfect for controlled settings in a shop.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:14.799
Stick welding is a preferred method of outdoor welding.
00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:19.120
And then TIG welding is perfect for metals such as aluminum or stainless steel.
00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:23.200
Okay, we got a question from Kenji that I want to make sure we answer.
00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:29.039
Hi Weber, my name is Kenji.
00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:33.440
I'm six years old, and my question is can you weld underwater?
00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:35.519
That's crazy talk, Kenji.
00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:38.639
Welding has sparks and fire and super hot things.
00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:42.559
And last time I checked, water is wet and definitely not fiery.
00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:45.440
It must be impossible to weld underwater, right, Mr.
00:10:45.600 --> 00:10:45.919
Rudy?
00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.799
This is a great question, and yes you can.
00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:49.600
Wait, really?
00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:53.519
Uh specially trained underwater welders repair ships, bridges, and dams.
00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:56.879
They have to be expert divers as well as expert welders.
00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:58.799
Okay, that blew my mind a little bit.
00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:02.720
Hey, we have some curious orbiters who are asking what I'm thinking.
00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:11.279
Hello, my name is Caleb.
00:11:11.519 --> 00:11:15.840
I live in Illinois, and I'm four years old.
00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:19.759
And my question is, why is running so dangerous?
00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:23.440
Hi, I'm Santiago.
00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:26.320
I'm five.
00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:29.759
I'm leaving the car setting.
00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:40.320
And like Western, what materials are used for making welding equipment safe.
00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:41.279
Bye bye.
00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:44.879
Well, gentlemen, safety is always one of the most important parts of welding.
00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:53.759
Welders wear helmets to protect their eyes from the bright lights, gloves to protect their hands from heat, and flame-resistant clothing to protect your skin.
00:11:54.080 --> 00:12:00.240
We also make sure there's good ventilation because some welding processes do create fumes that are not good for you.
00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:05.679
Just like football players wear helmets and firefighters for protective gear, welders wear equipment so they can stay safe every day.
00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:10.399
Safety sure sounds important working with something that gets as hot as the surface of the sun.
00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:21.360
Hey, how about we pause for a mystery sound?
00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:24.879
You can move around and wiggle while you listen and think about what the sound is.
00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:40.559
I carry my own warning sign wherever I go.
00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:52.000
Stick around to the end for the answer.
00:12:57.200 --> 00:12:57.840
Hey Mr.
00:12:57.919 --> 00:13:03.440
Rudy, you've done a bunch of different welding jobs on ranches and oil fields and in welding shops.
00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:05.440
What are some jobs that involve welding?
00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:09.679
People usually think about construction, but welding is used in so many careers.
00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:18.879
Farmers and ranchers repair equipment, mechanics weld car and truck parts back together, factories build everything from trains to airplanes.
00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:30.960
Shield builders, pipeline workers, race car builders, artists, military contracts, even amusement parts all depend on skill welders.
00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:37.039
Wow, that's so many different jobs.
00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:41.919
Hey orbiters, this could be a good time to pause the episode and talk with a friend or a family member.
00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:45.440
Which of these things would you be super excited to work on as a welder?
00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:59.919
Building tall buildings, fixing farm equipment, working on cars and trucks, making trains, joining oil pipelines, creating artwork that uses metal, or something else.
00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:02.399
Pause here and hit play whenever you're ready.
00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:05.519
Hey Rudy, how did you get started in welding?
00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:10.879
Going back to my childhood, I started because I like working with my hands.
00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:15.919
I wanted to learn to build and repair things, mostly because I was taking them apart and had to figure out how to put them back together.
00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:20.960
But the more I practiced, the more I realized welding could solve real problems and create useful things.
00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.320
I got we have some orbiters who also like to take things apart.
00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:25.120
Hey, Mr.
00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:34.080
Rudy, what if I want to learn how to weld, but I also like doing other things, like cooking, or being an engineer, or working in business, or studying dinosaurs.
00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:36.480
Can I still do those things?
00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.279
Absolutely.
00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:38.399
This is a great follow-up.
