Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Properties of Concrete.
Topic: CEMENT
Subject Matter: definition of cement, types of cement, ordinary cement, Portland cement, rapid hardening cement

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define cement.
List at least three types of cement.
Describe the properties of Ordinary Portland Cement.
Explain the characteristics of Rapid Hardening Cement.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of selecting the correct type of cement for various construction works.
Participate actively in discussions about cement types and their uses.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify different types of cement from samples or pictures.
Differentiate between the uses of Ordinary Portland Cement and Rapid Hardening Cement.

Collaborate with peers in identifying different types of cement.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Trade Subjects.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work.
Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work for Senior Secondary Schools by A. O. Agboola.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A bag of cement (or an empty bag label).
Charts showing different types of cement and their uses.
Pictures or diagrams of various cement types.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding cement is important because it is a basic material in all concrete and mortar work. This lesson helps pupils to know the different types of cement and when to use each, which is useful for practical construction tasks and choosing the right materials.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of common building materials used in construction, such as sand and gravel.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CEMENT

Definition of Cement

Cement is a fine, grey powder that, when mixed with water, forms a paste that hardens and binds other materials together. It is a key component in concrete and mortar.

Types of Cement

There are several types of cement, each with specific properties and uses. The common types include:

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC)
Sulphate Resisting Cement
Low Heat Cement
White Cement
High Alumina Cement

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Ordinary Portland Cement is the most common type of cement used for general construction purposes. It is suitable for most building projects.

The characteristics and uses of Ordinary Portland Cement include:

It sets and hardens at a moderate rate.
It is used for general concrete work, mortar, and plastering.
It is suitable for normal strength concrete structures.
It comes in different grades, such as 33, 43, and 53.

Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC)

Rapid Hardening Cement gains strength more quickly than Ordinary Portland Cement. It is used when early strength is required.

The characteristics and uses of Rapid Hardening Cement include:

It develops high strength at an early age (within 1-3 days).
It allows for faster removal of formwork.
It is used in pre-stressed concrete, road repairs, and cold weather concreting.
It generates more heat during hydration compared to OPC.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention some materials used in building a house. The teacher then introduces cement as a key binding material.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning materials like sand, blocks, and cement. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of building materials and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Cement

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines cement, showing a sample or picture of cement. The teacher explains its role as a binder.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition and observe the cement sample. They attempt to define cement in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition and function of cement.

Step 3: Types of Cement

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly introduces various types of cement, focusing on Ordinary Portland Cement and Rapid Hardening Cement using charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the different types of cement mentioned by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils are aware of the different categories of cement.

Step 4: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the properties, characteristics, and common uses of Ordinary Portland Cement, highlighting its general application.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and take notes on the details of OPC.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the nature and applications of Ordinary Portland Cement.

Step 5: Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes Rapid Hardening Cement, emphasizing its fast-setting properties and specific uses, contrasting it with OPC.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention, compare RHC with OPC, and record key information about RHC.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the characteristics and specific applications of Rapid Hardening Cement.

Step 6: Discussion on Applications

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion on scenarios where each type of cement would be most suitable, encouraging pupils to give examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by suggesting appropriate uses for OPC and RHC based on their properties.
Learning Point: Pupils can apply their knowledge of cement types to practical situations.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define cement.
List three types of cement.
State two properties of Ordinary Portland Cement.
Mention two situations where Rapid Hardening Cement would be preferred.

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/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition and main types of cement discussed. The teacher assigns homework: “Find out more about Sulphate Resisting Cement and its uses.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an activity to extend their knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Cement – A binding material that sets and hardens to bind other materials.
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) – A common type of cement used for general construction.
Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC) – A type of cement that gains strength quickly.
Hydration – The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes it to harden.
Setting – The process where cement paste loses its plasticity and becomes stiff.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research other types of cement and their specific applications. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and additional examples, ensuring they can define cement and list at least two types.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual cement samples or clear visual aids are available to enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to ask questions and share any prior observations related to cement use in their communities. Emphasize safety precautions when handling cement, even in a classroom setting.