Year 6 - Design and technology
Wood functional properties
Cams: automata
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit develops pupils' knowledge of mechanisms through cams. Pupils will develop knowledge of the properties of wood and apply this by selecting suitable materials for functionality. Knowledge of wood construction and joining techniques are introduced and applied through making an automaton.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the difference between soft and hard woods.
Key Notes
- Hardwood and softwood come from different types of trees.
- Softwoods are usually cheaper to purchase and sustainable as they are quicker to grow.
- Hardwoods are usually stronger and more durable.
- Softwoods are easier to shape and change.
Vocabulary To Learn
- deciduous: trees and shrubs that lose their leaves every year
- evergreen: trees and shrubs that do not lose their leaves; leaves stay green
- hardwood: wood from trees that lose their leaves in autumn
- softwood: wood from trees that keep their leaves all year round
- grain: a pattern seen in wood that has been cut
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All hardwoods are hard and all softwoods are soft.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Hardwood and softwood come from different types of trees. Softwoods are usually cheaper to purchase and sustainable as they are quicker to grow.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'deciduous'
trees and shrubs that lose their leaves every year.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All hardwoods are hard and all softwoods are soft. Correction: Balsa is very soft and light but it is a deciduous hardwood. Yew is heavy and hard but it is a coniferous softwood.
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