Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Manufacturing Processes of Blocks and Bricks.
Topic: PROPERTIES AND TYPES OF BLOCKS AND BRICKS
Subject Matter: properties of blocks, properties of bricks, types of blocks, types of bricks

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define the term ‘properties’ in relation to building materials.
State at least three properties of blocks.
Mention at least three properties of bricks.
List three types of blocks.
List three types of bricks.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of understanding the properties of blocks and bricks in construction.
Value the knowledge of different block and brick types for appropriate material selection.

Psychomotor Domain:

Distinguish between different types of blocks based on their physical appearance.
Identify various types of bricks from samples or pictures.

Discuss with peers the suitable applications of different blocks and bricks.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (Senior Secondary School)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work (SS 1)
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
https://example.com/block_properties
https://example.com/brick_types

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Sample blocks (e.g., hollow block, solid block)
Sample bricks (e.g., burnt clay brick, sand-lime brick)
Charts showing different types of blocks and bricks
Pictures of various construction projects using blocks and bricks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the characteristics and varieties of blocks and bricks, which are fundamental materials in building construction. Knowing these properties and types enables pupils to select the correct material for different building purposes and appreciate their role in creating durable structures.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of common building materials and their general uses in construction from their previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PROPERTIES AND TYPES OF BLOCKS AND BRICKS

Properties of Blocks

Properties of blocks refer to their inherent characteristics that determine their suitability for various construction applications.

The following are important properties of blocks:

Strength: Ability to withstand compressive loads without failing.
Durability: Ability to resist wear, weathering, and decay over time.
Thermal Insulation: Ability to resist heat transfer, helping to maintain indoor temperature.
Sound Insulation: Ability to reduce the transmission of sound.
Water Absorption: The amount of water a block can absorb, affecting its resistance to moisture.
Fire Resistance: Ability to withstand high temperatures without significant damage.
Dimensions: Standard sizes and shapes for ease of construction.

Properties of Bricks

Properties of bricks are characteristics that define their quality and performance in construction.

The following are important properties of bricks:

Compressive Strength: The maximum load a brick can bear before crushing.
Water Absorption: The percentage of water a brick absorbs, impacting its durability and appearance.
Efflorescence: The tendency to form a white powdery deposit on the surface due to soluble salts.
Texture and Colour: Aesthetic qualities important for exposed masonry.
Soundness: Freedom from cracks, lumps, or other defects.
Thermal Conductivity: How well a brick conducts heat.
Fire Resistance: Bricks generally have good fire-resistant properties.

Types of Blocks

Blocks are pre-formed units used in masonry construction, varying in material and structure.

Common types of blocks include:

Concrete Blocks: Made from cement, aggregates, and water. They can be solid or hollow.
- Solid Concrete Blocks: Dense and heavy, used for load-bearing walls.
- Hollow Concrete Blocks: Lighter, with cavities that can be filled for insulation or reinforcement, commonly used for non-load bearing walls.
Sandcrete Blocks: Made from sand, cement, and water. Similar to concrete blocks but typically lighter and less strong, often used for partition walls.
Cellular Concrete Blocks (Aerated Autoclaved Concrete – AAC Blocks): Lightweight, porous blocks with good thermal and sound insulation properties.
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU): A general term for blocks made from concrete, often referring to hollow blocks.

Types of Bricks

Bricks are small, rectangular units typically made from clay or other materials, used for building walls and pavements.

Common types of bricks include:

Burnt Clay Bricks: Made from clay moulded and fired in a kiln.
- Common Burnt Clay Bricks: Used for general construction, not exposed to weather.
- Facing Bricks: Selected for their aesthetic qualities, used for exterior walls.
- Engineering Bricks: High strength and low water absorption, used for civil engineering works like foundations.
Sand-Lime Bricks: Made from a mixture of sand, lime, and water, pressed and cured under heat and pressure. They have a smooth finish and uniform colour.
Concrete Bricks: Made from cement and aggregates, similar to concrete blocks but brick-sized. They are dense and strong.
Fly Ash Bricks: Made from fly ash (a waste product from coal combustion), cement, sand, and water. They are lightweight and have good strength.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils to name some materials used for building walls. After getting responses, the teacher introduces the topic by stating that blocks and bricks are primary materials for wall construction and today’s lesson will focus on their properties and types.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Properties of Blocks

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what ‘properties’ mean in the context of building materials. Using sample blocks, the teacher explains and demonstrates the properties of blocks such as strength, durability, thermal insulation, and water absorption. The teacher encourages pupils to touch and observe the samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the sample blocks, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the key properties of blocks.

Step 3: Presentation of Properties of Bricks

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the properties of bricks, comparing them where relevant to blocks. Using sample bricks and charts, the teacher discusses properties like compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, and texture. The teacher highlights how these properties influence brick usage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the sample bricks and charts, and note down important points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the key properties of bricks.

Step 4: Presentation of Types of Blocks

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents different types of blocks using charts and the available samples. The teacher explains the composition and typical uses of concrete blocks (solid and hollow), sandcrete blocks, and cellular concrete blocks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the different types of blocks from the charts and samples, noting their distinguishing features.
Learning Point: Pupils can recognise and differentiate between various types of blocks.

Step 5: Presentation of Types of Bricks

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents different types of bricks using charts and samples. The teacher explains burnt clay bricks (common, facing, engineering), sand-lime bricks, and concrete bricks, detailing their characteristics and typical applications.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the different types of bricks, paying attention to their appearance and suggested uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can recognise and differentiate between various types of bricks.

Step 6: Class Discussion and Application

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion asking pupils to suggest which type of block or brick would be suitable for specific construction scenarios (e.g., a load-bearing wall, an exposed exterior wall, a partition wall).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, applying their newly acquired knowledge.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of properties and 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 ‘properties’ as it relates to building materials.
State any three properties of concrete blocks.
Mention any three properties of burnt clay bricks.
List three common types of blocks.
List three common types of bricks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reinforcing the importance of understanding the properties and types of blocks and bricks for effective construction. The teacher gives an assignment: “Research and write down two advantages and two disadvantages of using hollow concrete blocks in construction.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further engagement.

Lesson Keywords

Blocks – Pre-formed units, often rectangular, used in masonry construction.
Bricks – Small, solid units, typically made of clay, used for building walls.
Properties – Characteristics or qualities of a material.
Strength – Ability of a material to resist external forces without breaking.
Durability – Ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.
Sandcrete – A mixture of sand, cement, and water used to make blocks.
Burnt Clay – Clay that has been fired at high temperatures to produce bricks.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research the specific applications of engineering bricks. For pupils who require more support, the teacher will provide simplified charts or allow them to work in pairs to identify block and brick types from samples, giving more direct guidance and prompting.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual samples of blocks and bricks are available for pupils to touch and observe, as this greatly enhances understanding. Encourage questions and practical discussions throughout the lesson. Safety precautions should be observed when handling samples, especially if they are heavy or have rough edges.