Year 7 Lesson: Strength and Durability of Wood in Design

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: Strength and Durability of Wood in Design

Strength and durability are key factors in selecting wood for design projects. Strength refers to wood's ability to withstand forces like compression and tension, while durability is resistance to decay and pests. In Western Australia, timbers from the Kimberley and Pilbara exemplify these qualities. Kimberley bloodwood offers high strength for load-bearing structures. Boab wood is durable against weathering. In the Pilbara, mulga provides excellent durability in harsh conditions, used for fencing. Gidgee is strong for tools.

In design, these properties ensure longevity. Jarrah from Western Australia is durable for flooring. Testing methods like bending assess strength. Indigenous designs from Kimberley use bloodwood for spears. Pilbara gidgee for boomerangs. Modern design incorporates these for sustainable products. Understanding grain and density aids selection. Durability enhances with treatments, but natural properties are preferred. (Word count: 265)

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 strength means ability to withstand forces. In the lesson, strength is key for structures.
  2. The word durability means resistance to decay. In the reading, durability ensures longevity.
  3. The word design means planning projects. In the context, design selects wood for strength.
  4. The word Kimberley refers to a region in Western Australia. In the lesson, Kimberley bloodwood is strong.
  5. The word Pilbara refers to a region in Western Australia. In the reading, Pilbara mulga is durable.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. __________ refers to withstanding forces.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
2. Durability is resistance to __________ and pests.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
3. Kimberley __________ offers high strength.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
4. Pilbara __________ is strong for tools.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
5. Jarrah is durable for __________.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
6. Testing methods include __________.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
7. Understanding __________ aids selection.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Strength withstands?
Attempts remaining: 2
2. Durability resists?
Attempts remaining: 2
3. Kimberley example for strength?
Attempts remaining: 2
4. Pilbara example for durability?
Attempts remaining: 2
5. Jarrah used for?
Attempts remaining: 2
6. Testing method?
Attempts remaining: 2
7. Aids selection?
Attempts remaining: 2
Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
Resit test to get 100%

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