Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION WOODOWRK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
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MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION WOODOWRK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 17
Grade code: 1.5.2.LI.2
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.5.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.5.2.LI.2
Theme: WOODWORK TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: MATERIALS AND ARTEFACTS PRODUCTION WOODOWRK INDUSTRY IN GHANA
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Wood is a fundamental material in our daily lives here in Ghana. From the comfortable chair you are sitting on, the desk you write on, to the roof trusses that hold up our homes, and the beautiful drums used in our cultural displays, wood is everywhere. But how does a giant Odum or Wawa tree in the forest become a smooth, strong plank of wood ready to be used by a carpenter? This lesson will take us on the journey of timber, from a living tree to a usable material. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone interested in construction, furniture making, or appreciating the value of our nation's forests.
Concept 1: Classification of Timber - Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
Before we process timber, we must first understand the two main types. This classification is based on the tree's botanical origin, not necessarily its physical hardness. Hardwoods: These come from deciduous trees (trees that usually shed their leaves in the dry season). They have broad leaves. Their cell structure is more complex, with large vessels or pores, which are visible as tiny holes on the end grain. Characteristics: Generally denser, heavier, more durable, and more expensive. They have a richer colour and grain pattern. Ghanaian Examples: Odum (Iroko), Mahogany, Sapele, Wawa, Danta, Ofram. Softwoods: These come from coniferous trees (trees that have needles and cones and are typically evergreen). Characteristics: Generally less dense, lighter, less expensive, and grow faster than hardwoods. They have a simpler cell structure without visible pores. Ghanaian Examples: While most softwoods like Pine and Cedar are not native to Ghana's tropical forests, they are grown in plantations and imported for construction purposes. The Wawa tree, though technically a hardwood, is very light and soft, often used where softwoods might be preferred.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Hardwoods | Softwoods | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Source | Deciduous (broad-leaved) trees | Coniferous (needle-leaved) trees | | Leaf Type | Broad leaves | Needles and cones | | Density | Generally high density | Generally low density | | Cost | More expensive | Less expensive | | Growth Rate| Slow | Fast | | Grain | Complex grain with visible pores | Simple grain, no visible pores | | Examples | Odum, Mahogany, Sapele | Pine, Cedar, Spruce | Concept 2: The Four Main Phases of Timber Processing