Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Maintenance and Care of Finishing Tools.
Topic: CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHING MATERIALS
Subject Matter: types of finishing materials, characteristics of finishing materials, uses of finishing materials

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define finishing materials.
List at least five types of finishing materials.
State three characteristics of common finishing materials.
Explain two uses of different finishing materials.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of selecting appropriate finishing materials for different applications.
Show interest in the various finishing materials used in building construction.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify samples of various finishing materials.
Categorize finishing materials based on their properties.

Participate actively in class discussions on finishing materials.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

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

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of tiles, paint, plaster, cement screed.
Charts showing images of different finishing materials.
Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the various materials used to complete building projects. It enables them to identify different finishing materials and their properties, which is important for making informed choices in construction and for future entrepreneurial opportunities in the building trades.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of building construction processes and some common building materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHING MATERIALS

Definition of Finishing Materials

Finishing materials are substances applied to the surfaces of a building to give it a complete, protective, and aesthetic appearance. They are the final layer of materials used to complete a building project.

Types of Finishing Materials

The following are common types of finishing materials:

Paints and Coatings (e.g., emulsion paint, gloss paint)
Tiles (e.g., ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaic tiles)
Plaster and Render (e.g., cement plaster, gypsum plaster)
Screed (e.g., cement screed for floors)
Wood finishes (e.g., varnish, polish, wooden panels)
Wallpapers
Decorative stones and cladding

Characteristics of Finishing Materials

The following are general characteristics of finishing materials:

Durability: They should be able to withstand wear and tear over time.
Aesthetics: They provide visual appeal, colour, and texture to surfaces.
Protection: They protect underlying structures from weather, moisture, and physical damage.
Ease of Maintenance: Many are designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
Fire Resistance: Some materials offer resistance to fire.
Water Resistance: Materials like tiles and certain paints resist water penetration.

Uses of Finishing Materials

The following are uses of finishing materials:

Paints: Used for colouring and protecting walls, ceilings, and metal surfaces.
Tiles: Used for flooring, wall cladding in bathrooms and kitchens, and decorative purposes.
Plaster/Render: Used to create smooth surfaces on walls and ceilings, and to protect masonry.
Screed: Used to provide a smooth, level surface for floor finishes.
Wood Finishes: Used to protect and enhance the appearance of wooden surfaces like doors, windows, and furniture.
Wallpapers: Used for decorative wall coverings.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to observe the walls and floor of the classroom, asking what materials were used to cover the structural parts. The teacher then introduces the topic: “CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHING MATERIALS.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand the topic.

Step 2: Definition of Finishing Materials

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what finishing materials are, providing simple examples from their environment. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of finishing materials.

Step 3: Types of Finishing Materials

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of various finishing materials (tiles, paint, plaster, etc.) and uses charts to show others. The teacher lists and briefly describes different types of finishing materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples and charts, identify the materials, and list them in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and list various types of finishing materials.

Step 4: Characteristics of Finishing Materials

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the general characteristics of finishing materials such as durability, aesthetics, protection, and ease of maintenance. The teacher encourages pupils to suggest characteristics based on their observations of the samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, identify characteristics, and note them down.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the key characteristics of finishing materials.

Step 5: Uses of Finishing Materials

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific uses of the different finishing materials previously discussed, relating them to practical applications in buildings. For example, why tiles are used in bathrooms and paint on walls.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and relate the uses to real-life examples.
Learning Point: Pupils can explain the uses of various finishing materials.

Step 6: Guided Practice and Recap

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to recall the definitions, types, characteristics, and uses of finishing materials. The teacher clarifies any misconceptions and ensures all points are understood.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions and participate in the recap, reinforcing their learning.
Learning Point: Pupils review the main points of the lesson.

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 finishing materials.
Mention three types of finishing materials.
State two characteristics of finishing materials.
Explain one use for paint and one for tiles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of finishing materials in building construction and their various functions. The teacher then gives pupils an assignment to research other types of finishing materials not discussed in class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given follow-up tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Finishing materials – substances applied to building surfaces for protection and aesthetics.
Paint – a liquid applied to surfaces for colour and protection.
Tiles – hard, durable pieces used for covering floors and walls.
Plaster – a mixture used to coat walls and ceilings, giving a smooth finish.
Screed – a layer of cement and sand used to create a smooth, level floor surface.
Durability – the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.

Differentiation

For pupils who need additional support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and more visual aids, focusing on identification and basic definitions. Advanced pupils will be encouraged to research specific types of finishing materials and their applications in different climates or building designs, and to prepare a short presentation.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have adequate samples of finishing materials or clear visual charts to make the lesson practical and engaging. Encourage pupils to share their observations from buildings in their community. Emphasize safety precautions related to handling some finishing materials if applicable.