```html Year 7 Lesson 1: Hardwoods and Softwoods: Properties and Uses

Year 7 Lesson 1: 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 groups: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees that lose their leaves each year, such as oak, beech, jarrah, and mahogany. They grow slowly, are very dense, heavy, and have beautiful grain patterns. They are extremely durable, resistant to wear, and perfect for high-quality furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Softwoods come from coniferous trees such as pine, radiata, hoop pine, and cedar. They grow much faster, are lighter, softer, and easier to work with. They are widely used in house framing, packaging, and general construction.

In Western Australia we are fortunate to have some of the most stunning and powerful hardwoods on Earth. The Kimberley and Pilbara regions produce world-famous timbers such as Gidgee (one of the hardest known woods), Desert Bloodwood, Northern Ironwood, and Snappy Gum. These timbers are incredibly dense, rich in colour, and take a beautiful polish, making them highly prized for fine furniture, knife handles, and turnery. Because they are so hard, they require sharp tools, patience, and respect in the workshop. Choosing the right type wood for the job is a critical skill in design and technology.

Spelling Words

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

Fill in the Blanks
1. Hardwoods come from __________ trees that lose their leaves every year.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
2. Softwoods come from __________ trees that are usually evergreens.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
3. The Kimberley and Pilbara regions are famous for extremely hard timbers such as __________.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
4. Hardwoods are ideal for high-quality __________ and flooring.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
5. Softwoods grow much __________ than hardwoods.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
6. Desert __________ comes from the Pilbara region.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
7. The beautiful __________ patterns in hardwoods make them perfect for decorative items.
✔✘Attempts remaining: 2
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which trees produce hardwoods?
2. Which is generally lighter and faster-growing?
3. Gidgee and Desert Bloodwood are famous for being extremely __________.
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Wrong: 0
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