Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Machine Wood Work
Curriculum Theme: Technology
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Common West African Timbers
Subject Matter: Identification and Uses of Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify common West African timbers.
Name Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany timbers.
Describe the basic uses of Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of local timbers in construction and crafts.
Show interest in learning about different types of wood.

Psychomotor Domain:

Differentiate between samples of Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany by observation.
Safely handle timber samples.

Collaborate with peers in identifying different timber samples.

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 School Machine Wood Work.
Olaitan, S.O. et al. (2010). Introductory Technology for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
https://nigerianeducation.gov.ng/curriculum/
https://www.waeconline.org.ng/e-learning/Tech/tech.htm

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany timbers.
Timber charts showing different types of wood.
Wood blocks.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to recognise and understand the characteristics and uses of common timbers found in West Africa. This knowledge is important for pupils who might work with wood in various capacities, from crafts to construction, providing practical skills for identifying materials.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of wood as a material and may have seen different types of wood used in their environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Common West African Timbers

What is Timber?

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building, carpentry, or other purposes. It is harvested from trees and processed into various forms like planks, beams, or boards.

Importance of Timber

Timber is a versatile natural resource with many uses. It is valued for its strength, workability, and aesthetic appeal. Timber is renewable and environmentally friendly when sourced sustainably.

Identification of Common West African Timbers

Abura

Abura is a common West African hardwood. It has a pale reddish-brown heartwood which darkens on exposure. The grain is generally straight, and the texture is fine to medium.

The basic uses of Abura include:

Furniture making
Interior joinery (e.g., doors, window frames)
Cabinetry
Decorative veneers

Iroko

Iroko is a well-known West African hardwood, often used as a substitute for Teak. Its heartwood is initially yellowish-brown but darkens to a richer brown over time. It has a coarse texture and an interlocked grain.

The basic uses of Iroko include:

Heavy construction (e.g., bridges, decking)
Boat building
Outdoor furniture
Flooring
Joinery

Mahogany

Mahogany is a highly prized West African hardwood, known for its rich reddish-brown colour and attractive grain pattern. It has a medium texture and is generally straight-grained, sometimes interlocked.

The basic uses of Mahogany include:

High-quality furniture
Cabinetry
Boat building
Musical instruments
Decorative veneers

Basic Uses of Local Timbers (General)

Local timbers in West Africa are widely used for the following purposes:

Construction of houses and buildings (roofing, frames, pillars)
Making furniture like chairs, tables, beds, and cabinets
Crafts and carvings
Boat and canoe construction
Tool handles and agricultural implements
Flooring and paneling

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 them to name some types of wood they know or have seen used around them. The teacher links their responses to the importance of understanding local timbers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and recall prior knowledge about wood.

Step 2: Presentation of Common West African Timbers

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of common West African timbers, explaining that different trees produce different types of wood with unique properties. The teacher shows a timber chart and points out various timbers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the timber chart and listen to the explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that there are many types of timbers common in West Africa.

Step 3: Identification of Abura

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a sample of Abura timber, describing its physical characteristics such as colour, grain, and texture. The teacher also explains the common uses of Abura.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the Abura sample, feel its texture, and take notes on its characteristics and uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify Abura timber and state its uses.

Step 4: Identification of Iroko

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a sample of Iroko timber, describing its physical characteristics and highlighting how it differs from Abura. The teacher then explains the common uses of Iroko.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the Iroko sample, compare it with Abura, and write down its characteristics and uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify Iroko timber and state its uses.

Step 5: Identification of Mahogany

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a sample of Mahogany timber, describing its distinct characteristics and explaining its common uses, emphasizing its value.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the Mahogany sample, note its features, and record its uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify Mahogany timber and state its uses.

Step 6: Discussion on Basic Uses of Local Timbers

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the general applications of local timbers in everyday life and industries. The teacher encourages pupils to give examples from their environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by sharing examples and asking questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the broad range of applications for local timbers.

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 three common West African timbers.
State two characteristics of Abura timber.
Mention two uses of Iroko timber.
List two uses of Mahogany timber.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of identifying and knowing the uses of common West African timbers. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any two of the timbers discussed in class, stating two uses for each.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Timber – Wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Abura – A pale reddish-brown West African hardwood used for furniture and joinery.
Iroko – A yellowish-brown West African hardwood used for heavy construction and boat building.
Mahogany – A valuable reddish-brown West African hardwood known for high-quality furniture.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research other West African timbers and their uses. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide additional labelled samples and simplified charts, offering one-on-one guidance during identification tasks.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you have actual timber samples of Abura, Iroko, and Mahogany available for pupils to touch and observe. Visual aids like timber charts are very helpful. Encourage pupils to describe what they see and feel. Emphasize safety when handling wood samples, especially if they have rough edges.