Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define manufactured boards and their importance.
• Identify types like Plywood, MDF, and Particleboard.
• Compare their advantages and disadvantages against solid wood.
• Understand their production process.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces learners to manufactured boards, also known as engineered wood. In Ghana, as our forests face pressure and the cost of solid timber like Odum, Wawa, or Mahogany rises, the furniture and construction industries are increasingly relying on these materials. Understanding manufactured boards is essential for any modern woodworker, designer, or even a knowledgeable consumer. We will explore what they are, the different types available in our local markets (like those in Sokoban, Kumasi or Timber Market, Accra), how they are made, and their specific uses, advantages, and disadvantages compared to solid wood.

Lesson notes

2.1 What are Manufactured Boards?

Manufactured boards (or engineered wood) are man-made sheet materials used in construction and furniture making. They are produced by binding together wood particles, fibres, veneers (thin slices of wood), or other lignocellulosic materials (like sugarcane bagasse or bamboo fibres) with an adhesive (glue) under heat and pressure.

Why are they called "Engineered Wood"? They are called "engineered" because, unlike solid wood which is simply cut from a tree, these boards are *designed* and *manufactured* to have specific properties. Engineers can control their density, strength, size, and surface finish, often making them more stable and uniform than natural wood.

Core Idea: We take small pieces of wood (or other plant material), which might otherwise be waste, and re-form them into large, useful, and predictable sheets. 2.2 Common Types of Manufactured Boards and Their Uses

Evaluation guide

• Outline the uses of manufactured boards made from Wood and non -wood residues
• Critical Thinking and Talk for Learning Approaches: Guide learners through whole class
• session to brainstorm the meaning of manufactured boards (Engineered wood) with open -mindedness
• conceptual