00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:44.480
Probably about half of my students will not go into a welding career, but this is such a great skill to have in your back pocket.
00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.960
I know, Hank, you don't have pockets.
00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.360
Mr.
00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:50.480
Rudy doesn't carry a welding machine in his back pocket either.
00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:53.519
He means welding is a skill that he can use whenever he wants to.
00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:56.639
Not everyone who learns to weld becomes a professional welder.
00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:59.440
Engineers use welding knowledge when they design products.
00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:02.240
Farmers and ranchers repair their own equipment.
00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:13.200
Mechanics use welding to fix vehicles, and even people who work other careers often find welding to be valuable life skill that saves money and helps them build or repair things on their own.
00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:18.799
Hi, my name is Alina.
00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.080
I live in California.
00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:24.000
My question is, what is it like to weld things together?
00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:26.879
Hi, my name is Alisa.
00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:30.000
I am six years old.
00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:33.519
I am for Saldillo, Mexico.
00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:42.159
And my question is, what is it like to weld things together?
00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.600
Thank you.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.200
I was thinking the same thing.
00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:52.240
Working with cool technology, staying safe around super hot metals, wearing that super cool mask thing to make sure your eyes stay safe.
00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.279
That sounds really cool.
00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:54.240
What's it like, Mr.
00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:54.879
Rudy?
00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:56.879
Well, ladies, every day is different.
00:15:57.039 --> 00:16:01.919
One day you might repair something that's broken, and the next day you're building something completely new from scratch.
00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:05.759
Welding takes patience, problem solving, and attention to detail.
00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:10.399
It's rewarding because at the end of the day, you can step back and look at what you build and say, I make that.
00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:16.240
Kind of like when Hank makes a mess and steps back and says, Woo, woo! Let's go to this question from Luna.
00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.360
Hi, my name's Luna.
00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:23.279
I'm six years old and I live in New York.
00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:30.639
And my question is, how do how do some people enjoy welding and others don't?
00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:40.240
Well, Luna, if you like to build things, solving puzzles, working with your hands, being creative, or figuring out how things work, welding can be a great fit.
00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:46.320
It's a skill that combines science, technology, engineering, art, and creativity all in one package.
00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:50.480
I bet we have lots of orbiters who have active hands and who like figuring things out.
00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.039
Hey, Mr.
00:16:51.120 --> 00:16:53.279
Rudy, how do people learn how to weld?
00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:58.879
Many people get their first experience in high school career technical education programs like the ones I teach.
00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:04.960
Others learn at trade schools or community colleges, and many learn alongside experienced welders.
00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.240
We call these apprenticeships.
00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:09.599
The great thing about welding is that you're always learning something new.
00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:16.400
Around here, we love learning new things.
00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:17.039
Hey Mr.
00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:19.920
Rudy, how can families continue to learn about welding?
00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:26.240
One of the best ways is to see if your local school offers a career and technical education program or CTE classes.
00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:33.680
The CTE programs give hands-on experiences in careers like welding, construction, agriculture, robotics, healthcare, and many other career apps.
00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:37.599
Career and technical education programs sound like a great way to get started.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:47.839
Families can also visit local career fairs, manufacturing, open houses, agricultural events, or technical colleges to learn more about opportunities available for apprenticeships.
00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.680
And families, you don't have to wait till high school to start learning about welding together.
00:17:51.839 --> 00:18:08.720
Next time you're in the car, driving over a bridge, playing on a playground, doing a barbecue at the park, or hopping on your trusty tricycle, take a moment to notice where they may have used welding to join pieces of metal.
00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:16.319
Orbiters, I bet your mom or dad or a friend will be super impressed if you point out something with welding that even they didn't notice.
00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.960
Hey orbiters.
00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:25.359
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a wiggle break.
00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:31.200
Today, I want you to do your best impression of a tidal wave with your arms or your whole body.
00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:35.200
You can do it sitting down or standing up.
00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.720
Get creative with it.
00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:41.920
And while we're being tidal waves, let's recap what we've learned.
00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:48.720
Welding is a process that uses heat to melt metal, so two separate pieces of metal can become one solid piece.
00:18:48.880 --> 00:19:03.039
We learned that welders use tools like welding machines, welding torches, and filler metal to create strong joints, and that the bright sparks and light come from tiny pieces of glowing metal and a welding arc that can be even hotter than the surface of the sun.
00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:12.480
The intense heat, bright light, and electricity involved in welding makes protective equipment very important for staying safe.
00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:26.480
We also learn that you don't have to become a professional welder to learn welding, and that career and technical education programs help students explore hands-on skills like welding, robotics, healthcare, construction, and many other exciting career paths.
00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.759
Hey Mr.
00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:32.240
Rudy, thanks so much for joining us on orbit today.
00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:35.039
First off, I want to say thank you so much for having me today.
00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:40.079
Orbiters, stay curious, ask a lot of questions, and don't be afraid to learn these skills.
00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:45.119
Amazing inventions ranging from bridges to skyscrapers, tractors, or rockets.
00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:48.559
Started with someone who's willing to learn, work hard, and create something new.
00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:51.359
So maybe one day you'll build something that changes the world.
00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:52.160
Thank you, Mr.
00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:52.720
Rudy.
00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:57.440
I bet a bunch of our orbiters are gonna change the world and make some really cool stuff along the way.
00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.680
Remember the riddle?
00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:22.880
I carry my own warning sign wherever I go.
00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:33.279
If you said it's a rattlesnake, you were right.
00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.400
Way to go.
00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:47.599
One last super duper thank you to the team at Level Up Texas at Texas AM University for making possible the Cool Jobs for Curious Kids podcast series on Orbit and Cranio.
00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:51.519
Orbit is produced by Cumbra Kids.
00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:54.000
This episode was written by me, Robert Carpenter.
00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:56.000
The producer is Catherine Aguilar.
00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:59.279
Artwork for the episode by Moises Monsalve and Jorge Wake.
00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:01.200
We'll see you in the next episode.
00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.240
Ciao.
00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:07.759
Hey orbiters! This episode is possible thanks to Level Up Texas, powered by Texas AM University.
00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:09.439
We hope you enjoy it.
00:00:13.039 --> 00:00:20.320
Hey parents, this is our final episode in the Cool Job series with Level Up Texas and the Texas AM Office for Youth Engagement.
00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:24.559
We've explored eight exciting STEM careers and the science behind their jobs.
00:00:24.719 --> 00:00:26.640
Okay, let's get started.
00:00:30.239 --> 00:00:40.960
Wow, Hank, look at that! I feel like every time we walk past this construction site, the building gets even taller.
00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:44.960
A few weeks ago, it was just a big hole in the ground.
00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:48.240
Then there was a foundation, then a few big metal poles.
00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:49.600
And now look at it.
00:00:50.479 --> 00:00:52.719
It's even taller than those trees.
00:00:54.079 --> 00:00:55.759
You know, that makes me wonder.
00:00:55.920 --> 00:00:58.079
How did they put something this big together?
00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:01.119
I mean, look at those giant metal beams.
00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:03.280
They can't exactly use a glue stick.
00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:06.000
And I don't think there's a roll of tape big enough either.
00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:12.239
Hey, I wonder what in the world is making those sparks up there.
00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.560
You think it's a dragon?
00:01:16.799 --> 00:01:20.239
I guess it does look like dragon breath, but I don't see a dragon.
00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:23.359
But I do see a person wearing a big helmet.
00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:25.200
I wonder what they're doing.
00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:29.200
Hey orbiters, do you ever wonder how big buildings are constructed?
00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:33.439
Or maybe how they make the metal stick together on your favorite playground equipment?
00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:36.400
Or even put the metal together on your trusty tricycle?
00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:39.439
Today, we're gonna learn about welding.
00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:43.439
One of the most important skills people use to build the world around us.
00:01:43.599 --> 00:01:46.879
You orbiter sent in some fantastic questions.
00:01:49.120 --> 00:01:54.560
Why does welding create sparks and bright light?
00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:58.719
Why do welders wear potatoed protective helmets?
00:01:58.959 --> 00:02:01.040
And we have the perfect expert to help us out.
