Year 7 Lesson 1: Introduction to Wood, Hardwoods, and Softwoods

Curriculum Links

VCDSTS004: Explore the use of familiar designed solutions to meet their needs.

VCDSTC005: Explore the characteristics and properties of familiar designed solutions in at least one technologies context.

VCDSCD006: Experience and explore how designed solutions are created and produced safely to meet personal needs.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as sustainable wood use for crafting tools like boomerangs, 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: Introduction to Wood, Hardwoods, and Softwoods

Wood is a natural material from trees used to create designed solutions like furniture and tools. Its properties, such as strength and versatility, make it valuable for design. Aboriginal peoples craft boomerangs from local trees like jarrah, using sustainable methods to meet cultural needs. This practice ensures minimal environmental impact by using locally sourced timber. Designers choose wood for its beauty and functionality.

Wood is divided into hardwoods and softwoods based on their characteristics. Hardwoods, like jarrah or oak, come from deciduous trees that lose leaves seasonally. They are dense and durable, perfect for long-lasting furniture. Softwoods, like pine or cedar, come from coniferous trees with needles and cones. They are less dense and easy to shape, suitable for flexible projects. Both types meet specific design needs.

Selecting wood requires considering sustainability and ethical sourcing. Aboriginal knowledge promotes using local timber to reduce environmental impact, like harvesting in certain seasons. Designers balance aesthetics, strength, and functionality to create useful products. Year 7 students learn how wood is used safely in design, valuing its properties and cultural importance. This supports sustainable practices.

Spelling Bank

Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice:

  • wood
  • natural
  • material
  • trees
  • designed
  • solutions
  • properties
  • strength
  • versatility
  • boomerangs
  • sustainable
  • ethical
  • locally
  • hardwoods
  • softwoods
  • jarrah
  • pine
  • deciduous
  • coniferous
  • aesthetics

Example Sentences

  1. Wood is a natural material used for designed solutions like furniture.
  2. Aboriginal peoples craft boomerangs sustainably from local trees like jarrah.
  3. Hardwoods from deciduous trees are durable, while softwoods from coniferous trees are flexible.
  4. Properties like strength and versatility make wood valuable in design.
  5. Ethical sourcing ensures wood use balances aesthetics and sustainability.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. Wood is a __________ material from trees.
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2. Aboriginal peoples craft __________ sustainably from local trees.
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3. Hardwoods like __________ are dense and durable.
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4. Softwoods like __________ are less dense and easy to shape.
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5. Hardwoods come from __________ trees that lose leaves seasonally.
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6. Softwoods come from __________ trees with needles and cones.
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7. Designers balance __________ and strength in wood selection.
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is wood primarily used for in design?
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2. What type of wood is jarrah?
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3. Which trees produce softwoods?
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4. Why is wood valued in design?
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5. What does Aboriginal knowledge emphasize in wood use?
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6. What type of wood is suitable for flexible projects?
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7. Why do designers choose locally sourced wood?
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Extension Activities

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