Year 7 Lesson: Hardwoods and Softwoods: Properties and Uses

Curriculum Links

ACTDEK023: Investigate characteristics and properties of a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment and evaluate the impact of their use.

ACTDEP035: Generate, develop and communicate design ideas and processes for audiences using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques.

ACTDEP036: Select and justify choices of materials, components, tools and equipment to safely make designed solutions.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as traditional use of wood and sustainable practices, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Sustainability - Students explore sustainable use of timber and safe workshop practices.

Reading: Hardwoods and Softwoods: Properties and Uses

Wood is classified into two main types: hardwoods and softwoods, each with unique properties and uses. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually, such as oak, maple, and mahogany. They are known for their density, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. Hardwoods grow slowly, making them stronger and more resistant to wear, ideal for furniture, flooring, and decorative items. Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees like pine, cedar, and spruce, which are evergreens. They grow faster, are lighter, and easier to work with, commonly used in construction, paper, and packaging. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right wood for projects.

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 woods from deciduous trees known for their strength. In the lesson, hardwoods are used for durable furniture due to their density and grain patterns.
  2. The word softwoods means woods from coniferous trees that are lighter. In the reading, softwoods like pine are ideal for construction because they grow faster.
  3. The word deciduous means trees that shed leaves annually. In the context, deciduous trees provide hardwoods like oak for long-lasting products.
  4. The word coniferous means trees that bear cones and are evergreen. In the lesson, coniferous trees supply softwoods for packaging and building.
  5. The word density means the mass per unit volume of wood. In the reading, high density makes hardwoods resistant to wear.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. Hardwoods come from __________ trees.
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2. Softwoods are from __________ trees.
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3. Hardwoods are known for their __________.
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4. Softwoods grow __________ than hardwoods.
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5. Oak is an example of a __________.
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6. Pine is an example of a __________.
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7. Hardwoods are ideal for __________.
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. What type of trees produce hardwoods?
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2. Which is a property of softwoods?
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3. What is mahogany used for?
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4. Which tree is coniferous?
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5. Hardwoods are resistant to __________.
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6. Softwoods are commonly used in __________.
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7. What makes hardwoods beautiful?
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Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
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