TECH

Grade 8 Technology Exam Notes

Term 1 & Term 2 Study Guide

1. FRAME STRUCTURES

What is a Frame Structure?

A frame structure is a structure made up of different parts joined together to support a load.

Examples:

  • Bicycle frame

  • Electricity pylons

  • Roof trusses

  • Scaffolding

Parts of a Frame Structure

Beam

  • A horizontal member.

  • Supports weight across a space.

Column

  • A vertical member.

  • Supports the beam and carries weight to the ground.

Why are Frame Structures Strong?

  • They distribute weight evenly.

  • Triangles make structures stronger and more stable.

2. TYPES OF BRIDGES

1. Beam Bridge

  • Simplest type of bridge.

  • Supported by piers or columns.

2. Arch Bridge

  • Uses an arch shape to support weight.

  • Very strong.

3. Truss Bridge

  • Made of triangles.

  • Strong and lightweight.

4. Suspension Bridge

  • Road hangs from cables attached to towers.

  • Used for very long distances.

5. Cantilever Bridge

  • Built using beams that project from supports.

3. SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Main Parts:

  • Towers

  • Main cables

  • Hangers

  • Deck (roadway)

Advantages:

✔ Can span long distances

✔ Strong

✔ Flexible during strong winds

4. STRUCTURAL FAILURE

What is Structural Failure?

Structural failure happens when a structure breaks, bends, collapses, or can no longer support its load.

Causes:

  • Poor design

  • Weak materials

  • Overloading

  • Natural disasters

  • Lack of maintenance

Examples:

  • Collapsed bridge

  • Broken chair

  • Cracked building wall

5. TECHNOLOGY AND OUR LIVES

Technology has impacted our lives in many ways:

1. Communication

  • Cell phones

  • Email

  • Social media

2. Transport

  • Cars

  • Trains

  • Airplanes

3. Education

  • Online learning

  • Computers

  • Smartboards

4. Health

  • X-rays

  • Medical equipment

  • Medicines

5. Entertainment

  • Television

  • Gaming

  • Streaming

6. Shopping

  • Online stores

  • Digital payments

7. Work

  • Computers

  • Machines

  • Automation

6. IMPORTANT TERMS / KEYWORDS

Technology

The use of knowledge, skills and tools to solve problems.

Structure

Something that is built and designed to support a load.

Load

The weight carried by a structure.

Beam

A horizontal support.

Column

A vertical support.

Packaging

Materials used to contain, protect and transport products.

Recycling

Changing waste materials into new products.

7. MATERIALS

Natural Materials

Materials that come directly from nature.

Examples:

  • Wood

  • Cotton

  • Wool

  • Leather

  • Stone

Synthetic Materials

Materials made by humans.

Examples:

  • Plastic

  • Nylon

  • Polyester

  • PVC

8. NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Natural Materials

Synthetic Materials

Come from nature

Made by humans

Biodegradable

Often non-biodegradable

Wood

Plastic

Cotton

Nylon

Wool

Polyester

9. PLASTIC

Advantages of Plastic

✔ Lightweight

✔ Cheap

✔ Waterproof

✔ Strong

✔ Easy to shape

Disadvantages of Plastic

❌ Causes pollution

❌ Takes many years to decompose

❌ Harms animals

❌ Uses non-renewable resources

❌ Difficult to dispose of

10. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PLASTICS

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

  • Made from plants such as corn.

  • Biodegradable.

2. PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)

  • Produced by microorganisms.

  • Breaks down naturally.

3. Starch-Based Plastic

  • Made from plant starch.

  • Environmentally friendly.

11. PROS AND CONS TABLE

Pros (Advantages)

Cons (Disadvantages)

Strong

Can pollute

Lightweight

Harms wildlife

Cheap

Not easily biodegradable

Waterproof

Creates waste

12. THE 3Rs

Reduce

Use less and avoid waste.

Examples:

  • Use less paper.

  • Buy only what you need.

Reuse

Use items again instead of throwing them away.

Examples:

  • Reuse shopping bags.

  • Reuse containers.

Recycle

Turn old materials into new products.

Examples:

  • Recycle paper.

  • Recycle cans and plastic.

13. PROCESS OF RECYCLING PAPER

Step 1

Collect used paper.

Step 2

Sort the paper.

Step 3

Shred the paper into small pieces.

Step 4

Mix with water to make pulp.

Step 5

Remove ink and impurities.

Step 6

Press and dry the pulp.

Step 7

Make new paper products.

14. PACKAGING

Purpose of Packaging

✔ Protects products

✔ Makes transport easier

✔ Provides information

✔ Makes products attractive

✔ Keeps products clean

15. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?

Examples:

  • Recycle waste.

  • Use reusable bags.

  • Save water.

  • Save electricity.

  • Pick up litter.

  • Plant trees.

  • Reduce plastic use.

⭐ Quick Exam Tips

Learn These Definitions:

✔ Frame Structure

✔ Beam

✔ Column

✔ Suspension Bridge

✔ Structural Failure

✔ Natural Material

✔ Synthetic Material

✔ Packaging

✔ Recycling

Remember:

3Rs = Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Natural = Comes from Nature

Synthetic = Made by Humans

Beam = Horizontal

Column = Vertical

Structural Failure = Structure breaks or collapses

These notes cover all the topics shown in your study cards and are suitable for a Grade 8 Technology exam revision. 📖✅