Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Basic Hand Tools Identification.
Topic: BASIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS IN USE
Subject Matter: Sketching of basic hand tools, recognition of hand tools through observation

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify and name at least five basic hand tools used in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work.
Describe the function of various hand tools.
State the importance of recognizing the correct hand tools for a job.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of hand tools in the construction trade.
Participate actively in the identification and sketching of tools.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch basic hand tools accurately.
Handle basic hand tools safely under supervision.

Collaborate with peers during observation and sketching activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary School.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work.
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Live examples of various hand tools (e.g., trowel, spirit level, plumb bob, measuring tape, brick hammer, shovel, head pan).
Drawing materials (drawing books, pencils, erasers, rulers).
Charts or posters showing diagrams of various hand tools.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding basic tools is important for pupils because it helps them to identify and use the correct tools safely in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work. This knowledge is fundamental for practical skills development in the trade and for future career opportunities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have some basic knowledge of tools and their uses from their Basic Technology lessons in Junior Secondary School.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS IN USE

Introduction to Basic Hand Tools

Hand tools are instruments that are operated manually without the use of electric power or fuel. They are essential for various tasks in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work, enabling craftsmen to perform tasks efficiently and accurately.

Examples of Basic Hand Tools in Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work

The following are some basic hand tools and their uses:

Trowel: Used for spreading mortar, shaping mortar joints, and breaking bricks. Examples include brick trowel, pointing trowel, and gauging trowel.
Plumb Bob and Line: Used to check the vertical alignment (plumbness) of walls and corners.
Spirit Level: Used to check the horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) alignment of surfaces.
Measuring Tape: Used for taking linear measurements of distances, lengths, and heights.
Brick Hammer: A specialized hammer with a chisel edge for cutting bricks and a flat face for light tapping.
Cold Chisel: Used with a hammer to cut or chip away hard materials like concrete or old mortar.
Jointer: Used to create various types of mortar joints, giving a neat finish to brickwork.
Line Pins and Line: Used to set up a straight guide line for laying bricks or blocks.
Wheelbarrow: Used for transporting materials like sand, cement, gravel, and mixed concrete.
Shovel: Used for scooping and mixing materials like sand, gravel, and concrete.
Head Pan: A metal pan used for carrying small quantities of mixed mortar or other materials.

Importance of Recognizing Hand Tools

It is important to recognize hand tools for the following reasons:

To select the correct tool for a specific task.
To ensure safety during work.
To improve efficiency and quality of work.
To facilitate proper maintenance and storage of tools.
To understand the different functions of each tool.

Steps for Sketching Hand Tools

The following are general steps for sketching hand tools:

Observe the tool carefully, noting its shape, size, and features.
Start with light construction lines to outline the basic form of the tool.
Add details and refine the shape, paying attention to proportions.
Darken the outline and add shading to give the sketch depth and realism.
Label the sketch with the name of the tool.

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 introduces the topic by asking pupils to name any tools they know that are used in building. The teacher then relates their answers to the lesson on basic tools in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming tools they know.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and activate prior knowledge.

Step 2: Identification of Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents the live tools one by one, identifies each tool by name, and briefly explains its primary use in block laying, brick laying, or concrete work. The teacher encourages pupils to observe the tools closely.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools carefully and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize various hand tools by name and understand their basic functions.

Step 3: Demonstration of Sketching Techniques

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates on the board or a large paper how to sketch one or two of the basic tools, emphasizing clarity, proportion, and details. The teacher explains the steps involved in sketching.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention to the teacher’s demonstration of sketching techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the basic steps and techniques for sketching hand tools.

Step 4: Pupils’ Observation and Practice

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes drawing materials and instructs pupils to select one or two tools from the displayed examples to sketch in their drawing books. The teacher moves around to supervise.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools and begin sketching them based on the teacher’s demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils apply sketching techniques to draw actual tools.

Step 5: Teacher Guidance and Correction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Coaching/Feedback
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides individual guidance and feedback to pupils as they sketch, correcting errors in proportion or detail and offering tips for improvement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils receive feedback and make corrections to their sketches.
Learning Point: Pupils refine their sketching skills with direct guidance.

Step 6: Discussion on Importance

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion on why it is important to recognize and use the correct tools for specific tasks in construction work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by stating reasons for the importance of tool recognition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical significance of knowing their tools.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Name five basic hand tools used in block laying, brick laying, or concrete work.
State the primary function of a spirit level.
Why is it important for a builder to recognize the correct tools for a job?
Mention two steps involved in sketching a hand tool.

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 points of the lesson, reiterating the names and uses of basic hand tools and their importance. The teacher assigns homework, asking pupils to sketch three more tools from the lesson and label them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Trowel – A hand tool used for spreading mortar, shaping mortar joints, and breaking bricks.
Plumb bob – A weight on a string used to determine a true vertical line.
Spirit level – A tool used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
Sketching – The act of making a quick, rough drawing without much detail.
Block laying – The process of constructing walls using concrete blocks.
Brick laying – The process of constructing walls using bricks and mortar.
Concrete work – Tasks involving the mixing, placing, and finishing of concrete.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will use live tools and charts. Kinesthetic learners will benefit from handling the tools and the practical sketching activity. For pupils who may struggle, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance during sketching and simplify explanations. Advanced learners can be challenged to sketch tools from different angles or research additional specialized tools.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that all live tools are clean and safe for pupils to handle. Emphasize safety precautions when discussing tool handling. Encourage accuracy and neatness in sketching. Provide positive reinforcement to motivate pupils during the practical activity.