Wood functional properties | Design and technology | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

Where does wood come from?
- 'trees' ✓
Which of these are made from wood?
- peg ✓
- paper ✓
- bottle
- toy car ✓
Which of these is NOT true about wood?
- natural
- a conductor of electricity ✓
- opaque
- renewable
- an insulator
Match these words to the descriptions.
- trunk
  
  ⇔
  
  the central column of a tree ✓
- log
  
  ⇔
  
  a small section of tree trunk or branch ✓
- bark
  
  ⇔
  
  the rough outer layer of the tree ✓
- branch
  
  ⇔
  
  part of the tree that leaves grow on ✓
- roots
  
  ⇔
  
  anchors the tree to the ground ✓
How do trees help the Earth's atmosphere?
- They keep the soil stable.
- They provide wood.
- They remove carbon dioxide from the air. ✓
- They provide habitats for insects, birds and animals.
What is deforestation?
- Planting trees
- Clearing large areas of forest ✓
- Building houses in a forest
- Animals taking over a forest

Which word describes wood that will be used to make products?
- resin
- fibres
- timber ✓
- tree
What makes hardwood strong?
- quick growth
- close grain ✓
- slow growth ✓
- loose grain
- wide trunk
Which of these is a softwood tree?
- Oak
- Horse Chestnut
- Fir ✓
Why are external windows and doors often made from hardwood?
- easier to cut and shape
- more affordable
- more durable in all weathers ✓
- strong so provide protection ✓
How long does it usually take for softwood trees to grow?
- 0-20 years
- 20-40 years ✓
- 40-60 years
- 60+ years
What is a deciduous tree?
- a tree that loses its broad leaves every year ✓
- a tree that stays green all year round
- a tree that produces needles and cones
- a tree with small leaves

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.

All hardwoods are hard and all softwoods are soft.

Balsa is very soft and light but it is a deciduous hardwood. Yew is heavy and hard but it is a coniferous softwood.