Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Upholstery
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Parts Of Upholstery: Frame, Padding and Covering Identification.
Topic: PARTS OF UPHOLSTERY
Subject Matter: Frame materials wood, Frame materials metal, Frame materials web and springs, Frame materials cane, Padding materials foam, Padding materials sisal, Padding materials grass, Covering materials fabric, Covering materials natural leather, Covering materials synthetic leather

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define upholstery.
Identify the main parts of upholstered furniture.
State common materials used for the frame, padding, and covering of upholstery.
Give examples of each type of material.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of selecting appropriate materials for different parts of upholstery.
Show interest in learning about the various components and materials used in upholstery.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify actual samples of different frame, padding, and covering materials.
Distinguish between natural and synthetic covering materials.

Participate actively in discussions about upholstery materials.
Collaborate with peers to identify and describe various materials.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Technology.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools by E.A. Adewuyi.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Wood pieces (e.g., plywood, hardwood samples).
Metal strips or small metal frames.
Spring coils and webbing material samples.
Cane samples.
Foam samples (various densities).
Sisal and grass fibre samples.
Fabric swatches (e.g., cotton, velvet, brocade).
Natural leather swatches.
Synthetic leather (pleather/vinyl) swatches.
Whiteboard or chalkboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental components of upholstered furniture. Knowing the different parts and the materials used for each enables pupils to appreciate the construction process and make informed choices when selecting or repairing upholstered items in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of simple tools and materials used in craftwork and general household items.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PARTS OF UPHOLSTERY

Upholstery refers to the work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers.

Main Parts of Upholstery

Upholstered furniture generally consists of three main parts:

Frame
Padding
Covering

Frame Materials

The frame provides the structural support for the upholstered piece. Common frame materials include:

Wood: This is a traditional and common material due to its strength and workability. Examples include hardwood (e.g., Iroko, Mahogany) and softwood (e.g., Pine).
Metal: Used for modern designs, offering durability and sleek aesthetics. Examples include steel and aluminium.
Web and Springs: These provide resilience and comfort. Webbing is a strong fabric strip woven across the frame, while springs (coil or zigzag) are attached to the webbing or frame to support the padding.
Cane: A natural material, often woven to create light, breathable sections, especially in backs or sides of furniture.

Padding Materials

Padding materials are placed over the frame and springs to provide comfort, shape, and softness. Common padding materials include:

Foam: A synthetic material available in various densities, offering different levels of firmness and durability. It is widely used today.
Sisal: A natural fibre derived from the agave plant, known for its strength and resilience. It provides firm padding.
Grass: Dried grasses or hay can be used as traditional padding material, offering natural cushioning.

Covering Materials

Covering materials are the outermost layer that gives the furniture its finished appearance and protects the inner components. Common covering materials include:

Fabric: A wide range of textile materials are used, offering various textures, colours, and patterns. Examples include cotton, linen, velvet, brocade, and polyester.
Natural Leather: Made from animal hides, it is durable, luxurious, and develops a patina over time.
Synthetic Leather: Also known as faux leather or pleather, it is a man-made material designed to mimic the look and feel of natural leather, often more affordable and easier to clean. Examples include vinyl and polyurethane leather.

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 new topic, “Parts of Upholstery,” by showing pictures or actual examples of upholstered furniture and asking pupils to identify what they think are its main components.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall the previous lesson, and attempt to identify parts of the furniture.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to their prior knowledge.

Step 2: Definition of Upholstery and its Main Parts

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines upholstery and lists its three main parts (frame, padding, covering) on the board, explaining the function of each part.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, copy notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of upholstery and its primary components.

Step 3: Frame Materials

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents samples of various frame materials (wood, metal, webbing, springs, cane). The teacher explains the characteristics and uses of each material, allowing pupils to observe and touch the samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, listen to explanations, and identify the different frame materials.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate between various upholstery frame materials.

Step 4: Padding Materials

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of different padding materials (foam, sisal, grass). The teacher explains how each material contributes to comfort and shape in upholstery.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the padding samples and learn about their properties.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe common upholstery padding materials.

Step 5: Covering Materials

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows samples of various covering materials (fabric swatches, natural leather, synthetic leather). The teacher discusses the durability, texture, and maintenance requirements of each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and feel the covering materials, noting their differences.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and distinguish between different upholstery covering materials, including natural and synthetic types.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define upholstery in your own words.
Mention the three main parts of upholstered furniture.
List two examples of materials used for upholstery frames.
State two types of padding materials used in upholstery.
Differentiate between natural and synthetic leather as covering materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of understanding upholstery parts and materials. The teacher gives an assignment: “Research and bring pictures of furniture made with at least two different frame materials.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any remaining questions, and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given tasks to extend their learning.

Lesson Keywords

Upholstery – The craft of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers.
Frame – The structural skeleton or support of upholstered furniture.
Padding – Materials used to provide comfort, shape, and softness beneath the covering.
Covering – The outermost layer of upholstery, providing finish and protection.
Webbing – Strong fabric strips used in upholstery to support springs and padding.
Sisal – A natural fibre used as a firm padding material.
Synthetic Leather – Man-made material designed to resemble natural leather.

Differentiation

The teacher will use a variety of instructional materials, including visual aids and physical samples, to cater to different learning styles. For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, additional questions about material properties or design implications will be posed. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and one-on-one guidance during observation of samples.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure all instructional materials, especially samples of frame, padding, and covering materials, are readily available before the lesson. Encourage hands-on interaction with the materials to enhance understanding. Emphasize the practical application of this knowledge in furniture selection and maintenance.