Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7
Processing: basic materials and tools (Grade 7) – Week 8 focus
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Processing: basic materials and tools (Grade 7) – Week 8 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: 8
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we dive into the exciting world of processing materials! Processing is taking raw materials and changing them into something useful.
Think about it: the wood used to build a house, the clay shaped into a pot, or the metal used to create a bicycle frame – all of these materials went through a processing stage. Understanding how materials are processed, and the tools used, is crucial for anyone interested in technology, engineering, or even everyday activities like cooking or DIY projects. South Africa has a rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing, and this knowledge will equip you to understand and potentially contribute to these industries.
What are Materials? Materials are the substances from which things are made. We interact with materials constantly. For processing, we need to understand their properties (like hardness, flexibility, and durability) to choose the right material and processing method.
Here are some common materials: Wood: A natural material obtained from trees. It is strong, relatively lightweight, and can be easily shaped. Different types of wood have different properties. Softwoods (like pine) are easier to cut and nail than hardwoods (like oak). South Africa has a thriving timber industry, especially in regions like Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Think about the furniture in your home, or the wooden poles used for fences.
Metal: Metals are strong, durable, and often conductive (they conduct electricity and heat). Common metals include steel, aluminium, copper, and iron. Metals are used in construction, transportation, and electronics. Consider the metal roofs on many South African homes, or the steel used to build cars and bridges.
Plastics: Plastics are synthetic materials made from polymers. They are lightweight, versatile, and can be molded into almost any shape. Plastics are used in packaging, clothing, and electronics. Think about the plastic bottles you drink from or the plastic components in your cell phone. Be mindful of recycling plastics to reduce pollution.
Clay: A natural earth material that becomes hard when heated. It is used for making bricks, pottery, and tiles. South Africa has a long history of pottery making, especially among indigenous communities. Think about the clay pots used for cooking or storing water.
Textiles (Fabric): Flexible materials made from natural or synthetic fibers. They are used for clothing, upholstery, and many other applications. Examples include cotton, wool, linen, and polyester. South Africa has a growing textile industry. Think about the clothes you wear, or the blankets you use to keep warm. What are Tools? Tools are instruments used to process materials. Hand tools are powered by human effort. Power tools use electricity or other power sources. We'll focus on hand tools.
Saw: Used for cutting wood, metal, or plastic. Different types of saws exist for different materials and cutting purposes (e.g., hand saw, coping saw).
Example:* A handsaw is used to cut a plank of wood to the correct length for a school project.
Hammer: Used for driving nails or shaping metal. Different types of hammers have different shaped heads for specific tasks (e.g., claw hammer, ball-peen hammer).
Example:* A claw hammer is used to nail wooden planks together to build a birdhouse.
Screwdriver: Used for driving screws into wood, metal, or plastic. Different types of screwdrivers fit different types of screws (e.g., Phillips head, flat head).
Example:* A screwdriver is used to secure the hinges on a door.
Pliers: Used for gripping, bending, or cutting wires or small objects. Different types of pliers are designed for different tasks (e.g., needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers).
Example:* Pliers are used to bend wire to create a simple electrical circuit.
File: Used for smoothing or shaping metal or wood. Different types of files have different grades of coarseness (e.g., coarse file, fine file).
Example:* A file is used to smooth the rough edges of a piece of metal after it has been cut.
Chisel: Used for cutting or shaping wood or stone. A chisel is used with a hammer or mallet.
Example:* A chisel is used to carve a design into a piece of wood.
Measuring Tools: Rulers, measuring tapes, and squares are essential for accurate work. Accuracy ensures proper fit and function.
Example:* A measuring tape is used to measure the dimensions of a room before installing flooring. Safety Precautions are Crucial! Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and cuts. Use tools correctly and for their intended purpose. Keep your work area clean and organized. Never use damaged or faulty tools. Concentrate on the task at hand. Ask for help if you are unsure about something.
Methods of Processing: Cutting: Separating a material into two or more pieces (e.g., sawing wood, cutting fabric with scissors).
Shaping: Changing the form of a material without removing any material (e.g., bending metal, molding clay).
Joining: Combining two or more pieces of material (e.g., gluing wood, welding metal, sewing fabric).
Finishing: Improving the appearance or durability of a material (e.g., sanding wood, painting metal, varnishing). Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question 1: Name three different types of wood and describe one use for each in a South African context.
Solution: Pine: Pine is a softwood commonly used in South Africa for building affordable furniture, especially in townships, or for roof trusses.
Meranti: Meranti is a hardwood often used for making doors and window frames due to its durability and resistance to weather.