Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- The industrial studies department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville welcomed approximately 20 Boy Scouts who worked with both students and faculty to earn their merit badges in metalwork. The Scouts attended three different sessions, which took place on the first three Saturdays of February.

The first session was an introduction to the industrial technology field. "We talked about the history of metallurgy and possible careers, but mostly we talked about safety to make sure the Boy Scouts were ready to be in the lab the third week," explained Jake Popanda, a freshman technical education major.

At the following Saturday session, the Boy Scouts worked with UWP students to anneal copper. The process involves heating the substance and then allowing it to cool, which softens the copper and leaves it more malleable than before. The Boy Scouts also collaborated with students to create the pewter castings, which were used at the last session for the Universal Emblem molds.

At the final session, the Boy Scouts worked in the lab and were able to bring the fruits of their labor home with them. Tom Flatley, a junior majoring in Industrial technology management and Eagle Scout, explained the process. "We had molten pewter ready for them, which they poured into a mold. They poured a casting of the Boy Scouts of America Universal Emblem, and once it cooled off they cleaned it up and got to keep it."

In addition to the Universal Emblem casting, the Scouts left with a bronze belt buckle. Since there was not ample time for all of the belt buckles to be made and cooled during the last session, students made enough before-hand and then had the Boy Scouts watch the process on the last Saturday.

The UWP students expressed the importance of the merit badge in metalwork that the Boy Scouts were awarded for their participation. "I'm an Eagle Scout myself and I understand how hard it was to get a merit badge," said Bob Anderlick, a freshman technical education major.

Students were glad to have the opportunity to interact with the Boy Scouts and teach them about their field. "It's been fun and very interesting to work with people who are in awe with the process," said Grant Wightman, a senior industrial technology management major, "It's very rewarding to help and teach the kids."

Anyone interested in learning more about the UWP metals program or other metals workshops may contact Kyle Metzlof at (608) 342-1142 or metzlofk@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Kyle Metzlof, (608) 342-1142, professor, UWP Industrial Studies Department, metzlofk@uwplatt.edu Written by: Ryan Broege, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, broeger@uwplatt.edu