Kids projects

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I got volunteered (by my dear wife) to lead a 4-H welding project. About 5 or 6 kids age 13-16. I am new to welding and so I would be learning along with the kids. Possibly one other dad who has a welder will be helping. Any ideas for a nice simple (useful) project that the kids can complete in 4 or 5 sessions that are 3 hours in length? The project starts in September and goes through May or June.  The first session will be strictly a safety course, then the next sessions will be split with hands on welding and classroom discussion on various types of welders, techniques and materials. They will then display their workmanship at the county fair next year. Any resources on DVDs, books, video tapes?It's what's IN the cup, not what's ON the cup! Buck the trend, drink independent coffee.
Reply:GoKarts are always fun.  Might be a little tough to complete in 4 sessions, but you could probably do it.The Welder Shop has great deals and reviews on Hobart, Miller and Lincoln Welders.
Reply:I thought this about it a bit. I'll make a couple of suggestions first then sugest a project or 2.Get an auto dark helmet if you can. The kids will be happier if they can see the work all the time. You can weld with a fixed shade helmet but its a bit harder. Make it as simple as posible for the kids. You might get your LWS to toss you a bone and either give you a good price on consumables or maybe leyt you borrow a hood. Many times place are willing to make donations to organizations such as 4H or Scouts.Projects. Let the kids write their name in weld on a plate. Not terribly useful but a good exercise and it give them somthing to do and take home.Fireplace set. Mostly metal bending and cutting but they wont weld a large project in that time anyways.Candle holder, garden trowel, Small charcoal grill, Plant hanger (the ones you stick in the yard and hang potted plants from)The more I think about it the better I like the grill idea. A 16"-18" length of steel pipe split in 2 length wise. Weld on 2 plates for ends that also form the legs. A couple of pieces of angle to hold the grill surface and a couple lower to hold a coal grate. Some metal mesh cut for the grill surface. You could make it fancier if you wanted. Lid, handles and so on.Good luck.
Reply:Be sure to go heavy on the safety and personal protective equipment - safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs when grinding, etc. You want to start them off right. No grown up taking short cuts   Kids have good eye sight at this age. You may get material donations from local suppliers for a good cause like this. A project like this would make the front page of the local weekly newspaper in a small southern town like the one I live in. Be sure to post some pics if you can.
Reply:I"m An Ag. Teacher And Have Had The 4-h Classes For A Few Years.  Foot Scrapers For The Back Porch And Coat Racks Out Of Horse Shoes Are Good Beginners Projects.  Find A Farrier And He Usually Has A Pile Of Shoes He Will Give You For A Good Cause. The Little Guys Are Very Excited And Fun.  Figure How Long It Takes You To Make One Of The Projects And Then Multiply Times Ten For The Kids To Make It.
Reply:jackofalltrades if you haven't looked at it alrready take a look at Zap's grill.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...d=1#post188202This might be a good idea for the kids to build. You can get old tire rims for next to nothing some times at junk yards.