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      Wood construction and joining techniques

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can saw, join and drill wood.

      Key learning points

      1. Sawing techniques need to be conducted safely.
      2. Card triangles can be added to strengthen corner joints.
      3. Measuring accurately is essential to creating an effective product.

      Keywords

      • Technique - a specific way of completing a task

      • Accurate - being correct and precise, opposite inaccurate

      • Joint - the place where two materials are joined together

      • Triangulation - using triangles to strengthen structures

      Common misconception

      Force and pressure are needed to saw through wood.

      Correct technique and posture allows the blade to work efficiently without force.

      Teacher tip

      Clamps can be used to secure the bench hooks in place. A vice could be used in place of a bench hook with additional insruction for safe use. Observe pupils posture and grip when sawing as nervousness can result in overtightening of grip which prevents smooth motion of the blade.

      Equipment

      Please see additional materials document for information on the resources needed for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What do you call wood that has been grown specifically for manufacture?

      branch
      Correct answer: timber
      trunk
      hardwood

      Q2.
      Match the tool to the job

      Correct Answer:drill,making holes

      making holes

      Correct Answer:saw,cutting materials such as wood

      cutting materials such as wood

      Correct Answer:ruler,measuring

      measuring

      Correct Answer:pencil,mark making

      mark making

      Correct Answer:clamp,holding something in place

      holding something in place

      Q3.
      Which of these is NOT a good way to join wood?

      screw
      nail
      glue
      Correct answer: sellotape
      interlocking

      Q4.
      How many millimetres (mm) are there in 6.5 centimetres (cm)?

      Correct Answer: 65, sixty five, 65 mm, 65 millimetres, sixty five millimetres

      Q5.
      Which type of wood would usually be best to use when making a lightweight model?

      hardwood
      dense wood
      Correct answer: softwood
      doesn't matter

      Q6.
      What do we use sandpaper for?

      to decorate wood
      to make wood stronger
      to make wood waterproof
      Correct answer: to smooth rough edges

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these products is made from wood?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Which of these would NOT be used to measure size or angles?

      protractor
      ruler
      Correct answer: measuring jug
      tape measure
      set square

      Q3.
      Match the tool to the job.

      Correct Answer:hacksaw,cut through wood

      cut through wood

      Correct Answer:bench hook,supports wood being cut

      supports wood being cut

      Correct Answer:ruler,measures size

      measures size

      Correct Answer:triangular support,strengthens joints

      strengthens joints

      Correct Answer:glue,sticks materials together

      sticks materials together

      Q4.
      Can you accurately read the length of the line in mm?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 132 mm
      135 mm
      139 mm

      Q5.
      Order these steps to cut wood safely.

      1 - Gather tools
      2 - Position bench hook
      3 - Position wood
      4 - Make an indentation (cut)
      5 - Saw through the wood

      Q6.
      What word refers to the use of triangles to strengthen joints?

      Correct Answer: triangulation

      To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Wood construction and joining techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...