Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Sketching of Basic Hand Tools.
Topic: TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS IN BLOCK AND BRICK LAYING
Subject Matter: identification of block and brick laying tools, uses of block and brick laying tools, simple maintenance of tools

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify at least five tools used in block and brick laying.
State the uses of various block and brick laying tools.
Describe simple maintenance practices for block and brick laying tools.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper tool handling and maintenance.
Show interest in learning about different construction tools.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch at least three block and brick laying tools.
Demonstrate simple cleaning and storage of a given tool.

Participate actively in class discussions about tools and their uses.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary School (Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work (SS 1)
Block Laying and Concreting for Senior Secondary Schools by A.B. Olaleye

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Actual block and brick laying tools (e.g., trowel, spirit level, plumb rule, tape measure, brick hammer, line and pins, shovel, headpan, wheelbarrow)
Drawings or charts showing various tools
Whiteboard/Blackboard and marker/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to recognize and understand the purpose of tools used in block and brick laying. Knowing the correct use and maintenance of these tools is important for safety, efficiency, and prolonging the life of the tools in practical construction work.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils may have seen construction workers using various tools or have general knowledge about basic hand tools from their daily lives.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IN BLOCK AND BRICK LAYING

Identification of Block and Brick Laying Tools

Block and brick laying involves the use of various hand tools and some equipment to achieve accurate and strong structures.

The following are some common tools used:

Trowel (e.g., pointing trowel, gauging trowel)
Spirit level
Plumb rule
Tape measure
Hammer (e.g., brick hammer)
Chisel
Line and pins
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Headpan
Water level

Uses of Block and Brick Laying Tools

Each tool serves a specific purpose in the construction process.

The uses of some of these tools include:

Trowel: Used for scooping and spreading mortar, buttering bricks, and cutting excess mortar.
Spirit level: Used to check for horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) alignment of blocks and bricks.
Plumb rule: Used to ensure vertical alignment and straightness of walls.
Tape measure: Used for measuring lengths, widths, and heights of walls and openings.
Brick hammer: Used for cutting or shaping bricks and blocks.
Chisel: Used for cutting or trimming blocks and bricks, especially for finer work.
Line and pins: Used to set out straight lines for block courses and maintain alignment.
Wheelbarrow: Used for transporting mortar, blocks, and other materials on site.
Shovel: Used for mixing and scooping aggregates and mortar.
Headpan: Used for carrying small quantities of mortar, sand, or blocks.

Simple Maintenance of Tools

Proper maintenance helps to prolong the life of tools and ensures their effectiveness.

Simple maintenance practices for block and brick laying tools include:

Cleaning tools thoroughly after each use to remove mortar, dirt, and rust.
Storing tools in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.
Sharpening cutting tools like chisels and brick hammers when they become dull.
Oiling metal parts of tools regularly to prevent corrosion.
Checking wooden handles for cracks or looseness and repairing or replacing them.
Replacing worn-out parts where possible.

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 have seen being used in construction or at home. The teacher then introduces the topic: “TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS IN BLOCK AND BRICK LAYING”.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the lesson topic is introduced.

Step 2: Identification of Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents various block and brick laying tools (actual tools or drawings) one by one, stating their names clearly. The teacher encourages pupils to identify any tools they recognize.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools, listen to their names, and attempt to identify them.
Learning Point: Pupils identify common block and brick laying tools.

Step 3: Explanation of Uses

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: For each tool identified, the teacher explains and, where possible, demonstrates its specific use in block and brick laying. The teacher asks questions to ensure understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and answer questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the functions of different block and brick laying tools.

Step 4: Simple Maintenance of Tools

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of tool maintenance and describes simple maintenance practices such as cleaning, oiling, and proper storage. The teacher may demonstrate cleaning a trowel.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about basic tool maintenance.

Step 5: Practical Activity/Sketching

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to sketch any three block and brick laying tools discussed in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sketch the tools in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils practice visual representation of the tools.

Step 6: Class Discussion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion, asking pupils to share what they found most interesting about the tools or their maintenance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding through interaction.

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 tools used in block and brick laying.
State the use of a spirit level.
Explain why it is important to clean tools after use.
List two simple ways to maintain a metal trowel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of knowing and caring for tools. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label five block and brick laying tools.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a recap and assigned task.

Lesson Keywords

Trowel – A hand tool used for spreading, levelling, and shaping mortar or concrete.
Spirit level – A tool used to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
Plumb rule – A tool with a string and weight used to determine a true vertical line.
Tape measure – A flexible ruler used to measure distance.
Brick hammer – A hammer with a chisel-like end for cutting bricks and a flat end for tapping them into place.
Maintenance – The process of keeping tools in good condition by cleaning, oiling, and repairing them.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams and offer more direct assistance during the identification and sketching activities. Advanced pupils will be encouraged to research additional tools not covered in the lesson and explain their uses.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that actual tools are available for demonstration to make the lesson more practical and engaging. Safety precautions should be discussed, especially when handling tools with sharp edges. Encourage pupils to ask questions and share their experiences related to tools.