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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify and select appropriate wasting processes for different materials.

      Key learning points

      1. Materials can be manufactured using wasting techniques such as cutting using scissors, shears or saws.
      2. Materials can be manufactured using wasting techniques such as drilling.
      3. Risk assessments identify potential risks and list actions to be taken to minimise these.

      Keywords

      • Wasting - removing material

      • Quantity - the number

      • Risk assessment - a way of assessing the potential dangers and planning to minimise these

      • Abrasion - removal of surface material by friction

      Common misconception

      Cutting is the only form of removing material.

      Removing material can include cutting, drilling and the use of abrasive papers and tools.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson refers to many different tools and machines. There is an opportunity to add examples from your own practice, extending the tasks to be about examples that pupils can interact with and then potentially experience first hand.

      Equipment

      Access to tools and machinery to exemplify processes.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      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.
      How can you cut textiles?

      Correct answer: Scissors
      Correct answer: Knife
      Drill
      Saw
      File

      Q2.
      How can you cut timber?

      Scissors
      Knife
      Correct answer: Drill
      Correct answer: Saw
      File

      Q3.
      How can you cut polymers?

      Correct answer: Scissors
      Correct answer: Knife
      Correct answer: Drill
      Correct answer: Saw
      File

      Q4.
      Hand tools or machinery can be used to cut materials. What are some of the advantages of using machinery?

      Correct answer: Faster
      Correct answer: Less human energy and strength needed
      High level of skill needed
      Machinery is expensive

      Q5.
      Which personal protective equipment (PPE) would prevent dust and dirt from getting onto our clothing?

      Ear defenders
      Dust mask
      Goggles
      Correct answer: Apron
      Gloves

      Q6.
      Which personal protective equipment (PPE) would you use when drilling a hole in timber in a school workshop using machinery?

      ear defenders
      dust mask
      Correct answer: goggles
      Correct answer: apron
      gloves

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      There are different manufacturing processes. Match the group with the definition.

      Correct Answer:Wasting,Removing material

      Removing material

      Correct Answer:Deforming,Changing the material shape but not the state

      Changing the material shape but not the state

      Correct Answer:Reforming,Changing the material shape and the state

      Changing the material shape and the state

      Correct Answer:Fabricating,Joining material

      Joining material

      Q2.
      What are these tools used for?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Wasting
      Fabricating
      Deforming
      Deforming

      Q3.
      Match the machinery and its use.

      Correct Answer:Bandsaw,Used to cut straight or curved shapes in timber, polymer or thin metal

      Used to cut straight or curved shapes in timber, polymer or thin metal

      Correct Answer:Overlocker,Used to simultaneously sew a seam and trim the edge of fabric

      Used to simultaneously sew a seam and trim the edge of fabric

      Correct Answer:Pillar drill,Used to create circular holes in timber, polymer and metal

      Used to create circular holes in timber, polymer and metal

      Q4.
      Match the process to the tool.

      Correct Answer:A curve in plywood,Coping saw

      Coping saw

      Correct Answer:A straight cut in softwood,Tenon saw and bench hook

      Tenon saw and bench hook

      Correct Answer:A curve in paper,Scissors

      Scissors

      Correct Answer:A straight cut in denim,Fabric scissors

      Fabric scissors

      Correct Answer:Hole in polymer,Drill

      Drill

      Q5.
      What is the term for producing a number of identical products?

      Correct Answer: Batch production

      Q6.
      Why do we use risks assessments?

      Correct answer: identify the potential risks
      Correct answer: minimise the risks
      remove the risks
      provide training to be safe

      To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Wasting manufacturing processes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...