Year 7 Lesson: Hardwoods and Softwoods: Properties and Uses

Curriculum Links

ACTDEP035: The nature of materials and their properties in design and technologies, such as timbers in woodwork.

ACTDEP036: Generate, develop, test and communicate design ideas, plans and processes for various audiences using appropriate technical terms and technologies including graphical representation techniques.

ACTDEP037: Select and justify choices of materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to effectively and safely make designed solutions.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as traditional timber use in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore pre-contact and contemporary uses of Australian timbers to understand Indigenous innovation and adaptation in material use.

Reading: Hardwoods and Softwoods: Properties and Uses

Hardwoods and softwoods are two main categories of timber used in woodwork, each with unique properties and uses. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually, while softwoods derive from coniferous trees that remain evergreen. This distinction is botanical, not necessarily related to hardness. For example, balsa is a hardwood but very soft, while yew is a softwood that is quite hard. In Western Australia, hardwoods like jarrah and karri are abundant, but in the Kimberley region, timbers such as boab wood and bloodwood offer dense, durable properties ideal for carvings and tools. In the Pilbara, mulga and gidgee hardwoods provide resilient materials resistant to arid conditions.

Hardwoods generally have a denser structure, making them stronger and more durable. They resist wear and tear, which is why they are preferred for furniture, flooring, and structural elements. Jarrah from WA, for instance, is renowned for its termite resistance and rich red color, used in high-end cabinetry. In the Kimberley, bloodwood hardwood is valued for its strength in making traditional artifacts. Softwoods, on the other hand, grow faster and are lighter, making them easier to work with and cheaper. They are commonly used in construction, paper, and packaging. Pine is a classic softwood, but in WA's Pilbara, softwood-like acacias provide versatile wood for fencing.

Properties like grain, texture, and color vary. Hardwoods often have complex grains for aesthetic appeal, while softwoods have straighter grains for ease of cutting. In woodwork projects, choosing the right type ensures success. For outdoor furniture, hardwoods like Kimberley boab offer weather resistance. Softwoods suit indoor items like shelves. Understanding these helps in sustainable practices, especially with WA timbers from Pilbara and Kimberley. Indigenous communities have long used these for tools and art, blending tradition with modern design. (Word count: 352)

Spelling Bank

Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a longer sentence with context and meaning):

Example Sentences

  1. The word hardwoods means timbers from deciduous trees. In the lesson, hardwoods like jarrah are used for durable furniture.
  2. The word softwoods means timbers from coniferous trees. In the reading, softwoods are lighter and used in construction.
  3. The word deciduous means trees that lose leaves annually. In the context, deciduous trees provide dense hardwoods.
  4. The word coniferous means evergreen trees with cones. In the lesson, coniferous trees yield softwoods like pine.
  5. The word jarrah means a WA hardwood. In the reading, jarrah is termite-resistant and used in cabinetry.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. Hardwoods come from __________ trees.
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2. Softwoods derive from __________ trees.
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3. In the Kimberley, __________ wood is dense.
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4. Pilbara timbers include __________ and gidgee.
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5. Hardwoods are preferred for __________.
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6. Softwoods are used in __________.
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7. Jarrah is renowned for its __________ resistance.
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. What trees provide hardwoods?
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2. Which is a WA hardwood?
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3. Kimberley timber example?
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4. Pilbara timber example?
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5. Hardwoods are generally?
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6. Softwoods grow?
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7. Hardwoods for aesthetic?
Attempts remaining: 2
Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
Resit test to get 100%

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