00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:01.920
His name is Mr.
00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:02.560
Rudy.
00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:06.239
He's a welding teacher who has spent a lot of time welding things together.
00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:06.959
Hey there, Mr.
00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:07.359
Rudy.
00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:08.400
Good morning, overriders.
00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:09.680
My name is Rudy Rodriguez.
00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:13.520
I'm the agricultural science and welding instructor at Weimar High School in Weimar, Texas.
00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:14.319
Well, that's cool.
00:02:14.560 --> 00:02:16.159
You teach welding in high schools?
00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:17.039
What's that like?
00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:19.439
Every day I get to work with the students.
00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:23.199
I get to teach them how to weld, fabricate, and build all types of shop projects.
00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:26.080
Anything from fire pits to very big trailers.
00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:33.520
One of my favorite parts of the job is just watching students discover a new skill and realize that they can build anything from scratch with their own two hands.
00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:35.120
That sounds awesome.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:35.759
Hey, Mr.
00:02:35.919 --> 00:02:37.439
Rudy, what were you like as a kid?
00:02:37.599 --> 00:02:39.759
Well, as a kid, I was always outside.
00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:43.840
I grew up helping my father on the farm, being around farming ranch equipment.
00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:46.560
I loved taking things apart and seeing how they worked.
00:02:46.639 --> 00:02:50.479
And sometimes I even got to put them back together and still worked afterwards.
00:02:50.639 --> 00:02:53.120
I enjoy building and fixing things, working with my hands.
00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:57.439
These interests are really what pointed my career toward teaching welding and agriculture.
00:02:57.680 --> 00:03:00.000
All right, I have lots of questions for Mr.
00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:00.639
Rudy.
00:03:00.719 --> 00:03:01.919
Let's get started.
00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:11.520
Hey parents, our friends at Level Up Texas are developing resources for teachers and families to help their little ones explore these exciting careers.
00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:15.919
Stay posted and we'll add the links to the show notes as soon as they're available.
00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:20.080
Alright, get us rolling, Egret.
00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:22.800
Hi everyone my name is Egret Masterhouse.
00:03:22.879 --> 00:03:23.840
I'm 10 years old.
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:29.599
I live in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and my question is what is welding?
00:03:29.840 --> 00:03:35.280
Well, Egret, to make it very simple, welding is a way of joining two pieces of metal together.
00:03:35.520 --> 00:03:36.319
Oh, interesting.
00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:42.960
Kind of like how I use glue to stick two pieces of paper together, or when Hank broke my mom's favorite vase and we tried to tape it back together.
00:03:44.960 --> 00:03:45.680
I know Hank.
00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:47.120
I didn't think mom would notice either.
00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:50.960
Instead of using glue or screws, we use heat to melt the edges of the metal.
00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.400
As the metal cools, it hardens into one solid piece.
00:03:54.560 --> 00:04:00.159
And if this is done correctly, the welded joint is actually just as strong, if not stronger than the original metal.
00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:01.120
Hey orbiters.
00:04:01.280 --> 00:04:02.639
Rudy said the word joint.
00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:05.520
A joint is a place where two different parts meet.
00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:08.560
In your body, your elbow is a joint, and so is your knee.
00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:11.199
They're places where different bones meet and connect.
00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:12.479
And welding, when Mr.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:17.759
Rudy says a joint, he means the place where two pieces of metal come together and are joined.
00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:18.560
Hey Mr.
00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:21.519
Rudy, where can we see things that have been welded together?
00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:22.560
And orbiters.
00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:28.319
Listen closely, and whenever you hear something that you've seen, I want you to slap one of your knee joints.
00:04:31.519 --> 00:04:33.600
You know, it's funny you ask that.
00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:35.920
You see it literally everywhere.
00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:37.680
You ride in a car, you've seen welding.
00:04:37.839 --> 00:04:39.680
Your bike has welds on it.
00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:48.800
The swing set of the park, bleachers in a football stadium, farm tractors, water towers, barbecue pits, and even roller coasters all rely on welding.
00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:55.439
Once you know what to look for, you'll start noticing them everywhere.
