Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Construction
Previous Lesson: Wall Construction: Methods, Materials and Bonding.
Topic: Practical on Bonding: Stretcher, Header, Flemish and English Bonds
Subject Matter: Types of Wall Bonding and Introduction to Timber Wall Construction

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define wall bonding.
Identify and describe different types of brick bonds (stretcher, header, Flemish, English).
Explain the basic principles of timber wall construction.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of correct bonding in wall construction.
Show interest in practical construction activities.
Value teamwork during practical exercises.

Psychomotor Domain:

Practically demonstrate how to lay bricks in stretcher and header bonds.
Practically demonstrate how to lay bricks in Flemish and English bonds.
Differentiate between various bonding types through practical application.

Collaborate effectively with peers during practical bonding exercises.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Building Construction (Senior Secondary)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Building Construction SSS 1
Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools by R. Barry
https://www.build-review.com/types-of-brick-bonds/
https://www.theconstructor.org/building/types-of-brick-bonds/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Bricks
Trowels
Spirit level
Blocks
Builders square
Line and peg
Nails
Pictures or diagrams of different wall bonds and timber wall construction

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the practical application of different brick bonding patterns used in building construction. It also introduces them to the basics of timber wall construction, which is important for understanding various building techniques and ensuring strong, stable structures in daily life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of building materials like bricks and blocks, and some understanding of simple construction terms.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Practical on Bonding: Stretcher, Header, Flemish and English Bonds

1. Types of Wall Bonding

Wall bonding refers to the arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall to create a strong, stable, and visually appealing structure. It helps to distribute loads evenly and prevent cracks.

The main purposes of wall bonding are:

To tie the wall together longitudinally.
To ensure stability against overturning or collapse.
To distribute concentrated loads over a wider area.

2. Stretcher Bond

In a stretcher bond, all bricks are laid as stretchers (with their longest face exposed) in every course. It is commonly used for half-brick thick walls and facing work.

Characteristics of stretcher bond:

All bricks are laid as stretchers.
Each course is offset by a half-brick from the course below.
Suitable for half-brick thick walls, partition walls, and facing.

3. Header Bond

In a header bond, all bricks are laid as headers (with their shortest face exposed) in every course. This bond is primarily used for constructing thick walls or curved brickwork.

Characteristics of header bond:

All bricks are laid as headers.
Each course is offset by a half-brick from the course below.
Used for walls thicker than one brick and for foundations.

4. Flemish Bond

Flemish bond involves alternating headers and stretchers within the same course. This pattern creates a more uniform appearance compared to English bond.

Characteristics of Flemish bond:

Headers and stretchers alternate in each course.
Headers are centered over the stretchers in the course below.
Provides a good aesthetic finish.

Types of Flemish bond:

Single Flemish Bond: Shows Flemish bond on the face and English bond on the back.
Double Flemish Bond: Shows Flemish bond on both the face and back of the wall.

5. English Bond

English bond consists of alternating courses of headers and stretchers. One course will have only headers, and the next course will have only stretchers.

Characteristics of English bond:

Alternating courses of headers and stretchers.
Headers are laid centrally on the stretchers below.
Considered one of the strongest brick bonds.

6. Introduction to Timber Wall Construction

Timber wall construction involves building walls using timber frames as the main structural support. This method is common in many parts of the world, especially for residential buildings.

Key components of timber wall construction include:

Studs: Vertical timber members that form the main framework of the wall.
Sole Plate (Bottom Plate): Horizontal timber member at the base of the wall, fixed to the foundation.
Top Plate: Horizontal timber member at the top of the wall, connecting the studs and supporting the roof or upper floor.
Nogging/Blocking: Horizontal timber members placed between studs for added rigidity and fire stopping.
Bracing: Diagonal members used to prevent racking (distortion) of the wall frame.
Sheathing: Boards or panels (e.g., plywood, OSB) fixed to the outside of the frame for structural rigidity and to provide a surface for external finishes.

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 asks them to recall different types of building materials used for walls. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that how these materials are arranged is important for wall strength.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect to previous knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Wall Bonding

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines wall bonding and explains its importance in ensuring wall stability and strength. The teacher also mentions the general purpose of different bonding patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes, asking questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and general importance of wall bonding.

Step 3: Stretcher and Header Bonds

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the stretcher bond and header bond using actual bricks or diagrams. The teacher highlights the characteristics and typical uses of each bond.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes on the characteristics of each bond.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe stretcher and header bonds.

Step 4: Flemish and English Bonds

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the Flemish bond and English bond, comparing their arrangements and applications. The teacher emphasizes the difference between single and double Flemish bonds.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, compare the bonds, and note down their characteristics and differences.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between Flemish and English bonds.

Step 5: Introduction to Timber Wall Construction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of timber wall construction, explaining what it is and mentioning its basic components like studs, plates, and sheathing. The teacher may use diagrams to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the diagrams, and take notes on the components of timber wall construction.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a basic understanding of timber wall construction and its components.

Step 6: Practical Bonding Exercises

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organizes pupils into small groups, provides materials (bricks, trowels), and guides them to practice laying bricks in stretcher, header, Flemish, and English bonds. The teacher moves around to offer assistance and correct techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the practical exercises, practicing the different bonding patterns in their groups.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in laying different brick bonds and collaborate effectively.

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 wall bonding.
Mention two purposes of wall bonding.
Describe the arrangement of bricks in a stretcher bond.
State the main difference between Flemish bond and English bond.
List three components of timber wall construction.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of correct bonding and the basics of timber wall construction. The teacher gives homework to research other types of brick bonds.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to research further.

Lesson Keywords

Bonding – The arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall.
Stretcher – A brick laid with its longest face exposed along the face of the wall.
Header – A brick laid with its shortest face exposed on the face of the wall.
Flemish Bond – A bond with alternating headers and stretchers in the same course.
English Bond – A bond with alternating courses of headers and stretchers.
Studs – Vertical timber members in a wall frame.
Sole Plate – The bottom horizontal timber member of a wall frame.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to research the historical uses of different bonds. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision during practical sessions and use more visual aids.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all safety precautions are observed during the practical session, especially when handling bricks and tools. Emphasize the importance of accuracy in bricklaying for structural integrity.