Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7
Processing: basic materials and tools (Grade 7) – Week 6 focus
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Processing: basic materials and tools (Grade 7) – Week 6 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Technology
Class: Grade 7
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we're diving into the exciting world of processing basic materials! Processing is the act of changing materials from their raw state into something useful. Think about the maize that grows in our fields; it needs to be processed to become mealie meal, which we eat as pap. Or consider the clay from the earth; it needs to be processed to create bricks for building houses. Understanding how materials are processed and the tools used is crucial for various industries in South Africa, from agriculture and construction to manufacturing and even arts and crafts. This knowledge empowers you to understand how everyday objects are made and opens doors to potential careers in these fields.
What is Processing? Processing refers to the series of actions performed on a material to transform it from its raw state into a finished or semi-finished product. It involves various techniques such as cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing. Imagine a tree in a forest. Before it can become furniture, it needs to be processed. This involves felling the tree, cutting it into planks, shaping the planks, joining them together, and then applying a finish like varnish.
Basic Materials: Wood: A natural material obtained from trees. It is strong, relatively lightweight, and easy to work with. Different types of wood have different properties. Pine, for example, is a softwood often used in construction and furniture making because it's relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Hardwoods like oak and mahogany are more durable and are often used for high-quality furniture. Wood is used extensively in South Africa for building, furniture, crafts, and even fuel.
Metal: Strong and durable materials that can be shaped through various processes like cutting, bending, and welding. Common metals include steel (used in construction and vehicles), aluminum (used in window frames and cookware), and copper (used in electrical wiring). Scrap metal recycling is a significant industry in South Africa.
Plastic: A synthetic material made from polymers. Plastics are lightweight, versatile, and can be molded into various shapes. They are widely used in packaging, toys, furniture, and many other products. There is a growing concern about plastic pollution in South Africa.
Clay: A naturally occurring material found in the earth. When mixed with water, it becomes pliable and can be molded into shapes. When heated, it becomes hard and durable. Clay is used to make bricks, pottery, tiles, and other ceramic products. Many rural communities in South Africa use clay to build traditional homes.
Textiles: Materials made from fibers, either natural (cotton, wool) or synthetic (nylon, polyester). They are used to make clothing, blankets, carpets, and other fabrics. South Africa has a textile industry, although it faces challenges from imports.
Basic Tools: Saw: Used for cutting materials, primarily wood and metal. Different types of saws exist, including: Hand Saw:* A general-purpose saw for cutting wood.
Hacksaw:* Designed for cutting metal. It has a fine-toothed blade.
Coping Saw:* Used for cutting curves and intricate shapes in wood.
Hammer: Used for driving nails into wood or metal. Different types of hammers exist, such as claw hammers (for driving and removing nails) and ball-peen hammers (for shaping metal).
Pliers: Used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires or small objects. Different types include slip-joint pliers and needle-nose pliers.
File: Used for smoothing rough edges and shaping metal or wood. Files come in various shapes and sizes, with different coarseness levels.
Sandpaper: Used for smoothing surfaces and removing imperfections. It comes in different grits (coarseness levels), from coarse to fine.
Screwdriver: Used for driving screws into wood or other materials. Different types exist for different screw heads (e.g., flathead, Phillips head).
Importance of Safety: Safety is paramount when working with tools and materials. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Use gloves to protect your hands. Ensure proper ventilation when working with paints or solvents. Never use a tool that is damaged or malfunctioning. Always focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions. A clean workspace is also a safer workspace.
Example 1: Building a simple wooden birdhouse.
Materials: Pine planks, nails, wood glue.
Tools: Hand saw, hammer, ruler, pencil.
Process:
Measure and Cut: Use the ruler and pencil to mark the dimensions of the birdhouse components on the pine planks. Use the hand saw to carefully cut the wood pieces. Why? Accuracy in measurement and cutting ensures the pieces fit together properly.
Assemble: Apply wood glue to the edges of the pieces and then use the hammer and nails to join them together. Start with the base, then the sides, then the roof. Why? Glue provides extra strength, and nails hold the pieces together securely.
Finishing: Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. You can paint or varnish the birdhouse to protect it from the weather. Why? Sanding improves the appearance and prevents splinters. Painting protects the wood from moisture and decay.