00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:57.680
Alright, orbiters, here's what to look for.
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:02.319
You're trying to find something made of metal where two different pieces of metal come together.
00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:05.360
Often there's a corner, edge, or a connection point.
00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:11.839
If you look closely, you may be able to see little bumps or raised lines where the metal was welded together.
00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:14.160
You can turn this into an activity.
00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:16.480
See if you can find things that have been welded.
00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:21.759
If you look closely, I bet you can find many things in your home, around your school, or in a playground.
00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:24.480
You can pause here if you'd like to try right away.
00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:25.120
Hey, Mr.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:29.279
Rudy, what exactly is happening to the metal when you weld something?
00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:34.800
During welding, a welding machine creates a source of heat.
00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:39.439
Through the transfer of electricity, it heats up the metal hot enough to melt.
00:05:39.600 --> 00:05:44.079
The heat melts the edges of the metal pieces we're joining, and often we add a little extra metal.
00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:45.199
It's called filler metal.
00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:45.600
Mr.
00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:47.279
Rudy said filler metal.
00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:50.800
To understand what that is, think about building a sand castle.
00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:55.439
Sometimes you need a little extra sand to fill in a gap to make the castle stronger.
00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:57.279
Filler metal does something similar.
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:02.399
The extra metal helps to fill space between the pieces and makes the welding joint stronger.
00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:09.519
When everything cools back down, the melted metal becomes one solid piece again, creating one continuous piece instead of two separate pieces.
00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:10.079
Hey, Mr.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:15.839
Rudy, when it's winter time and my family puts a piece of wood in the fireplace, it burns up and turns to ash.
00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:18.160
Does metal also burn up when you are welding?
00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:28.800
One important thing to understand is that metal doesn't burn away during welding, it changes from a solid into a liquid and then back into a solid, just like ice melts and then freezes back into ice.
00:06:29.040 --> 00:06:29.920
That's so cool.
00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:34.480
Hey, Samantha and I have a question about the sparks that Hank thought was dragon breath.
00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:39.360
Woo! Hi, I'm Samantha from Costa Rica.
00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:41.279
I'm seven years old.
00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:48.319
And I want to know why does welding create sparks and bright light.
00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:53.040
Sparks are just tiny pieces of hot metal flying away from the weld.
00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:55.279
They're glowing because they're extremely hot.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.600
And then the bright light comes from the welding arc.
00:06:57.759 --> 00:06:57.920
Mr.
00:06:58.000 --> 00:07:00.399
Rudy said another cool welding word.
00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:01.920
A welding arc.
00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:08.639
A welding arc is a stream of electricity that jumps through the air between the welding tool and the metal.
00:07:08.800 --> 00:07:13.439
As the electricity moves through the air, it creates superheat that melts the metal.
00:07:13.600 --> 00:07:14.879
Actually, orbiters, Mr.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.560
Rudy gave me a really fun fact.
00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:19.120
How hot do you think the welding arc can be?
00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:20.160
Here's some options.
00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:24.160
Is it as hot as an oven, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:28.079
Is it as hot as a campfire, a thousand degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:32.480
As hot as a rocket booster, or 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit?
00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.000
Or even hotter?
00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:35.360
Shout out your guests.
00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:44.879
Which you can reach temperatures of around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is actually hotter than the surface of the sun, which is why welders always wear special helmets to protect their eyes.
00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:48.000
Holy Jamolys, hotter than the surface of the sun?
00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:48.639
Mr.
00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:51.759
Rudy mentioned wearing special helmets to protect their eyes.
00:07:51.920 --> 00:07:54.319
That reminds me of this question from Josh.
00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:03.519
Hello, my name is Josh, and I'm four years old and I live in downtown Houston.
00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:10.560
And my question is, why do why do welders wear protected protective helmets?
00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:13.519
Wanna know something super interesting, orbiters?
00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:20.399
The bright light from a welding arc isn't just bright, it also gives off ultraviolet light, which we can't see.
00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:27.439
Just like too much sunlight can give your skin a sunburn, ultraviolet light from welding can damage your eyes if you look at it without protection.
