Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Cement Storage Methods.
Topic: FINISHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS
Subject Matter: types of finishing tools, identification of finishing equipment, uses of finishing tools

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define finishing tools.
List at least three types of finishing tools.
State the uses of various finishing tools.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of using appropriate finishing tools for quality work.
Develop an interest in identifying and using finishing tools correctly.

Psychomotor Domain:

Correctly identify common finishing tools when displayed.
Draw at least two finishing tools.

Collaborate with peers in identifying and discussing finishing tools.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

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

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing various finishing tools.
Actual samples of finishing tools (e.g., plastering trowel, wooden float, spirit level, plumb rule).
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the specialized tools used for finishing block, brick, and concrete work. Knowing these tools is important for pupils to perform quality work in construction and to identify the correct equipment for different finishing tasks in their daily lives or future careers.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of general construction tools and their safety precautions.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FINISHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Definition of Finishing Tools

Finishing tools are specialized hand or power tools used to give a smooth, even, or decorative surface to block, brick, or concrete work after the main construction is completed.

Types of Finishing Tools and Equipment

The following are common types of finishing tools and equipment:

Plastering Trowel: Used for applying and smoothing plaster or mortar.
Pointing Trowel: Smaller trowel used for filling and finishing mortar joints between bricks or blocks.
Wooden Float: Used for levelling and smoothing concrete or plaster surfaces.
Rubber Float: Used for applying grout to tiled surfaces or for fine finishing of plaster.
Spirit Level: Used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
Plumb Rule: Used to check if a vertical surface is truly upright.
Measuring Tape: Used for taking measurements of length, width, and height.
Jointing Tool (Jointer): Used to create specific joint profiles in mortar between bricks or blocks.
Brushes: Used for cleaning surfaces or applying finishes.

Uses of Finishing Tools

The uses of finishing tools include:

Applying and spreading mortar, plaster, or concrete.
Smoothing and levelling surfaces to achieve desired finishes.
Creating neat and uniform joints between masonry units.
Checking the horizontal and vertical alignment of structures.
Measuring dimensions accurately.
Cleaning surfaces before or after finishing work.

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 general tools they know and how they are used in construction. The teacher introduces the topic by explaining that after the main building is put up, special tools are needed to make it look good and smooth.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the new topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Subject Matter

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the topic “FINISHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS” on the board and states the specific objectives for the lesson. The teacher then defines what finishing tools are.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the topic and objectives and listen to the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the lesson’s focus and what finishing tools are.

Step 3: Explanation of Types of Finishing Tools

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains various types of finishing tools, pointing to charts or actual tools where available. The teacher ensures clear pronunciation and explanation of each tool.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the tools, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about different types of finishing tools.

Step 4: Identification of Finishing Equipment

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays actual finishing tools or their images and asks pupils to identify them by name. The teacher corrects any misconceptions and reinforces correct identification.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the displayed tools and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils are able to correctly identify various finishing tools.

Step 5: Discussion of Uses of Finishing Tools

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the specific uses of each finishing tool. The teacher asks pupils how they think each tool is used based on its appearance or name.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by stating the uses of the tools and asking questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical application and uses of finishing tools.

Step 6: Class Activity/Drawing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to draw two finishing tools of their choice from the ones discussed, labelling each part if possible.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils draw the finishing tools in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their learning by drawing and labelling 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:

Define finishing tools.
List three types of finishing tools discussed in class.
State one use for a plastering trowel and one use for a spirit level.
Identify the tool displayed by the teacher.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Wrap-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of using the correct tools for quality finishes. The teacher gives homework: “Research and write down three safety precautions to observe when using finishing tools.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given follow-up tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Finishing Tools – Specialized tools used to give a smooth, even, or decorative surface to construction work.
Trowel – A flat hand tool used for spreading and shaping mortar or plaster.
Float – A flat tool, often made of wood or rubber, used for levelling and smoothing surfaces.
Spirit Level – An instrument used to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).
Plumb Rule – A tool used to determine a true vertical line or surface.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to identify more finishing tools and research their specific applications in different construction scenarios. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids, one-on-one guidance during identification, and simpler drawing tasks.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual finishing tools are available for demonstration to enhance pupils’ understanding and identification skills. Encourage active participation and questions from pupils to foster a deeper engagement with the subject matter. Emphasize the connection between using the right tool and achieving a high-quality finish.