Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Types of Finishing Tools and Equipment.
Topic: USES OF FINISHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS
Subject Matter: practical uses of finishing tools, applications of finishing equipment

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify various finishing tools used in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work.
State the practical uses of each finishing tool.
Describe the importance of proper tool selection for specific tasks.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of correct handling and maintenance of finishing tools.
Observe safety precautions while using finishing tools.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch at least three finishing tools and label their parts.
Demonstrate (or describe) the correct use of selected finishing tools.

Work collaboratively during practical demonstrations or discussions.

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 and Concrete Work for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Okoro.
https://www.constructiontools.com/finishing-tools
https://www.bricksandblocks.org/tools-for-masonry

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing different finishing tools and their parts.
Actual finishing tools such as trowels (brick, pointing, plastering), floats (wooden, steel), spirit level, measuring tape, plumb bob, and jointing tools.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the specific tools used to achieve a smooth and professional finish in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work. Knowledge of these tools and their correct applications is important for practical skills development and ensures quality workmanship in construction tasks.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of general hand tools and have been introduced to the fundamental concepts of block laying, brick laying, and concrete work.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

USES OF FINISHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS

Introduction to Finishing Tools

Finishing tools are specialized hand tools and equipment used in block laying, brick laying, and concrete work to achieve a desired surface texture, shape, and overall appearance. They are essential for producing neat, strong, and aesthetically pleasing construction finishes.

Types and Uses of Finishing Tools

The following are common finishing tools and their practical applications:

Brick Trowel: Used for spreading mortar, picking up mortar, cutting bricks, and shaping joints. It has a pointed or rounded end.
Pointing Trowel: A smaller trowel with a pointed blade used for filling and finishing mortar joints.
Plastering Trowel/Float: Used for applying and smoothing plaster, render, or concrete surfaces. It has a flat, rectangular blade.
Wooden Float: Used for the initial smoothing and levelling of wet concrete surfaces, removing imperfections, and bringing cement paste to the surface.
Steel Trowel/Float: Used for the final smoothing and hardening of concrete surfaces, creating a dense and durable finish.
Spirit Level: An instrument used to check the horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) alignment of walls, blocks, or concrete surfaces.
Measuring Tape: Used for taking accurate measurements of lengths, widths, and heights for setting out and checking dimensions.
Plumb Bob: A heavy, pointed weight suspended by a string, used to determine a true vertical line (plumbness) for wall construction.
Jointing Tools (Jointers): Small tools with various shapes (e.g., concave, V-shape) used to form and finish mortar joints between bricks or blocks, making them weather-resistant and attractive.
Rubber Float: Primarily used for grouting tiles, but can also be used for some decorative concrete finishes.

Importance of Proper Tool Application

Proper application of finishing tools ensures:

A smooth and even surface finish.
Strong and durable mortar joints.
Accurate and straight construction lines.
Enhanced aesthetic appeal of the structure.
Increased efficiency and safety on the job.

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 asks them to recall some general hand tools used in construction. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Uses of Finishing Tools and Equipments,” explaining that these tools are specific for achieving final surfaces.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of previous knowledge and introduced to the new topic.

Step 2: Identification of Finishing Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various finishing tools (or charts of them) and names each one. The teacher asks pupils to identify and name the tools as they are presented.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools and attempt to name them as prompted by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize different finishing tools.

Step 3: Explanation of Tool Uses (Trowels and Floats)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific uses of various trowels (brick, pointing, plastering) and floats (wooden, steel). The teacher demonstrates how each tool is used practically, emphasizing correct grip and motion.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical applications of trowels and floats.

Step 4: Explanation of Tool Uses (Levels, Tapes, Plumb Bobs)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the uses of the spirit level, measuring tape, and plumb bob, illustrating their importance in ensuring accuracy and alignment in construction. The teacher may draw diagrams on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about tools used for measurement and alignment.

Step 5: Explanation of Tool Uses (Jointing Tools and Others)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the function of jointing tools in finishing mortar joints and briefly mentions other related tools like brushes for cleaning. The teacher reiterates the importance of safety when using all tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the uses of jointing tools and safety aspects.
Learning Point: Pupils understand specialized finishing tools and safety considerations.

Step 6: Sketching and Discussion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Feedback
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to sketch one or two tools discussed and briefly state their uses in their notebooks. The teacher moves around to check their work and offers guidance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sketch tools and write down their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils practice sketching and reinforce their understanding of tool 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:

Mention three finishing tools used in block laying.
State one practical use for a spirit level.
Describe the difference between a wooden float and a steel trowel in concrete finishing.
What is the primary function of a pointing trowel?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of using the correct tools for quality finishing work. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label a brick trowel and a spirit level, then write two uses for each.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given a task to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Finishing Tools – Specialized implements used to achieve desired surface textures and appearances in construction.
Trowel – A flat-bladed tool used for spreading, shaping, and smoothing mortar or plaster.
Float – A tool with a flat surface, often made of wood or steel, used for smoothing and levelling concrete or plaster.
Spirit Level – An instrument used to check for horizontal or vertical alignment.
Plumb Bob – A weighted tool suspended by a string, used to establish a true vertical line.
Jointing Tools – Tools used to shape and finish mortar joints between masonry units.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be asked to research other specialized finishing tools not covered in class. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide labeled diagrams of tools and offer individual guidance during the sketching activity.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ideally have actual finishing tools available for demonstration to enhance practical understanding. Emphasize the safety aspects of handling tools. Encourage pupils to ask questions and relate the lesson to real-life construction scenarios.