Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Furniture Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Hand Tools Type, Classification And Uses: Identifying And Demonstrating Tools.
Topic: Uses of different hand tools
Subject Matter: Practical tool usage, Handling techniques, Tool function identification

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify various hand tools used in furniture making.
State the specific uses of common hand tools like the hand saw and mallet.
Explain the importance of proper handling techniques for hand tools.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the need for safety precautions when using hand tools.
Demonstrate care and responsibility for workshop tools.
Value the skill of proper tool usage in furniture making.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct grip and posture for using a hand saw.
Practically use a hand saw to cut a piece of wood.
Handle a mallet and chisel to perform a simple shaping task.

Work cooperatively with peers during practical tool usage sessions.
Adhere to workshop rules and safety guidelines when using tools.
Share tools respectfully and responsibly with classmates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Furniture Making.
Oluwagbamila, S.O. (2018). *Furniture Making for Senior Secondary Schools*. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Different types of hand tools (hand saw, mallet, chisel, plane, hammer, measuring tape, try square, marking gauge).
Wood planks of various sizes.
Workbenches and vices.
Safety goggles.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the correct way to use common hand tools in furniture making. Proper handling and usage of tools are important for safety in the workshop and for producing quality work. This knowledge is essential for anyone interested in woodworking or craft.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of safety rules in the workshop and be able to identify some common hand tools.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Uses of Different Hand Tools

Identification of Hand Tools

Hand tools are instruments operated manually, without the use of electricity or motors, to perform various tasks in furniture making.

The following are common hand tools in furniture making:

Hand Saw: Used for cutting wood.
Mallet: Used for driving chisels, assembling joints, or tapping wood without damaging it.
Chisel: Used for shaping, paring, and carving wood.
Plane: Used for smoothing and reducing the thickness of wood surfaces.
Hammer: Used for driving nails and assembling parts.
Measuring Tape: Used for measuring lengths and widths.
Try Square: Used for marking and checking squareness.
Marking Gauge: Used for marking lines parallel to an edge.

Handling Techniques for Hand Tools

Proper handling of hand tools is important for safety, efficiency, and accuracy.

The following are general handling techniques:

Always ensure a firm but comfortable grip on the tool handle.
Maintain proper balance and posture while working to avoid accidents.
Ensure the workpiece is securely held in a vice or clamp.
Always cut or work away from the body.
Keep tools sharp and clean for effective use.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety goggles.

Practical Usage of Specific Hand Tools

Hand Saw:

The hand saw is used for cutting wood. There are different types, such as the rip saw for cutting along the grain and the crosscut saw for cutting across the grain.

The following are steps for using a hand saw:

Mark the cutting line clearly on the wood.
Secure the wood firmly in a vice or on a workbench.
Position the saw at a shallow angle (around 45 degrees for crosscut, 60 degrees for rip cut) and start with light, short strokes to create a kerf (groove).
Once the cut is established, use longer, steady strokes, allowing the saw’s weight to do the work.
Apply pressure on the push stroke and relieve pressure on the pull stroke.

Mallet:

A mallet is a hammer-like tool with a relatively large head, often made of wood, rubber, or plastic. It is used when a softer blow is needed than that provided by a metal hammer, to avoid damaging the workpiece or the tool being struck (like a chisel handle).

The following are uses of a mallet:

Driving chisels for wood carving or shaping.
Tapping joints together during assembly without leaving marks.
Gently persuading wood pieces into position.

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, reviews the previous lesson on workshop safety, and introduces the new topic: “Uses of different hand tools.” The teacher asks pupils to mention some hand tools they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall previous knowledge, and mention familiar hand tools.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect it to prior knowledge.

Step 2: Identification of Hand Tools

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various hand tools (hand saw, mallet, chisel, plane, hammer, measuring tape, try square, marking gauge) and asks pupils to identify each tool and state what they think its use is. The teacher then writes the names and uses on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the tools and suggest their possible uses. They copy the notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify common hand tools and know their basic functions.

Step 3: Handling Techniques for Hand Tools

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates general proper handling techniques for hand tools, emphasizing firm grip, balance, and working away from the body. The teacher also discusses the importance of securing the workpiece and wearing safety goggles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and listen attentively to the explanations. They ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of safe and proper handling of tools.

Step 4: Practical Usage – Hand Saw

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct way to use a hand saw to cut a piece of wood, showing how to mark, start the cut, and maintain proper posture. The teacher then allows a few pupils to practice under close supervision.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and take turns to practice using the hand saw on wood planks.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in using a hand saw correctly.

Step 5: Practical Usage – Mallet and Chisel

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to use a mallet to drive a chisel for a simple shaping task, emphasizing tool control and safety. The teacher then guides a few pupils to practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the demonstration and practice using the mallet and chisel under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical application of the mallet and chisel.

Step 6: Other Tools and Safety Reinforcement

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly discusses the uses of other tools like the plane, hammer, and measuring tools. The teacher reinforces the importance of putting tools away properly after use and maintaining a clean workshop.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on tool care and workshop cleanliness.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the uses of other tools and the overall importance of workshop safety and tidiness.

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 hand tools and give two examples.
State two proper handling techniques for any hand tool.
Mention two specific uses of a hand saw.
What is a mallet used for in furniture making?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of knowing and correctly using different hand tools for safety and quality work. The teacher assigns homework: “List five hand tools not discussed in class and state their uses.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for future topics.

Lesson Keywords

Hand tool – An instrument operated manually to perform tasks.
Hand Saw – A tool used for cutting wood, operated by hand.
Mallet – A hammer-like tool with a soft head, used for driving chisels or tapping wood.
Chisel – A tool with a sharp cutting edge used for shaping or carving wood.
Plane – A tool used for smoothing or reducing the thickness of wood.
Safety – Measures taken to prevent accidents or injury in the workshop.

Differentiation

For pupils who find practical tool usage challenging, the teacher will provide one-on-one guidance and allow more time for practice with simpler tasks. Peer support will be encouraged. For advanced pupils, the teacher will challenge them to explain the principles behind different saw cuts or demonstrate the use of a marking gauge with precision.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should prioritize safety during all practical sessions. Ensure all tools are in good working condition and pupils wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Adjust the practical activities based on the availability of tools and the number of pupils, ensuring every pupil gets an opportunity to practice. Emphasize that careful and precise work is more important than speed.