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: 16
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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This lesson explores the fascinating journey of wood from a living tree in the forest to the finished timber we see in our furniture, doors, and roofing. In Ghana, the woodwork industry is vital to our economy and our daily lives, from the desk you are sitting at to the carved stools in a chief's palace. Understanding how timber is processed is crucial for appreciating its value, ensuring its quality, and promoting sustainable practices to protect our precious forests for future generations. We will learn to identify different types of wood and understand the key stages that transform a massive log into stable, usable planks: felling, conversion, and seasoning.
This section covers the core knowledge needed to understand timber processing. A. Classification of Timber: Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
Timber is broadly classified into two main groups based on its botanical origin, not necessarily its physical hardness. Hardwoods: Come from deciduous trees – trees that have broad leaves and shed them annually. Most of Ghana's native timber species are hardwoods. Softwoods: Come from coniferous trees – trees that have needle-like or scale-like leaves and are typically evergreen. They bear cones. Most softwoods used in Ghana are imported.
Comparison Table: Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
| Feature | Hardwoods | Softwoods | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Source Tree | Deciduous (broad-leaved) trees. | Coniferous (cone-bearing) trees. | | Ghanaian Examples | Odum (Iroko), Mahogany, Wawa, Sapele, Ofram. | Pine, Cedar (often imported). | | Cell Structure | Complex structure with pores (vessels). | Simpler structure without pores. | | Density | Generally higher density, heavier. | Generally lower density, lighter. | | Growth Rate | Slow growing. | Fast growing. | | Cost | Usually more expensive. | Usually less expensive. | | Common Uses | High-quality furniture, flooring, boat building, carving. | General construction, roofing frames, paper pulp, simple furniture. |