00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:30.639
That's why welders wear special helmets with dark lenses.
00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:32.559
And here's an important safety tip.
00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:34.639
Never stare at someone who is welding.
00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:37.279
The bright light can hurt your eyes, even from far away.
00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:41.200
Speaking of equipment, Lily had a question about technology.
00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:43.519
My name is Lily.
00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:46.159
I'm 9 years old and I'm from Florida.
00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:49.200
My question is, what do you use to weld?
00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.399
Great question, Lily.
00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:54.000
If you were a welder, you'd usually use a few important tools.
00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:56.240
First, there's a welding machine.
00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:58.879
The tool that creates the heat needed for welding.
00:08:59.039 --> 00:09:03.919
Then there's the welding torch, which is what the welder holds and points at the metal.
00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:10.320
Sometimes, welders also use filler metal, which is a little extra metal that helps create a strong weld.
00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:15.840
And of course, they wear special safety equipment, like helmets, gloves, and protective clothing.
00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:16.559
Hey Mr.
00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:19.840
Rudy, can you tell me and Lily more about welding technology?
00:09:20.080 --> 00:09:22.399
Today's welders use some amazing technology, Lily.
00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:33.360
There are computer-controlled welding machines, robotic welders that build cars, laser welders used for precision work, and helmets that automatically darken the instant welding begins.
00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:40.480
The basic idea welding has been around for a very long time, that technology just keeps getting smarter and smarter, making welding safer and safer.
00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:41.039
Hey, Mr.
00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:43.440
Rudy, I heard there are different ways to weld.
00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.639
Can you tell us about that?
00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:45.440
Absolutely.
00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:50.559
Some methods work better on thick steel, while others are better for sheet metal or aluminum.
00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:53.600
Some use electricity, while others use special gases or lasers.
00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:57.679
Engineers usually choose the best type of welding based on what they're building.
00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:04.399
Okay, so it sounds like the type of welding you use depends on what type of metal you are welding and what environment you're working in.
00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:05.919
Are there some common types, Mr.
00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:06.480
Rudy?
00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:09.200
The three most common are MIG, stick, and TIG welding.
00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:11.840
MIG is perfect for controlled settings in a shop.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:14.799
Stick welding is a preferred method of outdoor welding.
00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:19.120
And then TIG welding is perfect for metals such as aluminum or stainless steel.
00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:23.200
Okay, we got a question from Kenji that I want to make sure we answer.
00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:29.039
Hi Weber, my name is Kenji.
00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:33.440
I'm six years old, and my question is can you weld underwater?
00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:35.519
That's crazy talk, Kenji.
00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:38.639
Welding has sparks and fire and super hot things.
00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:42.559
And last time I checked, water is wet and definitely not fiery.
00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:45.440
It must be impossible to weld underwater, right, Mr.
00:10:45.600 --> 00:10:45.919
Rudy?
00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.799
This is a great question, and yes you can.
00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:49.600
Wait, really?
00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:53.519
Uh specially trained underwater welders repair ships, bridges, and dams.
00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:56.879
They have to be expert divers as well as expert welders.
00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:58.799
Okay, that blew my mind a little bit.
00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:02.720
Hey, we have some curious orbiters who are asking what I'm thinking.
00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:11.279
Hello, my name is Caleb.
00:11:11.519 --> 00:11:15.840
I live in Illinois, and I'm four years old.
00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:19.759
And my question is, why is running so dangerous?
00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:23.440
Hi, I'm Santiago.
00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:26.320
I'm five.
00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:29.759
I'm leaving the car setting.
00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:40.320
And like Western, what materials are used for making welding equipment safe.
00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:41.279
Bye bye.
00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:44.879
Well, gentlemen, safety is always one of the most important parts of welding.
00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:53.759
Welders wear helmets to protect their eyes from the bright lights, gloves to protect their hands from heat, and flame-resistant clothing to protect your skin.
00:11:54.080 --> 00:12:00.240
We also make sure there's good ventilation because some welding processes do create fumes that are not good for you.
