Non-Wood Materials, Characteristics and Uses for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Previous Lesson: Tools and Machines
Topic: NON WOOD MATERIALS SUCH AS GLASS, PLASTICS, RUBBER, CERAMICS, METAL, ETC, CHARACTERISTICS AND USES
Subject Matter: Display common non wood materials, their uses, and characteristics; State the characteristics and uses of non- wood materials; Resources; samples of non wood materials

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify common non-wood materials such as glass, plastics, rubber, ceramics, and metal.
• State the characteristics of various non-wood materials.
• Explain the uses of different non-wood materials.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of non-wood materials in various applications, including woodwork.
• Show interest in learning about different material properties.

Psychomotor Domain

• Handle samples of non-wood materials safely.
• Differentiate between various non-wood materials by observation.

Social Domain

• Participate actively in discussions about non-wood materials.
• Collaborate with peers to identify and describe materials.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Wood Work textbook for Senior Secondary 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of non-wood materials: glass (e.g., broken bottle, glass sheet), various plastics (e.g., plastic bottle, PVC pipe, nylon), rubber (e.g., rubber band, tyre piece), ceramics (e.g., broken plate, tile), and metal (e.g., iron rod, aluminium can, copper wire).
• Charts displaying images and characteristics of non-wood materials.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it broadens students’ understanding of materials beyond traditional wood, which is crucial for modern woodworking and construction. Knowledge of non-wood materials enables students to select appropriate complementary materials for their projects and understand their properties for effective use and safety. It also prepares them for further studies or careers in related technical fields.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of different types of materials and their general applications from their Junior Secondary School Introductory Technology classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

NON WOOD MATERIALS, CHARACTERISTICS AND USES

Introduction to Non-Wood Materials

Non-wood materials are any materials used in construction, manufacturing, or crafts that are not derived from wood. These materials often complement wood in various applications, providing different properties like strength, flexibility, transparency, or resistance to elements.

Common Non-Wood Materials, Their Characteristics and Uses

1. Glass

Characteristics:

1. Transparent or translucent.
2. Brittle and can break easily into sharp pieces.
3. Hard and smooth surface.
4. Non-porous and resistant to most chemicals.
5. Can be moulded when hot.
6. Electrically insulating.

Uses:

1. Windows and doors in buildings.
2. Mirrors.
3. Tabletops and display cabinets.
4. Laboratory equipment.
5. Bottles and containers.

2. Plastics

Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and can be moulded into solid objects. They are broadly categorised into thermoplastics (can be melted and reshaped) and thermosetting plastics (cannot be reshaped after initial moulding).

Characteristics:

1. Lightweight.
2. Can be rigid or flexible.
3. Resistant to corrosion and many chemicals.
4. Good electrical insulators.
5. Can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
6. Some are heat resistant, others melt easily.
7. Can be easily coloured.

Uses:

1. Pipes (PVC, HDPE).
2. Electrical fittings and insulation.
3. Furniture components (chairs, tables).
4. Containers and packaging.
5. Adhesives and laminates.
6. Protective coatings.

3. Rubber

Rubber is an elastic material, either natural (from rubber trees) or synthetic (petroleum-based).

Characteristics:

1. Highly elastic and flexible.
2. Waterproof.
3. Good electrical insulator.
4. Resistant to abrasion.
5. Can be soft or hard depending on processing.
6. Poor conductor of heat.

Uses:

1. Seals and gaskets in machinery.
2. Tyres and tubes.
3. Gloves and protective wear.
4. Shock absorbers and vibration dampeners.
5. Adhesives and coatings.

4. Ceramics

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic solids prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling.

Characteristics:

1. Hard and brittle.
2. High melting points.
3. Excellent electrical and thermal insulators.
4. Resistant to chemicals and corrosion.
5. Often opaque, but can be translucent.
6. Can be porous or non-porous.

Uses:

1. Tiles (floor and wall).
2. Sanitary ware (toilets, sinks).
3. Bricks and roofing materials.
4. Pottery and decorative items.
5. Insulators in electrical systems.

