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      Paper and boards properties, sources and stock forms

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify papers and boards and their suitability for different uses and products.

      Key learning points

      1. All design and technological practice takes place within contexts which inform outcomes.
      2. Paper and boards have different physical and mechanical properties
      3. Paper and boards come from different sources and are available in different stock forms.
      4. Cardboard can be used to create quick physical models.
      5. Trees are the source of paper and boards, and many different types can be manufactured.

      Keywords

      • Paper - a thin material made from tree fibers, used for writing, printing and packaging

      • Boards - sheets made from layers of paper or paper pulp, used for packaging, printing and prototyping

      • Modelling - the process of creating a representation of design

      • Stock form - the basic shape or size a material is supplied in

      Common misconception

      Paper and boards are often seen as weak materials.

      Many types of paper and boards are designed to be robust and durable, such as corrugated cardboard used for packaging.

      Teacher tip

      Try to have a collection of different types of paper and boards to show pupils and allow them to explore the materials.

      Equipment

      A variety of paper and boards, cutting mats, rulers and safety rulers, pencils, craft knifes and/or scalpels, scissors, corrugated cardboard for modelling.

      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.
      Select all the types of paper.

      Correct answer: tracing
      Correct answer: squared
      Correct answer: layout
      oak
      corrugated

      Q2.
      What type of paper is shown in the image?

      An image in a quiz
      tracing
      layout
      Correct answer: graph
      isometric

      Q3.
      Corrugated cardboard is often used for ...

      An image in a quiz
      vehicles.
      Correct answer: packaging.
      electronics.
      seating.

      Q4.
      Why does corrugated cardboard have a fluted layer in the middle?

      Correct answer: to provide protection against impacts
      to increase the weight
      to make it easier to fold
      to make it easier to write on

      Q5.
      To make paper and boards, are processed into timber chips, then chemicals and water are added.

      Correct Answer: trees, tree

      Q6.
      Which of these tools is used to measure accurately?

      Correct answer: metal rule
      scissors
      cutting mat
      craft knife

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is paper measured in?

      gpm
      Correct answer: gsm
      gcm
      gkm

      Q2.
      Match the paper and boards stock form to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:sheet,a flat, rectangular piece of paper or board cut to a standard size

      a flat, rectangular piece of paper or board cut to a standard size

      Correct Answer:roll,a continuous length of paper or board wound around a core

      a continuous length of paper or board wound around a core

      Correct Answer:ply,a layer of paper or board

      a layer of paper or board

      Q3.
      The name given to the middle layer of a piece of corrugated cardboard is the layer.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: fluted, flute

      Q4.
      Put the tree to paper making process in order.

      1 - trees
      2 - debarking
      3 - chipper
      4 - pulpers
      5 - paper making rollers
      6 - final paper product

      Q5.
      What paper and boards material is highly suitable for modelling ideas?

      timber
      tracing paper
      Correct answer: corrugated cardboard
      grid paper
      polymers

      To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Paper and boards properties, sources and stock forms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...