00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:05.679
Just like football players wear helmets and firefighters for protective gear, welders wear equipment so they can stay safe every day.
00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:10.399
Safety sure sounds important working with something that gets as hot as the surface of the sun.
00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:21.360
Hey, how about we pause for a mystery sound?
00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:24.879
You can move around and wiggle while you listen and think about what the sound is.
00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:40.559
I carry my own warning sign wherever I go.
00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:52.000
Stick around to the end for the answer.
00:12:57.200 --> 00:12:57.840
Hey Mr.
00:12:57.919 --> 00:13:03.440
Rudy, you've done a bunch of different welding jobs on ranches and oil fields and in welding shops.
00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:05.440
What are some jobs that involve welding?
00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:09.679
People usually think about construction, but welding is used in so many careers.
00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:18.879
Farmers and ranchers repair equipment, mechanics weld car and truck parts back together, factories build everything from trains to airplanes.
00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:30.960
Shield builders, pipeline workers, race car builders, artists, military contracts, even amusement parts all depend on skill welders.
00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:37.039
Wow, that's so many different jobs.
00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:41.919
Hey orbiters, this could be a good time to pause the episode and talk with a friend or a family member.
00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:45.440
Which of these things would you be super excited to work on as a welder?
00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:59.919
Building tall buildings, fixing farm equipment, working on cars and trucks, making trains, joining oil pipelines, creating artwork that uses metal, or something else.
00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:02.399
Pause here and hit play whenever you're ready.
00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:05.519
Hey Rudy, how did you get started in welding?
00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:10.879
Going back to my childhood, I started because I like working with my hands.
00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:15.919
I wanted to learn to build and repair things, mostly because I was taking them apart and had to figure out how to put them back together.
00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:20.960
But the more I practiced, the more I realized welding could solve real problems and create useful things.
00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.320
I got we have some orbiters who also like to take things apart.
00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:25.120
Hey, Mr.
00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:34.080
Rudy, what if I want to learn how to weld, but I also like doing other things, like cooking, or being an engineer, or working in business, or studying dinosaurs.
00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:36.480
Can I still do those things?
00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.279
Absolutely.
00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:38.399
This is a great follow-up.
00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:44.480
Probably about half of my students will not go into a welding career, but this is such a great skill to have in your back pocket.
00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.960
I know, Hank, you don't have pockets.
00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.360
Mr.
00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:50.480
Rudy doesn't carry a welding machine in his back pocket either.
00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:53.519
He means welding is a skill that he can use whenever he wants to.
00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:56.639
Not everyone who learns to weld becomes a professional welder.
00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:59.440
Engineers use welding knowledge when they design products.
00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:02.240
Farmers and ranchers repair their own equipment.
00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:13.200
Mechanics use welding to fix vehicles, and even people who work other careers often find welding to be valuable life skill that saves money and helps them build or repair things on their own.
00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:18.799
Hi, my name is Alina.
00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.080
I live in California.
00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:24.000
My question is, what is it like to weld things together?
00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:26.879
Hi, my name is Alisa.
00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:30.000
I am six years old.
00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:33.519
I am for Saldillo, Mexico.
00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:42.159
And my question is, what is it like to weld things together?
00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.600
Thank you.
00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.200
I was thinking the same thing.
00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:52.240
Working with cool technology, staying safe around super hot metals, wearing that super cool mask thing to make sure your eyes stay safe.
00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.279
That sounds really cool.
00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:54.240
What's it like, Mr.
00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:54.879
Rudy?
00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:56.879
Well, ladies, every day is different.
00:15:57.039 --> 00:16:01.919
One day you might repair something that's broken, and the next day you're building something completely new from scratch.
00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:05.759
Welding takes patience, problem solving, and attention to detail.
00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:10.399
It's rewarding because at the end of the day, you can step back and look at what you build and say, I make that.
00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:16.240
Kind of like when Hank makes a mess and steps back and says, Woo, woo! Let's go to this question from Luna.
00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.360
Hi, my name's Luna.
00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:23.279
I'm six years old and I live in New York.
00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:30.639
And my question is, how do how do some people enjoy welding and others don't?
