Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Factors Influencing Choice of Foundation.
Topic: MANUFACTURE, APPLICATION AND PROPERTIES OF BLOCKS AND BRICKS
Subject Matter: Manufacturing processes of blocks and bricks, materials for blocks and bricks, sand, cement, clay, laterite, and water.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define blocks and bricks.
List the materials used for making blocks and bricks.
Describe the basic manufacturing process of blocks.
State at least two applications of blocks and bricks.
Mention two properties of blocks and bricks.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of selecting the right materials for block and brick production.
Show interest in learning vocational skills related to construction.
Develop a positive attitude towards the trade of block and brick making.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify common materials and simple tools used for block making.
Observe and describe the steps involved in block manufacturing.

Collaborate with peers in identifying different construction materials.
Participate actively in class discussions about block and brick production.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (Junior Secondary School).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Basic Technology, SS 1.
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of clay, cement, sand, laterite, and aggregates.
A block mould.
Finished block and brick samples.
Charts or pictures illustrating the block and brick manufacturing process.
Water.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how blocks and bricks, which are common building materials, are made and used. Knowing about their production and properties is important for anyone interested in construction or vocational skills, and it helps pupils appreciate the work involved in building structures.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils may have seen blocks and bricks used in building construction around their homes or schools. They may also have basic knowledge of common building materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

MANUFACTURE, APPLICATION AND PROPERTIES OF BLOCKS AND BRICKS

1. Definition of Blocks and Bricks

Blocks: These are pre-formed rectangular units, usually larger than bricks, made from cement, sand, and aggregates, commonly used in construction for walls and foundations.

Bricks: These are smaller, rectangular units, typically made from fired clay or sometimes from concrete, used for building walls, pavements, and other structures.

2. Materials for Blocks and Bricks

The following are common materials used in the manufacture of blocks and bricks:

Sand: Provides bulk and strength, acts as an aggregate.
Cement: A binding agent that hardens when mixed with water, holding other materials together.
Clay: The primary material for traditional fired bricks, providing plasticity and strength when fired.
Laterite: A type of soil rich in iron and aluminium, used as a stabiliser or main material for laterite blocks.
Water: Essential for mixing cement and sand, facilitating the chemical reaction (hydration) that causes hardening.
Aggregates: Materials like gravel or crushed stone, used in concrete blocks to add strength and reduce cost.

3. Manufacturing Process of Blocks

The basic steps in manufacturing concrete blocks include:

Mixing: Sand, cement, and aggregates are mixed thoroughly with water in specific proportions to form a consistent concrete mix.
Moulding: The wet concrete mix is poured or pressed into block moulds.
Compaction: The mix in the mould is compacted to remove air voids and ensure density, often using vibration or manual ramming.
Demoulding: The freshly formed blocks are carefully removed from the moulds.
Curing: The blocks are kept moist and protected from direct sunlight for a period (e.g., 7-28 days) to allow the cement to fully hydrate and gain strength.

4. Applications of Blocks and Bricks

Blocks and bricks are used for various construction purposes, including:

Building walls for houses, schools, and offices.
Constructing fences and boundary walls.
Creating foundations for structures.
Paving walkways and driveways (especially bricks).
Building culverts and drainage systems.

5. Properties of Blocks and Bricks

Important properties of good quality blocks and bricks include:

Strength: Ability to withstand loads without breaking.
Durability: Resistance to wear, weathering, and decay over time.
Fire Resistance: Ability to resist damage from fire.
Thermal Insulation: Ability to reduce heat transfer, contributing to cooler interiors.
Sound Insulation: Ability to reduce noise transmission.
Uniformity: Consistent size and shape for ease of construction.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention materials used to build the walls of their houses or school. The teacher then writes “Blocks” and “Bricks” on the board and introduces the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning materials like blocks, bricks, cement, sand. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and relate it to their environment.

Step 2: Definition of Blocks and Bricks

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines blocks and bricks, using samples to illustrate the difference in size and typical materials. The teacher explains their primary use in construction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the samples, and attempt to define blocks and bricks in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definitions of blocks and bricks.

Step 3: Materials for Blocks and Bricks

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of sand, cement, clay, laterite, aggregates, and water. The teacher explains the role of each material in block and brick production.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials displayed and listen to the teacher’s explanation of their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the function of various materials used in block and brick making.

Step 4: Manufacturing Process of Blocks

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates, using a block mould and charts, the basic steps involved in block manufacturing (mixing, moulding, compaction, demoulding, curing).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and listen to the explanation of each step, asking questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the sequential steps in the manufacturing process of blocks.

Step 5: Applications of Blocks and Bricks

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains various applications of blocks and bricks in construction, encouraging pupils to give examples from their community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils state different uses of blocks and bricks and provide examples.
Learning Point: Pupils can list and explain the applications of blocks and bricks.

Step 6: Properties of Blocks and Bricks

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses important properties of blocks and bricks such as strength, durability, fire resistance, and insulation, relating them to their suitability for building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute to the discussion by stating properties they think are important for building materials.
Learning Point: Pupils understand key properties that make blocks and bricks suitable for construction.

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 blocks and bricks.
List three materials used in making concrete blocks.
Mention two steps in the manufacturing process of blocks.
State two applications of blocks and bricks.
Mention two important properties of good quality blocks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reinforcing the importance of understanding block and brick production. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label a simple block mould.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an activity to reinforce knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Blocks – Pre-formed rectangular units, larger than bricks, made from cement, sand, and aggregates.
Bricks – Smaller, rectangular units, typically made from fired clay or concrete.
Cement – A binding powder that hardens when mixed with water.
Sand – Fine granular material used as an aggregate in block production.
Clay – A natural earthy material, plastic when wet, used for traditional bricks.
Laterite – A soil type used as a stabiliser or main material for blocks.
Moulds – Forms used to shape wet concrete mix into blocks.
Curing – The process of keeping fresh concrete blocks moist to allow proper hardening.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on identifying materials through visual aids and hands-on interaction. Advanced learners will be challenged to research different types of blocks and bricks and their specific uses or to explain the chemical process of cement hydration during curing.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure all material samples are available and safe for pupils to handle. Emphasise practical aspects and encourage pupils to relate the lesson to local construction practices. Safety precautions should be observed if any practical demonstration involves tools or materials that could pose a risk.