Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Working and Site Safety in Block Laying.
Topic: BASIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS USED IN BLOCK AND BRICK LAYING
Subject Matter: identification of basic hand tools, uses of basic hand tools and equipment

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Identify at least five basic hand tools used in block and brick laying.
State the uses of various hand tools and equipment in block and brick laying.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of using the correct tools for specific tasks.
Show interest in learning about different tools and their functions.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch basic hand tools used in block and brick laying.
Handle some of the basic tools correctly under supervision.

Discuss with peers the importance of proper tool maintenance.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1) Technical Studies.
Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools by J.O. Ojo.
https://example.com/basic-tools-block-laying
https://example.com/uses-of-masonry-tools

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Live examples of basic block and brick laying tools (e.g., trowel, spirit level, measuring tape, plumb bob, hammer).
Drawings or charts showing various tools.
Whiteboard or chalkboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to recognize and understand the purpose of tools used in construction. Knowing the correct tools and their uses is important for safety and efficiency in practical work. This knowledge forms a basic foundation for anyone interested in building trades.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils may have some general knowledge of common hand tools used at home or in other craft activities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED IN BLOCK AND BRICK LAYING

Identification of Basic Hand Tools

Basic hand tools are essential instruments used by masons for various tasks in block and brick laying. Proper identification of these tools is necessary for effective work.

The following are some basic hand tools used in block and brick laying:

Trowel (e.g., pointing trowel, gauging trowel, brick trowel)
Spirit level
Measuring tape
Plumb bob and line
Builder’s square
Club hammer or brick hammer
Bolster chisel
Jointer (or pointing tool)
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Water bucket

Uses of Basic Hand Tools and Equipment

Each tool has a specific function that contributes to the quality and efficiency of masonry work.

The uses of various hand tools and equipment include:

Trowel: Used for spreading mortar, picking up mortar, and shaping joints.
Spirit level: Used to check if surfaces are perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
Measuring tape: Used for taking accurate measurements of lengths, widths, and heights.
Plumb bob and line: Used to check the vertical alignment (plumbness) of walls.
Builder’s square: Used to ensure corners are at perfect right angles (90 degrees).
Club hammer or brick hammer: Used for breaking bricks or blocks, and for driving in nails or chisels.
Bolster chisel: Used with a hammer to cut bricks cleanly.
Jointer (or pointing tool): Used to finish mortar joints, giving them a neat and weather-resistant appearance.
Wheelbarrow: Used for transporting materials like sand, cement, aggregate, or mixed mortar on the site.
Shovel: Used for mixing mortar, digging, and scooping materials.
Water bucket: Used for carrying water and for mixing small batches of mortar.

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 mention any tools they know that are used in building construction. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that understanding basic tools is fundamental to block and brick laying.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and its relevance.

Step 2: Presentation of Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Exposition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the actual tools (trowel, spirit level, measuring tape, plumb bob, etc.) or clear drawings/charts of the tools. The teacher holds up each tool and states its name clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools carefully and listen to their names.
Learning Point: Pupils visually identify various basic hand tools.

Step 3: Identification of Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher randomly picks up a tool or points to a drawing and asks pupils to identify its name. The teacher provides corrections and reinforces correct identification.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the tools by name when asked.
Learning Point: Pupils can name basic block and brick laying tools.

Step 4: Discussion of Uses

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific use of each tool identified, demonstrating its function where possible. The teacher encourages pupils to ask questions about the tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanations, observe demonstrations, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose and function of each tool.

Step 5: Practical Handling/Sketching

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allows pupils to carefully handle some of the safer tools (e.g., trowel, measuring tape) under strict supervision. Alternatively, pupils are asked to sketch one or two tools in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully handle tools or sketch the tools as instructed.
Learning Point: Pupils develop a practical familiarity with the tools.

Step 6: Recap/Summary

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the names of the tools and their primary uses, writing key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention and note down the summarized points.
Learning Point: Key learning points are reinforced.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention five basic hand tools used in block and brick laying.
State the use of a spirit level.
What is the primary function of a trowel?
Describe how a plumb bob is used.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher commends the pupils for their participation and reminds them of the importance of knowing and using tools correctly. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any three basic hand tools used in block and brick laying.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the conclusion and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is brought to a formal close.

Lesson Keywords

Trowel – A hand tool used for spreading, scooping, and shaping mortar.
Spirit level – A tool used to determine horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) lines.
Plumb bob – A weight suspended from a string, used to determine a true vertical line.
Measuring tape – A flexible ruler used to measure distances.
Bolster chisel – A wide, flat chisel used for cutting bricks.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to explain how different types of trowels are used or to research other specialized masonry tools. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide labeled diagrams of the tools and give more direct guidance during the identification and sketching activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that actual tools, if used for demonstration, are handled safely and under strict supervision. Emphasize safety precautions when discussing tools with sharp edges or heavy parts. Encourage practical engagement as much as possible to enhance learning.