Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Curriculum Theme: Vocational Studies
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: SPECIAL PURPOSE HAND TOOLS AND IDENTIFICATION
Subject Matter: Rebate plane, Compass plane, Coping saw, Special hand tools
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Identify at least three special purpose hand tools.
- State the specific uses of a rebate plane, compass plane, and coping saw.
- Explain the importance of using the correct tool for specific tasks.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the role of special purpose hand tools in woodworking.
- Show interest in learning about different types of woodworking tools.
- Value safety precautions when handling hand tools.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the correct way to hold and position a rebate plane.
- Handle a coping saw to simulate cutting a curve.
- Distinguish between general purpose and special purpose hand tools by observation.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in class discussions about tool identification and usage.
- Collaborate with peers to identify and discuss the functions of tools.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS) and Technical Drawing/Woodwork (SSS)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Wood Work.
- Akinwande, S.A. (2018). Modern Woodwork for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
- https://www.woodworktools.com/special-planes
- https://www.copingsawguide.com/uses-of-coping-saw
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Actual examples of a rebate plane, compass plane, and coping saw.
- Charts showing different special purpose hand tools and their parts.
- Pictures or diagrams of various woodworking joints requiring special tools.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand that different woodworking tasks require specific tools. Knowing these special purpose tools and their uses enables pupils to perform more precise and complex woodworking operations, which is important for practical skills development.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of general purpose hand tools like planes, saws, and chisels from their junior secondary school Wood Work classes.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
SPECIAL PURPOSE HAND TOOLS AND IDENTIFICATION
Introduction to Special Purpose Hand Tools
Special purpose hand tools are designed for specific tasks in woodworking that general purpose tools cannot perform effectively or precisely. They help in achieving particular shapes, joints, or finishes.
Rebate Plane
A rebate plane is a type of plane specifically designed for cutting rebates, also known as rabbets or grooves, along the edge or shoulder of a piece of wood. It has a blade that extends to the full width of the sole, allowing it to cut right up to a corner.
The following are uses of a rebate plane:
- Cutting rebates for joints such as lap joints or housing joints.
- Creating shoulders on tenons.
- Forming recesses for fitting panels or glass.
Compass Plane
A compass plane is a specialized plane used for planing concave (inward curving) or convex (outward curving) surfaces. It features an adjustable sole that can be curved to match the radius of the workpiece.
The following are uses of a compass plane:
- Shaping curved edges on furniture parts.
- Planing curved rails or stiles.
- Creating curved profiles on various woodworking projects.
Coping Saw
A coping saw is a small, U-shaped saw with a thin, flexible blade held under tension. It is primarily used for intricate curved cuts and coping joints in woodworking.
The following are uses of a coping saw:
- Cutting intricate shapes and curves in wood.
- Creating coping joints, especially in skirting boards or mouldings.
- Removing waste wood from dovetail joints.
- Cutting internal curves where other saws cannot reach.
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 on general purpose hand tools. The teacher then asks pupils to name some general purpose tools and their uses. The teacher introduces the topic by explaining that while general tools are versatile, some tasks require specialized tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about general purpose tools and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.
Step 2: Identification of Special Purpose Hand Tools
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays actual examples of a rebate plane, compass plane, and coping saw. The teacher asks pupils to observe the tools and try to identify any unique features or guess their possible uses based on their appearance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools, attempt to identify them, and discuss their features and possible uses.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize different special purpose hand tools.
Step 3: Explanation of Rebate Plane
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a rebate plane, explains its unique design features (e.g., blade extending to the edge), and demonstrates how it is used to cut a rebate on a piece of wood. The teacher emphasizes safety precautions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, observe the demonstration, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and practical application of a rebate plane.
Step 4: Explanation of Compass Plane
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a compass plane, explains its adjustable sole, and demonstrates how it is adjusted and used to plane curved surfaces. The teacher highlights its suitability for concave and convex work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the explanation and demonstration, noting the unique feature of the adjustable sole.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the function and application of a compass plane for curved work.
Step 5: Explanation of Coping Saw
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a coping saw, points out its thin blade and U-frame, and demonstrates how to use it for cutting intricate curves or coping joints. The teacher discusses the direction of the blade and proper handling.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, understanding how the coping saw is used for fine, curved cuts.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the definition and specific uses of a coping saw.
Step 6: Class Activity/Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to briefly handle the tools (under strict supervision) to feel their weight and balance. The teacher asks pupils to verbally state the primary use of each tool as they handle it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully handle the tools and orally state their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical familiarity with the tools and reinforce their understanding of their uses.
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 a rebate plane.
- List two specific uses of a coping saw.
- What is the main function of a compass plane?
- Mention one safety precaution to observe when using any hand tool.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key learning points about special purpose hand tools and their specific applications. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any two special purpose hand tools discussed in class.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and have a task to reinforce the lesson.
Lesson Keywords
- Rebate Plane – A specialized plane for cutting rebates or grooves along wood edges.
- Compass Plane – A plane with an adjustable sole, used for planing concave or convex surfaces.
- Coping Saw – A U-shaped saw with a thin blade, used for intricate curved cuts and coping joints.
- Special Purpose Hand Tools – Tools designed for specific, often complex, woodworking tasks.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research other types of special purpose planes (e.g., plough plane, shoulder plane). For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide labelled diagrams and extra verbal prompts during identification and discussion sessions.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure actual tools are clean and in good working condition for demonstration. Emphasize safety precautions at every stage, especially during handling. Encourage pupils to ask questions and share their observations. Visual aids like charts or videos can supplement the actual tools if there are not enough for all pupils to observe closely.





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