Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Construction
Previous Lesson: Tools, Equipment and Machines: Functions of Basic Hand Tools.
Topic: Constructional Team: Parties, Functions and Relationships
Subject Matter: parties in construction team, roles of client architect engineers builders and artisans, functions of construction teams, relationship among parties and coordination

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

List the key parties involved in a construction team.
State the main functions of each member of the construction team.
Describe the relationships that exist among the various parties in a construction project.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of teamwork and cooperation in construction projects.
Recognise the need for clear communication among construction team members.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify the roles of different professionals when presented with a construction project scenario.
Outline the steps for effective coordination in a construction team.

Collaborate with peers to discuss the responsibilities of different construction team members.
Present their understanding of how different roles contribute to a successful project.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Building Construction SSS 1.
O.P. Dada (2018). Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools. Learn Africa Plc.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart showing the relationship of construction teams.
Whiteboard and markers.
Pictures or diagrams of various construction professionals at work.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand that constructing a building is a team effort involving many different people. Knowing the roles and relationships of these individuals enables pupils to appreciate how buildings are planned and built, which is important for future careers in the construction industry.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils may have a general understanding that buildings are constructed by various workers and that different people have different jobs on a building site.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Constructional Team: Parties, Functions and Relationships

1. Parties in a Construction Team

A construction team comprises various individuals and organisations who work together to achieve the successful completion of a building project.

The following are the key parties in a typical construction team:

Client/Owner
Architect
Structural Engineer
Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer
Quantity Surveyor
Builder/Contractor
Artisans (e.g., bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians)

2. Functions of the Construction Team Members

a. Client/Owner:

The client is the individual or organisation for whom the building is being constructed. The client provides the funds and specifies the requirements for the project.

The functions of the client include:

Initiating the project and defining its scope.
Providing the necessary funding.
Approving designs and major decisions.
Selecting the project consultants and contractor.

b. Architect:

The architect is responsible for the aesthetic design and functional layout of the building. They translate the client’s needs into detailed drawings and specifications.

The functions of the architect include:

Preparing conceptual and detailed building designs.
Producing working drawings and specifications.
Coordinating the design work of other consultants.
Supervising the construction to ensure compliance with design.

c. Structural Engineer:

The structural engineer designs the structural framework of the building to ensure its stability and safety. They calculate loads and determine appropriate materials and dimensions for foundations, beams, columns, and slabs.

The functions of the structural engineer include:

Designing the structural elements of the building.
Ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the building.
Preparing structural drawings and specifications.
Supervising the construction of structural components.

d. Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer:

The M&E engineer designs and supervises the installation of mechanical systems (e.g., plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning) and electrical systems (e.g., power supply, lighting, communication networks) within the building.

The functions of the M&E engineer include:

Designing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
Specifying appropriate mechanical and electrical equipment.
Supervising the installation and testing of M&E systems.

e. Quantity Surveyor:

The quantity surveyor is responsible for managing the costs of the construction project. They provide cost estimates, prepare bills of quantities, and manage contractual payments.

The functions of the quantity surveyor include:

Preparing cost estimates and budgets.
Producing bills of quantities for tendering.
Managing contract administration and payments.
Providing financial advice throughout the project.

f. Builder/Contractor:

The builder or contractor is responsible for the actual construction of the building according to the designs and specifications provided by the consultants. They manage the site, workforce, and materials.

The functions of the builder/contractor include:

Executing the construction work as per drawings and specifications.
Managing the construction site, labour, and materials.
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Coordinating with sub-contractors and suppliers.

g. Artisans:

Artisans are skilled craftsmen who perform specific tasks on the construction site. They include bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, and welders.

The functions of artisans include:

Performing skilled manual tasks according to instructions.
Contributing to the physical construction of the building.
Working under the supervision of the builder/contractor.

3. Relationship and Coordination Among Parties

Effective relationships and coordination are essential for a successful construction project. Each party depends on others for information, approvals, and execution.

The following are points on relationship and coordination:

Collaboration: All parties must work together, sharing information and resolving issues jointly.
Communication: Clear and regular communication channels (meetings, reports, emails) are vital to avoid misunderstandings.
Hierarchy and Reporting: There is a clear chain of command, with the client at the top, followed by consultants and the contractor, who then manages the artisans.
Interdependence: The architect’s design depends on the structural engineer’s calculations, which influence the quantity surveyor’s costs, and all are executed by the contractor and artisans.
Problem Solving: Challenges on site require joint efforts from multiple parties to find effective solutions.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils to mention different types of workers they see when a building is being constructed. The teacher introduces the topic “Constructional Team: Parties, Functions and Relationships” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Parties in a Construction Team

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses the chart showing the relationship of construction teams to list and briefly explain the key parties involved in a construction project: Client, Architect, Structural Engineer, M&E Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Builder/Contractor, and Artisans.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, listen, and note down the names of the parties.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the main members of a construction team.

Step 3: Functions of the Client and Consultants

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains in detail the functions of the Client, Architect, Structural Engineer, M&E Engineer, and Quantity Surveyor, providing real-life examples where possible. The teacher encourages questions from pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the specific roles of the client and various consultants.

Step 4: Functions of the Builder/Contractor and Artisans

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Categorisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining the functions of the Builder/Contractor and different types of Artisans (e.g., bricklayers, carpenters). The teacher highlights their practical roles in bringing the design to life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify the practical roles of these parties.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise the roles of those who physically construct the building.

Step 5: Relationship and Coordination Among Parties

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of good relationships, communication, and coordination among all parties for a successful construction project. The teacher explains how each party relies on the others.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, offering their thoughts on why teamwork is important.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the interdependence and need for collaboration in a construction team.

Step 6: Pupil Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Work/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks them to discuss a scenario where a lack of coordination between two construction team members could lead to a problem. Each group is to identify the problem and suggest a solution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and share their findings with the class.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of roles and relationships to practical scenarios.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

List any four parties that make up a construction team.
State two functions of an architect in a construction project.
Explain the role of a quantity surveyor.
Why is good coordination important among construction team members?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: Immediately after Evaluation
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, re-emphasising the importance of each team member and their coordinated efforts. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw a simple diagram showing the relationship between the Client, Architect, and Builder on a construction project.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and receive an assignment.

Lesson Keywords

Client – The person or organisation who commissions and funds a construction project.
Architect – A professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction.
Engineer – A professional who designs and supervises the construction of structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.
Quantity Surveyor – A professional who manages the costs of a construction project.
Contractor – An individual or firm that undertakes to perform a construction job.
Artisan – A skilled worker who performs specific tasks on a construction site.
Coordination – The organisation of different elements of a complex body or activity so as to enable them to work together effectively.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will make extensive use of the chart showing team relationships and pictures of professionals. For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to elaborate on the challenges of a large construction project. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on identifying key roles through repetition and direct questioning.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should encourage pupils to share any personal experiences or observations they have had regarding building construction in their communities. Emphasise that construction is a practical field where theory meets application, and every role is important for project success. Encourage drawing and visual aids to help pupils remember the different roles and their interconnections.