Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Carpentry And Joinery
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship Trade Subjects
Previous Lesson: Angle Joints and Framing.
Topic: IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON JOINTS – Housing Joints
Subject Matter: Through housing joints, stopped housing joints, uses of housing joints
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define a housing joint.
- Identify the two main types of housing joints.
- State at least three uses of housing joints in carpentry.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of accurately cutting housing joints.
- Show interest in learning different jointing techniques.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the process of marking out a housing joint.
- Produce a simple through housing joint on timber.
Social Domain:
- Work cooperatively with peers during practical demonstrations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS) and Trade Subjects (SSS)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools
- Woodwork Technology for Senior Secondary Schools by A. A. Adebayo
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Pieces of timber
- Measuring tape, try square, marking gauge, chisels, saws, mallet
- Finished samples of through housing joints and stopped housing joints
- Charts illustrating different types of housing joints
- Whiteboard and markers/Blackboard and chalk
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand a fundamental jointing method in carpentry. Knowing how to identify and construct housing joints is important for building strong and stable wooden structures and furniture. This knowledge enables pupils to create functional and durable projects.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of carpentry hand tools, safety precautions in the workshop, and have previously learned about simpler woodworking joints.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON JOINTS – Housing Joints
Definition of Housing Joint
A housing joint is a woodworking joint where the end or edge of one piece of wood fits into a groove or rebate cut into the surface of another piece. The groove is called a ‘housing’. This joint provides a strong, load-bearing connection, especially when used in shelving or cabinet construction.
Types of Housing Joints
The following are the two main types of housing joints:
- Through Housing Joint: This is a type of housing joint where the groove or housing cut into one piece of timber extends completely across its width or thickness. The mating piece of timber passes entirely through the receiving member.
- Stopped Housing Joint: In a stopped housing joint, the groove or housing cut into the receiving piece of timber does not extend completely across its width. It stops at a certain point, leaving a small section of uncut timber at the face. This type of joint is often used for aesthetic reasons, as the joint is not visible from the front edge.
Uses of Housing Joints
The following are common uses of housing joints:
- Constructing shelves in cabinets and bookcases.
- Joining vertical and horizontal members in framework.
- Making partitions and dividers in drawers or boxes.
- Creating strong and stable carcass construction in furniture.
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, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the topic by showing samples of furniture that use housing joints (e.g., a bookshelf or cabinet). The teacher asks pupils what kind of joints they think are used to hold the shelves.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the furniture samples.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and relate it to practical applications.
Step 2: Definition of Housing Joint
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a housing joint, explaining its purpose and basic construction. The definition is written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental concept of a housing joint.
Step 3: Explanation of Through Housing Joint
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the characteristics of a through housing joint. Using a sample and a chart, the teacher points out how the groove extends completely across the width of the timber. The teacher demonstrates how to mark and cut a simple through housing joint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept and visual representation of a through housing joint.
Step 4: Explanation of Stopped Housing Joint
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the characteristics of a stopped housing joint, contrasting it with the through housing joint. The teacher uses a sample and chart to show how the groove does not extend fully across. The teacher briefly demonstrates the marking and cutting process, highlighting the difference.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, compare the two types, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the distinction and construction of a stopped housing joint.
Step 5: Practical Demonstration of Marking out Housing Joints
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher performs a step-by-step demonstration of marking out both a through and a stopped housing joint on timber pieces, emphasizing the correct use of tools like the marking gauge, try square, and pencil.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention to the marking out process and the tools used.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps involved in preparing to cut housing joints.
Step 6: Uses of Housing Joints
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses and lists various practical applications of housing joints in carpentry and joinery, relating them to everyday items. The uses are written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas and copy the uses from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the relevance and application of housing joints.
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 a housing joint.
- Mention the two main types of housing joints.
- State three uses of housing joints in woodworking.
- What is the key difference between a through housing joint and a stopped housing joint?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, types, and uses of housing joints. The teacher assigns practical homework for pupils to sketch and label the two types of housing joints.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of housing joints.
Lesson Keywords
- Housing Joint – A woodworking joint where one piece fits into a groove in another.
- Through Housing Joint – A housing joint where the groove extends completely across the width of the timber.
- Stopped Housing Joint – A housing joint where the groove does not extend completely across the width of the timber.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research variations of housing joints or begin practicing marking out on scrap timber. For those who require more support, the teacher will provide additional individual guidance during the demonstration and allow extra time for questions and clarification.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure all tools are in good working condition and safety precautions are strictly observed during any practical demonstration. Encourage pupils to ask questions and actively participate. Practical demonstrations are very effective for this topic.

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