00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:40.240
Well, Luna, if you like to build things, solving puzzles, working with your hands, being creative, or figuring out how things work, welding can be a great fit.
00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:46.320
It's a skill that combines science, technology, engineering, art, and creativity all in one package.
00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:50.480
I bet we have lots of orbiters who have active hands and who like figuring things out.
00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.039
Hey, Mr.
00:16:51.120 --> 00:16:53.279
Rudy, how do people learn how to weld?
00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:58.879
Many people get their first experience in high school career technical education programs like the ones I teach.
00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:04.960
Others learn at trade schools or community colleges, and many learn alongside experienced welders.
00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.240
We call these apprenticeships.
00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:09.599
The great thing about welding is that you're always learning something new.
00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:16.400
Around here, we love learning new things.
00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:17.039
Hey Mr.
00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:19.920
Rudy, how can families continue to learn about welding?
00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:26.240
One of the best ways is to see if your local school offers a career and technical education program or CTE classes.
00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:33.680
The CTE programs give hands-on experiences in careers like welding, construction, agriculture, robotics, healthcare, and many other career apps.
00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:37.599
Career and technical education programs sound like a great way to get started.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:47.839
Families can also visit local career fairs, manufacturing, open houses, agricultural events, or technical colleges to learn more about opportunities available for apprenticeships.
00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.680
And families, you don't have to wait till high school to start learning about welding together.
00:17:51.839 --> 00:18:08.720
Next time you're in the car, driving over a bridge, playing on a playground, doing a barbecue at the park, or hopping on your trusty tricycle, take a moment to notice where they may have used welding to join pieces of metal.
00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:16.319
Orbiters, I bet your mom or dad or a friend will be super impressed if you point out something with welding that even they didn't notice.
00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.960
Hey orbiters.
00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:25.359
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a wiggle break.
00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:31.200
Today, I want you to do your best impression of a tidal wave with your arms or your whole body.
00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:35.200
You can do it sitting down or standing up.
00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.720
Get creative with it.
00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:41.920
And while we're being tidal waves, let's recap what we've learned.
00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:48.720
Welding is a process that uses heat to melt metal, so two separate pieces of metal can become one solid piece.
00:18:48.880 --> 00:19:03.039
We learned that welders use tools like welding machines, welding torches, and filler metal to create strong joints, and that the bright sparks and light come from tiny pieces of glowing metal and a welding arc that can be even hotter than the surface of the sun.
00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:12.480
The intense heat, bright light, and electricity involved in welding makes protective equipment very important for staying safe.
00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:26.480
We also learn that you don't have to become a professional welder to learn welding, and that career and technical education programs help students explore hands-on skills like welding, robotics, healthcare, construction, and many other exciting career paths.
00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.759
Hey Mr.
00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:32.240
Rudy, thanks so much for joining us on orbit today.
00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:35.039
First off, I want to say thank you so much for having me today.
00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:40.079
Orbiters, stay curious, ask a lot of questions, and don't be afraid to learn these skills.
00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:45.119
Amazing inventions ranging from bridges to skyscrapers, tractors, or rockets.
00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:48.559
Started with someone who's willing to learn, work hard, and create something new.
00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:51.359
So maybe one day you'll build something that changes the world.
00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:52.160
Thank you, Mr.
00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:52.720
Rudy.
00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:57.440
I bet a bunch of our orbiters are gonna change the world and make some really cool stuff along the way.
00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.680
Remember the riddle?
00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:22.880
I carry my own warning sign wherever I go.
00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:33.279
If you said it's a rattlesnake, you were right.
00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.400
Way to go.
00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:47.599
One last super duper thank you to the team at Level Up Texas at Texas AM University for making possible the Cool Jobs for Curious Kids podcast series on Orbit and Cranio.
00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:51.519
Orbit is produced by Cumbra Kids.
00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:54.000
This episode was written by me, Robert Carpenter.
00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:56.000
The producer is Catherine Aguilar.
00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:59.279
Artwork for the episode by Moises Monsalve and Jorge Wake.
00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:01.200
We'll see you in the next episode.
00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.240
Ciao.
