Page 18 - Year 8
P. 18
Design & Technology: 5 of 6
The 6 R's of Sustainability Material Knowledge: Woods
Woods are typically grouped into two different categories:
Softwoods Hardwoods
Often coniferous trees with needles. Often deciduous trees with broad leaves.
Usually trees are evergreen. Usually trees lose their leaves in winter.
Trees grow faster Trees grow slowly and can take
and harvested after approx. 30 years. hundreds of years to
Examples: become fully grown.
Pine Wood is a lot denser and more durable.
Spruce Examples:
Fir Oak
Larch Ash
Beech
Top Tips for Cutting Wood Joints
• Measure in mm
• Label pieces of timber you are joining 1
and 2
• Use a sharp pencil for marking out, this
increases accuracy
The 6 R's of Sustainability can be applied to products when they are being • Shade the WASTE material you will be
designed and manufactured as well as when they are bought and used by removing
consumers. • Cut on the WASTE side of the line
Our bug house considers the use of materials to reduce waste, as well as • Make the joint a tiny bit too big, then file
reusing some off cuts and discarded materials. By making it, you will also down so you get a tight fit
have the skills to repair it, should you need to!
