Year 7 Theory Lesson 2: Properties of Wood

Curriculum Links

SCASA Design and Technologies: Explore the use of familiar designed solutions to meet their needs (VCDSTS004). Explore the characteristics and properties of familiar designed solutions in at least one technologies context (VCDSTC005). Experience and explore how designed solutions are created and produced safely to meet personal needs (VCDSCD006).

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework (DETWA): Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as selecting seasoned wood for tools to prevent warping, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore traditional wood use practices to understand sustainable and culturally appropriate design solutions.

Reading: Properties of Wood

Wood properties include density hardness grain texture color and moisture content which determine its suitability for various designed solutions. Density affects weight and strength making dense woods like jarrah durable for furniture. Hardness resists wear important for tools. Aboriginal peoples select hard woods like gidgee for weapons due to their strength. This knowledge ensures tools last longer in harsh environments. Grain patterns like straight or interlocked impact workability and aesthetics. Straight grain is easier to cut while figured grain enhances visual appeal. In Aboriginal art grain is chosen for cultural significance. Texture refers to surface feel fine or coarse affecting finishing. Color ranges from pale to dark adding beauty to projects.

Moisture content is critical as wood absorbs and releases water causing expansion or contraction. Seasoning reduces moisture to prevent warping cracking or shrinking. Aboriginal practices involve air-drying wood in shade to maintain stability. This ensures tools like boomerangs remain functional. High moisture can lead to decay while low moisture makes wood brittle. Understanding this helps select wood for specific environments. In Western Australia timbers like jarrah have natural resistance to moisture.

Wood’s elasticity allows bending without breaking useful for curved designs. Thermal properties make it an insulator for buildings. Acoustic properties absorb sound ideal for instruments. Aboriginal didgeridoos use eucalyptus for resonance. These properties guide safe and effective use in design. Students explore how properties meet personal needs promoting sustainable practices. (Word count: 312)

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

The word properties means characteristics. In the lesson, wood properties guide choices.
The word strength means power. In the reading, strength affects durability.
The word hardwoods means dense woods. In the context, hardwoods like jarrah.
The word jarrah means a timber. In the lesson, jarrah is durable.
The word dense means thick. In the reading, dense woods resist wear.

Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)

Name: Date: Class:

1. Hardwoods like __________ are dense and durable.

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2. Softwoods like __________ are lighter and workable.

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3. __________ content impacts wood’s stability.

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4. Seasoned wood prevents __________.

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5. Wood’s __________ enhances aesthetic appeal.

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6. High moisture causes __________.

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7. Grain patterns affect __________.

✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2