With the continuous development of modern educational concepts, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education has become an essential approach to cultivating students' comprehensive abilities. By introducing small metal machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and grinding machines, the Shunde Daliang Experimental Primary School can help students learn multi-disciplinary knowledge through hands-on practice, enhancing their practical skills, innovative thinking, and teamwork. This course integrates the principles of mechanical processing with the cross-disciplinary features of STEAM education, aiming to inspire students' interest in engineering technology and provide them with a foundation for their future career development.

Teaching Objectives

1. Cultivate Practical Skills and Innovative Thinking
   The primary goal of this course is to enhance students' hands-on skills and innovative thinking through practical operation of small metal machine tools. Students will actively engage in using lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and grinding machines, learning the basic processes of metalworking. By hands-on practice, students will not only improve their skills in operating these machines but also develop problem-solving abilities and innovative ideas.

2. Enhance Engineering Knowledge and Cross-Disciplinary Abilities
   This course combines knowledge from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), helping students understand the practical applications of these disciplines. By operating machine tools, students will learn the fundamental principles of metal processing, including various methods such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. They will also grasp mathematical calculations and physical principles involved in engineering processes. This cross-disciplinary learning will improve their ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

3. Stimulate Interest in Careers and Future Development
   By exposing students to the practical operation of small metal machine tools, they will gain an introductory understanding of the metalworking and manufacturing industries, sparking an interest in technical and vocational skills. The course will also guide students to recognize the importance of technological innovation and engineering design in modern society, broadening their career perspectives and providing valuable insights into potential future career paths.

   
   

Teaching Content

1. Basic Operation and Applications of the Small Metal Lathe
   The lathe is one of the most common machines in metalworking. Through demonstrations and explanations, students will learn about the basic structure and working principles of a lathe. They will also perform simple turning operations to understand how rotating processes are used to shape metal. Students will practice turning parts and learn about key aspects of lathe machining, such as cutting, feed, and speed control.

2. Milling Machine Operation and Techniques
   The milling machine is another essential tool in metalworking, used for cutting metal into various shapes, such as flat, sloped, or contoured surfaces. In this course, students will practice milling operations such as face milling, edge milling, and slot milling. By actively engaging in milling tasks, students will gain a deeper understanding of how this machine is used in modern manufacturing and learn how to carry out precise machining based on specific requirements.

3. Introduction to Drilling and Grinding Machines
   The drilling machine is primarily used to create holes in materials such as metal and wood. Students will learn the operation process and safety precautions for using a drill press, and they will perform basic drilling tasks. The grinding machine, used for surface finishing and precision grinding, will also be covered in the course. Students will practice grinding operations to understand the importance of precision in improving the surface quality of workpieces.

4. Integration of Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge
   This course integrates mathematical calculations, physical principles, and engineering design in the context of metalworking. For example, while performing turning and milling tasks, students will use geometry and measurement skills to ensure accurate dimensions. They will also apply knowledge of forces, friction, and material properties to understand the mechanics behind machining processes.

   
   

Benefits to Shunde Daliang Experimental Primary School and Its Students

1. Improved Practical Skills and Innovative Thinking
   This course allows students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience by working with real-world tools. Through hands-on machining tasks, students will understand the application of science and technology in everyday life, enhancing their ability to think critically and solve real-world problems. The continuous problem-solving and creativity involved in the course will help foster students' innovative thinking.

2. Increased Interest and Abilities in Cross-Disciplinary Learning
   By engaging in practical metalworking tasks, students will see the real-world applications of their knowledge in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The course will spark their interest in these fields and deepen their understanding of how various academic disciplines are interconnected. Students will also develop skills in applying knowledge from different subjects to solve complex problems.

3. Career Awareness and Future Development
   Through exposure to the practical aspects of metalworking and manufacturing, students will gain an understanding of various vocational skills. This early exposure will help spark interest in technical careers and broaden students' career outlooks. By learning the fundamentals of engineering, they will be better equipped to explore potential career paths in technology and manufacturing.

4. Cultivation of Teamwork and Communication Skills
   Students will work in teams to complete machining tasks, which will help them learn how to collaborate and share knowledge with peers. This group-based approach will enhance students' communication skills and teach them the importance of working together to achieve common goals. These teamwork and communication skills will be valuable in future academic and professional settings.

   
   

Conclusion

By integrating the operation of small metal machine tools into the STEAM curriculum, Shunde Daliang Experimental Primary School can offer its students invaluable hands-on experience and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Students will be able to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts in practical situations, fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. This course will not only equip students with practical skills but also inspire them to explore future career paths in technology and engineering, laying a solid foundation for their future academic and professional growth. This is not only an introduction to technical skills but also a comprehensive approach to developing students' overall capabilities.

This teaching project uses the following models, for reference only：

1.Metal Sanding Machine W106M

2.Metal Drilling Machine

3.Metal_Woodturning_Machine

4.Metal Milling Machine

5.Metal Lathe Machine W103M