Materials Technology Wood Overview
What is Materials Technology Wood?
- This is a design based course with the main emphasis being on the use of wood and associated wood products. Other materials such as plastics and metals are also incorporated.
- Craft skills are developed in many areas such as wood turning, carving, veneering and wood finishing. A variety of other areas is also studied. These include electronics, structures, environmental issues including deforestation and the principles involved in the use and care of all the tools.
- Project work is design based where the students are presented with a brief or problem. This brief is solved with the aid of the design process. This involves analysis, research and investigation, ideas and models, working drawings, execution and finally evaluation of the finished product. The communication of design ideas and projects necessitates the study of some drawing, sketching and the use of computer graphics.
- The course prepares the student for adult life, giving him an appreciation and understanding of wood products in their construction and stability in the materials used and in their general quality.
How will I learn MTW in school?
Some of the things you may do with your teacher and your classmates are:
- Examine trees,their leaves and seeds and be able to recognize their varying characteristics.
- Investigate how trees affect the environment around us .
- Learn to sketch freehand
- Learn how to problem solve and use a design process to design projects.
- Develop your craft skills to allow you to make projects.
- Prepare a design folder to accompany your project.
How can I learn more about MTW outside of school?
Some of the things you may do are:
- Rather than just looking at trees,try to recognize the different species and their features
- Examine how pieces of furniture are put together and why they are so strong
- Use the internet to find information on design,wood, plastics and woodworking skills
- Talk to people involved in the woodworking industry,for example carpenters or cabinet makers.
What is the MTW Junior Certificate exam like?
There are two parts to the exam:
- Coursework – you will design a project based on a given design brief (instructions).You will then make the project and prepare a project folder to accompany it (66%).
- Written examination – there will be a two hour written paper which examines the woodwork theory you have learned over the three years(33%).
How will MTW be useful to me?
- You will know the correct procedures to follow when developing an idea into a finished artifact e.g. a piece of furniture or a child’s toy etc.
- You will be able to identify different trees, recognize their importance to us and our environment
- You will also have the skills to make objects from wood and know how to apply appropriate finishes to them, e.g.paint, varnish,stain or polish.
(Ncca.ie)