5. Metals

Metals are materials that are typically hard, opaque, shiny, and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. They are often categorised as ferrous (containing iron, e.g., steel) or non-ferrous (not containing iron, e.g., aluminium, copper).

Characteristics:

1. Good conductors of heat and electricity.
2. Lustrous (shiny) appearance.
3. Malleable (can be hammered into sheets).
4. Ductile (can be drawn into wires).
5. High tensile strength (can withstand pulling forces).
6. High density (heavy).
7. Can corrode (rust) unless protected.

Uses:

1. Fasteners (nails, screws, bolts).
2. Tools and machinery parts.
3. Structural components (beams, frames).
4. Pipes and conduits.
5. Decorative fittings (handles, hinges).
6. Electrical wiring (copper, aluminium).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to name different materials they know, both natural and man-made. The teacher then introduces the topic of non-wood materials, explaining that while wood is primary in their subject, other materials are often used alongside it.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to materials

Step 2: Display and Identification of Non-Wood Materials

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the collected samples of non-wood materials (glass, plastics, rubber, ceramics, metal). For each sample, the teacher asks students to identify the material and briefly state one thing they know about it.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials displayed and share their existing knowledge about them.

Learning Point: Identification of materials

Step 3: Characteristics of Glass and Plastics

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the characteristics of glass and plastics, using the samples to illustrate points like transparency, brittleness, flexibility, and resistance. The teacher also highlights safety precautions when handling glass.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, contribute to the discussion, and note down key characteristics.

Learning Point: Glass and plastic characteristics

Step 4: Uses of Glass and Plastics

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Question and Answer/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students to brainstorm common uses of glass and plastics, particularly in their homes or in conjunction with wooden items. The teacher provides additional examples and clarifies any misconceptions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils suggest uses for glass and plastics and listen to the teacher’s explanations.

Learning Point: Uses of glass and plastics

Step 5: Characteristics and Uses of Rubber and Ceramics

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents samples of rubber and ceramics. The teacher explains their characteristics (elasticity, waterproofing for rubber; hardness, brittleness for ceramics) and discusses their various uses, including those relevant to construction and household items.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, feel their textures (where safe), and listen to the explanations of their characteristics and uses.

Learning Point: Rubber and ceramic properties

Step 6: Characteristics and Uses of Metals

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various metal samples and explains their key characteristics such as conductivity, malleability, ductility, and strength. The teacher then discusses their wide range of uses, especially as fasteners and structural supports in woodwork.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the metal samples, ask questions, and understand their characteristics and uses.

Learning Point: Metal characteristics and uses

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name three common non-wood materials.
2. State two characteristics of glass.
3. Give two uses for plastic in a home.
4. What is one key difference between rubber and ceramics?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding non-wood materials

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on non-wood materials, their characteristics, and uses into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of understanding different non-wood materials and their properties for practical applications. The teacher encourages students to observe these materials in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of lesson

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Research and write down:

1. Identify one specific non-wood material not discussed in class (e.g., composites, fabric).
2. List three characteristics of this material.
3. State two common uses of this material in construction or everyday items.
4. Explain why this material might be preferred over wood for a particular application.

Lesson Keywords

• Glass – A hard, brittle, transparent or translucent material.
• Plastics – Synthetic materials that can be moulded into various shapes.
• Rubber – An elastic, waterproof material, either natural or synthetic.
• Ceramics – Hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant inorganic materials.
• Metals – Materials known for their conductivity, malleability, and ductility.
• Characteristics – Distinguishing features or qualities of a material.
• Uses – Applications or purposes for which a material is employed.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research specific types of plastics (e.g., PVC, HDPE, PET) or metals (e.g., steel, aluminium, copper) and their unique properties. For students needing additional support, provide simplified charts with visual aids and fewer characteristics for each material, focusing on the most common examples and uses.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search on YouTube for: non wood materials characteristics uses SS3