what i initially think of this subject?
Myself and other class members have been assigned the task of researching and giving a half an hour talk on 'WOOD' (classification, structure and Uses, and issues). My contribution to this topic was to research and present the structural formation of wood, which initially i though was rather dull, however really got into it and acquired a better appreciation for the material. Whilst looking at different types of wood i was aware and in most cases able to classify the types of wood of my own furniture and identify tree's on my street and on the way to uni (which was really geeky!). the contribution made by others to the presentation also equipped me with a greater understanding of 'wood'
surprises i found out about wood?
Where next? ......... I need to look at plastics and metals which im guessing will be much more involved. Now that i have a greater understanding of the properties of wood, i would like to ensure i consider this when working with the material.
- Scientific/cells/molecules/chemicals
- long/complicated/boring
Myself and other class members have been assigned the task of researching and giving a half an hour talk on 'WOOD' (classification, structure and Uses, and issues). My contribution to this topic was to research and present the structural formation of wood, which initially i though was rather dull, however really got into it and acquired a better appreciation for the material. Whilst looking at different types of wood i was aware and in most cases able to classify the types of wood of my own furniture and identify tree's on my street and on the way to uni (which was really geeky!). the contribution made by others to the presentation also equipped me with a greater understanding of 'wood'
surprises i found out about wood?
- I initially though hard wood and softwood was to do with how hard they are to cut and not because of their cellular structure. i was also really surprised to learn that some hard woods can be soft and vice versa which still makes me a little cross eyed.
- Was intrigued to leant that the inner part of the tree (the heart wood) is DEAD!? ... I didn't think any part of a living thing could be dead.
- The extent to which wood's molecular structure can be altered and the process it has to go through. I thought it was just a case of chopping down a tree and then its chopped up into bit.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials - this was very useful in getting some basic outlines of the subject and explained very simply. Although we needed to go into greater detail with wood so conducted further internet research.
- Books - GCSE essentials revision guide & 'Identifying wood' again useful for outlines but couldn't gain a very clear understanding of the subject.
- Looking at samples of wood- being able to study and touch all the different types of wood helped to better understand concepts and apply knowledge we had read about. These also made a good visual aid for the presentation.
- Peer tutoring- this was a great way to share our personal investigations with each other. It was also a good way of ensuring we understood our research as we had to explain it to each other and then present it to the class! we therefore had to understand it to teach it effectively.
- The importance of knowing where a material has come from and where they are sourced from.
- The various types of materials available and how it can be processed and treated to suit a purpose
- Choosing an appropriate material for a product/job
- How the structure of a material can be altered e.g drying out process
Where next? ......... I need to look at plastics and metals which im guessing will be much more involved. Now that i have a greater understanding of the properties of wood, i would like to ensure i consider this when working with the material.