Solder Mastery Lesson Plan Daily Lesson Plan
Northeast
METRO TECH
Name:
Class/Shop/Grade:
Plumbing / Grade 9
Date:
March 20, 2026
Unit/Topic:
Soldering Copper Pipe Fundamentals
P O S T E D
Agenda
Safety Briefing (PPE)
Tool Identification
Prep Demo: Cut & Clean
Hands-on: The "Sweat" Joint
Quality Inspection
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Identify all tools required for soldering copper pipe.
Correcty measure, cut, deburr, and clean copper pipe for soldering.
Apply flux and heat to create a watertight solder joint.
Language Objectives
Students will:
Verbally identify tools (torch, flux, emery cloth) using visual scaffolds.
Describe the soldering process using sequence words (First, Then, Finally).
Learning Activities & Strategies (UDL Guidelines)
Do Now/Opener/Morning Meeting
Tool Match-Up: Look at the workbench. On your paper, match the name of the tool to its picture. (Scaffolded for ELs with bilingual labels: Torch/Antorcha, Flux/Fundente).
Direct Instruction/Project-based & Collaborative Learning(Resources, Tools, Technology)
Modeling (I Do):
Demonstrate safety gear setup. Show the "Measure-Cut-Clean-Flux-Heat" cycle. Emphasize the "color change" of the pipe when ready for solder.
Guided Practice (We Do):
Students practice cleaning and fluxing in pairs. Teacher circulates to check for even cleaning and proper deburring.
Collaborative Shop Time (You Do):
Pairs attempt their first vertical and horizontal joints. Peer check for capillary action (the "silver ring").
Differentiation & Accommodations(IEPs, 504s, & MLs)
MLs: Provide visual "Soldering Flowchart" with icons. Pair with supportive peer or bilingual partner.504 Students: Breaking task into 2-step chunks (Prep phase vs. Heat phase). Graphic organizer for steps. Extended time for precision cleaning.Visual Aids: Large "Safety Zone" markings on shop floor.
Exit Ticket/Summarizer/Wrap-up/Afternoon Meeting
"The Golden Rule": Write one reason why we clean the pipe until it shines before soldering. Describe the look of a perfect joint.
Assignments/Projects/Homework(Due Date)
Study the Tool Safety Sheet for tomorrow's performance quiz.
Summative Assessments(Graded)
Joint Integrity Test: Shop Grade based on visual inspection and pressure test of practice joint.
Reflection (What worked? What adjustments are needed?)
Flowing Metal Slides Flowing
Metal
Soldering Copper Pipe Fundamentals
PLUMBING GRADE 9
Safety Protocol
1
PPE Required
Safety glasses and leather gloves are non-negotiable.
2
Torch Awareness
Never point the torch at yourself or a partner.
Fire Safety
Check for flammable materials
Have a fire extinguisher ready
Use a heat shield when near wood
The Toolkit
01
Pipe Cutter
Cortatubos
02
Emery Cloth
Tela de esmeril
03
Fitting Brush
Cepillo de ajuste
04
Flux & Brush
Fundente
05
Propane Torch
Soplete de propano
06
Lead-Free Solder
Soldadura sin plomo
STEP 1 & 2
Cut &
Clean
Measure twice, cut once.
Clean until the pipe shines.
Brush the inside of the fitting.
A dirty pipe is the #1 cause of a leaky joint!
Apply a thin, even coat.
STEP 3
Flux &
Fit
• Flux cleans as it heats
• Flux pulls solder into the joint
• Wipe off excess flux immediately
Apply Heat
The Technique
Heat the fitting, not the pipe.
Wait for the flux to bubble and the pipe to change color slightly.
The Melt
Touch the solder to the opposite side of the flame.
If it melts instantly, pull the flame away and feed the solder.
Capillary Action
Heat creates a vacuum that pulls the molten solder deep into the joint.
1
Flux
2
Heat
3
Flow
The "Silver Ring"
A perfect joint has a smooth, shiny ring of solder all the way around the fitting.
WARNING:
Never touch the pipe until it is completely cooled! Hot copper looks the same as cold copper.
Avoid These
The "Cold" Joint
Pipe Master Shop Guide Solder Mastery Checklist
Project: Copper Pipe Prep & Sweat
Class: Grade 9 Plumbing
Name:
Date:
1. Safety First / Primero la Seguridad
Safety Glasses On / Gafas de Seguridad
Leather Gloves On / Guantes de Cuero
Work Area Clear / Area Despejada
Fire Shield in Place (if needed)
2. Tool Check / Caja de Herramientas
Pipe Cutter
Emery Cloth
Fitting Brush
Flux & Brush
Torch & Striker
Solder (Lead-Free)
The 5 Golden Steps
1
Measure & Cut (Medir y Cortar)
Cut square. Do not crush the pipe. Deburr the inside with a reamer.
2
Clean to a Shine (Limpiar hasta que Brille)
Use emery cloth on pipe. Use fitting brush inside the fitting. Shiny metal only!
3
Flux It (Aplicar Fundente)
Apply a thin coat of flux to the pipe and inside the fitting. Join them immediately.
4
Heat & Flow (Calentar y Fluir)
Heat the fitting. Touch solder to the joint. Pull the flame away once it flows.
5
Inspect (Inspeccionar)
Wipe the joint with a damp cloth. Look for the "Silver Ring." CAUTION: PIPE IS HOT!
Good Joint
• Solid silver ring all around
• Shiny surface
• No gaps between fitting and pipe
Bad Joint
• Dull or lumpy solder (Cold Joint)
• Dark brown/black flux (Burned)
• Solder gaps (Leakers!)
Reflection: The Golden Rule
Answer the exit ticket question here before leaving the shop.
Why must we clean the pipe until it shines? (¿Por qué debemos limpiar el tubo?)
Describe how your practice joint looks today:
