Group 5’s Science Project Findings Members: Ng Teng Chao, Wong Min Yi, Jeremy,Lisa Chearles, Randy Tan

Discovery & Properties of Wood Wood was being used thousand of years ago even before any metal was discovered. Wood is a natural material which come from inside the trunk and branches of tree. There are two types of wood – Hard wood & Soft wood. Wood is strong yet flexible and light, warm to touch. It can be shaped, cut, carves and even add a touch of colour to it.

Past Applications of Wood Woods was used to make hand tools, small boats and houses in the past. The first instance of wood use was to burn it to keep warm, cook food or even for protection from wild animals in the night. Wood is also used by animals to built their homes. Wood has also been in the past being made into paper for writing.

Present Applications of Wood Wood can be made into charcoal for cooking and heating. Wood are also being widely used to produce master art pieces which can be kept for future viewing. Cutlery and musical instrument are also being made of wood. Furniture made with wood provides a natural feeling for us.

Discovery & Properties of Fibres Fibres was discovered about years ago when they spin the fibre into threads. A french chemist (Count Hilaire Chardonnet) was the first person to discovered chemical treated fibres known as rayon. Fibre is a class of materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to lengths of thread. Fibres consist of natural and synthetic type. Natural fibres are biodegradable and comfort to touch. Synthetic fibres can be mass produced very cheaply and in large quantity.

Past Applications of Fibres Fibres have long been used to to weave thread to produced cloth or ropes. Dietary fiber is also an important component of human nutrition. Fibres is used to make engineered wood products such as fiberboard. Animal fibres is used to made paint brushes.

CELLULOSE The main substance that makes up plant cell walls. Found in all fruits, legumes and vegetables. HEMICELLULOSE The main structural fibre in cereals. PECTIN Forms a gel when mixed with water. Found in apples, banana, noni, citrus fruits, carrots and vegetables. LIGNIN The only non-carbohydrate fibre. Found in fruit seeds (e.g. kiwi, strawberries and raspberries) or in the woody parts of vegetables (e.g. carrots). GUM The viscous and sticky water-soluble substance extracted from seeds of the guar plant. Guar gum is also known as galactomannan or galactomannin. MUCILAGES A gummy substance exuded by plants. Used as food stabilizers. ARABINOGALACTANS Dissolves in water but does not turn viscous. Found in fruits, vegetables and in the wood of the larch tree. Type of Fibres

Present Applications of Fibres Natural fibres are being used to made floor covering, mats and carpets. It is also being used to make even mattress stuffing. Natural animal fibres such as silk is also being made to cloth. Synthetic fibres are being made into clothing such as sweaters, blankets and clothing. Synthetic fibres such as fibreglass are being used as construction materials.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Our World-Wood By Kate Bedford New Primary Science Encyclopedia By Preston