Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Technical Drawing and Building Technology
Previous Lesson: Building Drawing: Building plans.
Topic: BUILDING DRAWING
Subject Matter: Elevations and views of a bungalow (front elevation, side elevation, rear elevation)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define building elevation.
- Identify the different types of elevations of a bungalow.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of elevations in building construction.
- Develop an interest in producing accurate building drawings.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw the front elevation of a bungalow from a given plan.
- Draw the side elevation of a bungalow from a given plan.
- Draw the rear elevation of a bungalow from a given plan.
Social Domain:
- Work independently or with peers to interpret building plans.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook
- https://www.draftinganddesign.com/drawing-elevations/
- https://www.architecturalwork.com/how-to-draw-elevations-in-architecture/
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A prepared building plan of a bungalow
- Drawing papers
- Pencils (HB, 2H)
- Erasers
- Drawing instruments (T-square, set squares, measuring rule)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand how buildings appear from different angles, which is essential for design communication and construction. Knowing how to draw elevations enables pupils to visualize and represent building exteriors accurately, a fundamental skill in building construction.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have a basic understanding of orthographic projections and how to interpret simple building plans.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BUILDING DRAWING: ELEVATIONS
Definition of Elevation
An elevation in building drawing is an orthographic projection of the exterior of a building. It shows the vertical dimensions and the external appearance of the building as seen from a specific side, revealing features like doors, windows, and roof lines.
Types of Elevations for a Bungalow
For a bungalow, the main types of elevations typically include:
- Front Elevation: This view shows the principal entrance, main windows, and the general external appearance of the building as seen from the primary approach or front. It often includes details like the main door, porch, and prominent roof features.
- Side Elevation: This view shows the external appearance of the building as seen from either the left or right side. It reveals features like side windows, side doors, and the slope of the roof from that particular angle.
- Rear Elevation: This view shows the external appearance of the building as seen from the back. It typically includes back doors, windows, and any other features located on the rear wall.
General Steps for Drawing Elevations
To accurately draw an elevation from a given plan, follow these general steps:
- Step 1: Establish Ground Line (GL): Draw a horizontal line to represent the ground level.
- Step 2: Project Vertical Lines: From the given floor plan, project vertical lines upwards from all significant points, such as walls, window openings, door openings, and roof edges.
- Step 3: Mark Heights: Measure and mark the vertical heights of the building elements, including the wall height, window sill and head heights, door heights, and roof apex, from the ground line.
- Step 4: Draw Features: Connect the projected lines and marked heights to draw the outlines of the walls, windows, doors, and roof. Include details like eaves, fascia boards, and any other external architectural features.
- Step 5: Erase Construction Lines: Carefully erase all unnecessary projection lines, leaving only the required elevation drawing.
- Step 6: Add Details and Labels: Add any necessary dimensions, material indications, and labels (e.g., “FRONT ELEVATION”).
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall what they learned about building plans in their previous lesson. The teacher then introduces the topic of elevations as different views of a building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions about building plans. Pupils listen attentively as the teacher introduces the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the concept of building elevations.
Step 2: Explanation of Elevations
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines what a building elevation is, explaining that it shows the external appearance and vertical dimensions of a building. The teacher uses a building plan to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and observe the building plan shown by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of a building elevation.
Step 3: Identification of Front Elevation
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies the front view of the bungalow on the building plan and explains what features are visible from this elevation. The teacher points out the main entrance, prominent windows, and roof lines.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the front elevation on the given building plan and note the features.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe the front elevation of a bungalow.
Step 4: Identification of Side Elevation
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies one of the side views (e.g., right side) of the bungalow on the building plan and explains its characteristics. The teacher highlights side windows, doors, and the roof slope.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the side elevation on the building plan and observe the features.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe a side elevation of a bungalow.
Step 5: Identification of Rear Elevation
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies the rear view of the bungalow on the building plan and describes the features typically seen from this angle. The teacher shows back doors and windows.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the rear elevation on the building plan and note its unique features.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe the rear elevation of a bungalow.
Step 6: Demonstration of Drawing Elevations
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly demonstrates the general steps involved in drawing an elevation from a plan on the board, focusing on projecting lines and establishing heights.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils gain an understanding of the practical steps for drawing elevations.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is a building elevation?
- Mention two types of elevations for a bungalow.
- Describe what is typically shown in a front elevation.
- State one important step in drawing an elevation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of accurate elevations in building construction. The teacher then assigns homework for pupils to attempt drawing a simple front elevation from a given sketch plan.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and receive further practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Elevation – An orthographic projection showing the exterior view of a building from a specific side.
- Front Elevation – The view of a building from its main entrance side.
- Side Elevation – The view of a building from its left or right side.
- Rear Elevation – The view of a building from its back side.
- Bungalow – A single-story house.
- Orthographic Projection – A method of representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more complex building plans to draw. For those who need more support, the teacher will offer one-on-one guidance during the demonstration and provide simpler plans with fewer details.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure you have a clear and accurate building plan of a bungalow to use as a visual aid. Encourage pupils to use proper drawing instruments and techniques for precision. Emphasize that elevations are crucial for visualizing the finished building and communicating design intent to clients and builders. Practical drawing exercises are vital for this topic.

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