Materials Technology Wood
Materials TechnologyWood (MTW) is one of the technology subjects offered at junior cycle. In MTW
you will learn to design small projects and the skillsrequired to use tools and equipment to make
your designs.You will work mainly with wood but also with other materials. You will learn about
wood as a material and how it is produced.
What will I learn in MTW?
Some of the things you will learn include:
• how to design a project given a brief description of what you are to make
• how to use the internet for research purposes
• how to use freehand sketching to communicate your ideas
• how to prepare a design drawing/plan of a project you design
• how to read design drawings and make small projects from these drawings
• how to safely use a range of hand and power tools in producing your design.
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%).
You can take the exam at Higher or at Ordinary level.When the time comes to decide, your teacher
will help you choose the level that suits you best.
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 recognise 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.
