The Step-by-Step Process of Wood from Tree to Timber
Basic Technology JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
Subject: Basic Technology
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 13–14 years
Topic: Processing of Materials – Wood
Sub-topic: Wood Felling, Conversion, Seasoning, and Defects
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the process of wood felling.
- Describe the methods of wood conversion.
- State the importance of wood seasoning.
- Identify common wood defects and their causes.
Keywords:
- Wood Felling
- Conversion
- Seasoning
- Defects
Set Induction:
The teacher shows students a piece of raw wood and a polished wooden furniture piece, asking them to observe the difference. The teacher then explains how wood is processed from its raw state to its finished form.
Entry Behaviour:
Students are familiar with wood as a material used for making furniture, doors, and windows.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Pictures of trees, logs, and wooden products.
- Samples of raw and seasoned wood.
- Models showing different defects in wood.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students have seen and used wooden materials in their homes, such as chairs, tables, and doors. They understand that wood comes from trees, but the processing stages are unfamiliar to them.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Observation
- Analytical skills
Reference Book:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Basic Technology JSS 3
Instructional Materials:
- Wood samples
- Charts showing stages of wood processing
- Examples of defective wood
Content:
Stages in the Processing of Wood
- Wood Felling:
- Wood felling refers to the process of cutting down trees. It is usually done when the tree has matured and is ready for use. The process involves selecting mature trees in a forest or plantation and cutting them using chainsaws or manual tools.
- Conversion:
- Conversion refers to cutting the felled tree into useful sizes such as planks, beams, and boards. There are two main types of conversion methods:
- Through and Through Conversion: The log is cut along its entire length into planks.
- Quarter Sawn Conversion: The log is cut into quarters before being cut into planks. This method reduces the chances of warping and splitting.
- Conversion refers to cutting the felled tree into useful sizes such as planks, beams, and boards. There are two main types of conversion methods:
- Seasoning:
- Seasoning is the process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content. This makes the wood more durable and stable for use. There are two main types of seasoning:
- Natural Seasoning: Wood is left to dry in the open air over time.
- Kiln Seasoning: Wood is dried in a controlled environment using heat.
- Seasoning is the process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content. This makes the wood more durable and stable for use. There are two main types of seasoning:
- Defects in Wood:
- Defects are flaws in wood that reduce its quality. Some common wood defects include:
- Knots: Formed where branches were attached to the tree.
- Warping: The wood bends due to uneven drying.
- Cracks/Splits: Caused by excessive moisture loss.
- Insect Damage: Wood is eaten or damaged by insects like termites.
- Defects are flaws in wood that reduce its quality. Some common wood defects include:
Processing of Wood
Technical Name:
The technical term for wood used in construction is timber.
Timber is obtained from the trunk of a mature tree, and it is used to produce quality products such as furniture and in building construction.
Stages of Processing Wood
- Tree Growth:
- Trees grow in natural environments such as tropical rainforests, commonly found in the southwestern part of Nigeria, or in plantations.
- Felling:
- This is the process of cutting down mature trees that are ready for processing.
- Conversion:
- The felled trees are then cut into useful shapes and sizes, such as planks and beams.
- Seasoning:
- This is the drying process, which removes moisture from the timber to prevent warping and increase durability.
- Preservation:
- Timber is treated with chemicals to protect it from insects, fungi, and other elements that can cause decay.