Construction and Carpentry 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Module 2A: Introductory Wood Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 5 - 8 hours
Level: Introductory
Prerequisite: None

Module Overview

The majority of construction projects involve the use of wood products and a basic understanding of wood as a material is essential. Such terms as: softwood, hardwood, strength, defects, grain, and characteristics will be defined. Note: the foundational objectives apply to parts 2A, 2B, and 2C.

Foundational Objectives

To demonstrate knowledge of different building materials and their applications in the construction industry.

To be knowledgeable of some basic construction concepts and technologies.

To be aware of the impact of new technologies in the construction industries.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To use common terms that describe characteristics of wood. (COM)

To describe reforestation practices. (PSVS)

To explain where wood comes from, its composition, and how it is processed to produce building materials. (COM)

Learning Objectives	Notes
2.1 To use common terms used to describe wood. (COM)	Students could research what types of wood are available locally and the most common use of the types. Students need to identify all parts of a tree.
2.2 To define and identify characteristics of hardwood and softwood.	It is important that students realize that the terms do not necessarily describe characteristics of the wood, but refer to the two main categories of tree species from which the wood originates. Compare characteristics of hard and soft woods. List examples of hard and soft woods.
2.3 To describe the effects of moisture content on wood.	Discuss the methods of drying and storing dimensional lumber. Explain how moisture affects wood.
2.4 To describe how different wood products are prepared for construction purposes.	Video resources are recommended. They are available from forestry companies. Students should follow the various milling procedures used to turn raw logs into a variety of products (plywood, oriented-strand board (OSB), and dimensional lumber).
2.5 To describe good reforestation practices. (PSVS)	There is much controversy about the meaning of "good forestry practices". The important issue is to understand that wood/lumber is a renewable resource, but care must also be taken not to change the ecology in which trees prosper. Outline reforestation practices in Saskatchewan. Refer to the Forestry Studies Curriculum Guide, Module 4.
2.6 To describe the need for and use of lumber and plywood grading. (COM)	Students should know how wood products are measured, graded and sold. See the resource materials for grading information.

Module 2B: Intermediate Wood Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 3 - 5 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Module 2A
Module Overview

Students will learn to identify various types of wood and their characteristics.

Learning Objectives	Notes
2.7 To recognize varieties of wood available locally.	Have samples of the most common varieties of wood available. Label the wood samples and let the students examine them. Later, rearrange the samples and cover the labels. Now have the students identify the samples and then compare their choices with the original labels. Suggested varieties include: ash, birch, douglas fir, maple, oak, pine, hemlock, red cedar, spruce, and walnut.
2.8 To identify characteristics and the common uses for varieties of wood. (COM)	Students should be able to identify the characteristics of the wood that lend themselves to the particular use. Make coupons (a piece of material 100mm x 20mm x 3mm) of different species. Test a number of wood varieties for characteristics that might include: colour, hardness and odor. Destructive tests could measure hardness (denting with a nail set) and flexibility (measure deflection to the point of breaking). (TL)
2.9 To suggest relative costs of various woods.	Have students research the cost of locally available varieties and make cost comparisons for a project based on their findings.

Module 2C: Advanced Wood Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 3 - 5 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Module 2B

Module Overview

Students will learn to identify various defects of wood and their characteristics. As well, students will learn to use and calculate board measure.

Learning Objectives	Notes
2.10 To recognize defects of wood available locally. (CCT) Define: warp, bow, check, crack, crook, cup, knots, stain, pitch, pith, twist, and wane.	Display examples of lumber with the various defects.
2.11 To identify the common grades of lumber and their use.	Define the grades: select, construction, standard, utility, and economy. (COM) Have students identify the lowest grade that will satisfy a job requirement. Have students do a price comparison of the same kind of wood in the various grades.
2.12 To measure lumber and convert the measurements to board measure. (NUM)	Prepare several problems as examples for students to practise calculating board measure. After they are competent at making the calculation, have them measure actual boards and do the calculation of board feet. It would also be valuable to have students calculate the cost of varieties of wood based on price per board foot. This would help to reinforce the reasons for careful use of material.