Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Construction
Previous Lesson: Manufacturing of Walling Materials: Block and Brick Processes.
Topic: Wall Construction: Methods, Materials and Bonding
Subject Matter: methods of wall construction, appropriate materials for wall work, meaning of bonding, types of bonding in walling, practical steps in simple bonding patterns

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain different methods of wall construction.
Identify appropriate materials used for wall work.
Define the term “bonding” in wall construction.
List and describe various types of bonding in walling.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper bonding for wall stability.
Show interest in practical demonstrations of bonding patterns.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate simple bonding patterns using bricks or blocks.
Handle basic wall construction tools safely.

Collaborate with peers during practical bonding activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Building Construction.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Building Construction.
Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools by J.S. Olaoye.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Bricks
Blocks
Trowels
Spirit level
Builders square
Line and peg
Nails
Charts showing different bonding patterns.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how walls are built and the materials used. It teaches them about bonding, which is important for making walls strong and durable, ensuring safety and stability in buildings. This knowledge is useful for anyone interested in construction work.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of common building materials and simple tools used in construction.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Wall Construction: Methods, Materials and Bonding

Methods of Wall Construction

Wall construction methods refer to the techniques used to erect walls in a building. The choice of method depends on factors like material availability, cost, and desired structural strength.

The following are common methods of wall construction:

Brick Walling: Involves laying bricks with mortar. It is durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Block Walling: Uses concrete blocks, which are larger than bricks, making construction faster.
Stone Walling: Uses natural stones, providing a strong and rustic appearance.
Timber Framing: A method where a skeletal frame of timber is constructed and then covered with cladding materials.
Concrete Walling: Involves pouring concrete into formwork to create solid walls.

Materials for Wall Construction

The materials used for wall construction are selected based on their strength, durability, cost, and aesthetic properties.

The following are appropriate materials for wall work:

Bricks: Made from clay, fired in a kiln. Used for their strength and appearance.
Concrete Blocks: Made from cement, sand, and aggregates. Larger units for faster construction.
Mortar: A mixture of cement, sand, and water, used to bind bricks or blocks together.
Stones: Natural rocks, used for their strength and decorative qualities.
Timber: Wood used for framing and cladding.
Reinforcing Steel (Rebar): Used in concrete walls to increase tensile strength.

Meaning of Bonding

Bonding in wall construction refers to the arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall such that vertical joints in successive courses do not come directly over one another. This arrangement distributes the load evenly, interlocking the units to provide stability and strength to the wall.

Types of Bonding in Walling

Different bonding patterns are used to achieve specific aesthetic and structural properties.

The following are common types of bonding in walling:

Stretcher Bond: All bricks are laid as stretchers (with their longest face exposed) in each course. It is commonly used for half-brick thick walls.
Header Bond: All bricks are laid as headers (with their shortest face exposed) in each course. This bond is mainly used for one-brick thick walls or for curved walls.
English Bond: Consists of alternate courses of headers and stretchers. It is considered one of the strongest bonds.
Flemish Bond: Each course consists of alternate headers and stretchers. This bond gives a more uniform appearance than English bond but is slightly weaker.
Garden Wall Bond: A variation of English bond, often with three or five courses of stretchers to one course of headers. Used for garden walls where strength is less critical.

Practical Steps in Simple Bonding Patterns

Constructing a simple wall segment involves careful laying and alignment of units.

The following are practical steps in simple bonding patterns:

Preparation: Ensure a level foundation and mix mortar to the correct consistency.
Setting Out: Use line and pegs to mark the wall’s alignment and ensure straightness.
First Course (Base Course): Lay the first layer of bricks/blocks carefully, ensuring it is level and plumb.
Applying Mortar: Spread mortar evenly on the previous course and on the ends of the bricks/blocks being laid.
Laying Units: Place bricks/blocks firmly into the mortar, ensuring proper alignment and joint thickness.
Checking Level and Plumb: Use a spirit level and plumb bob to check vertical and horizontal alignment frequently.
Jointing: Finish the mortar joints to a desired profile (e.g., flush, raked, struck) for aesthetics and weather resistance.
Cutting Bricks/Blocks: Use a bolster and hammer to cut units to size where required for specific bonding patterns.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to identify the materials used to construct the walls of their classroom. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Wall Construction: Methods, Materials and Bonding.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify various materials like blocks, cement, and sand used for the classroom walls. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge about building materials and are prepared for the new lesson.

Step 2: Methods of Wall Construction

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different methods of wall construction such as brick, block, stone, timber, and concrete walling, highlighting their characteristics and uses. The teacher may use charts or diagrams.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the charts, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand various techniques used in building walls.

Step 3: Materials for Wall Construction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays actual samples or pictures of materials like bricks, blocks, and mortar. The teacher identifies and explains the appropriate materials for wall work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials displayed and note their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate between common wall construction materials.

Step 4: Meaning of Bonding

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “bonding” in wall construction, emphasizing its role in achieving stability and strength. The teacher illustrates with a simple arrangement of two bricks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition and observe the illustration, understanding why bonding is important.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and purpose of bonding in wall construction.

Step 5: Types of Bonding in Walling

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates, using mini-models or diagrams, different types of bonding such as Stretcher bond, Header bond, English bond, and Flemish bond. The teacher highlights the characteristics of each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations, identify the different bond types, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe various bonding patterns.

Step 6: Practical Steps in Simple Bonding Patterns

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the practical steps involved in laying a simple stretcher bond or header bond using actual bricks/blocks, trowel, and mortar (or simulated mortar). The teacher emphasizes safety and proper technique.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the practical demonstration carefully, paying attention to the steps and techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical application of bonding and safety measures.

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 “bonding” as it relates to wall construction.
Mention three common methods of wall construction.
List four appropriate materials used for wall work.
State two types of bonding patterns discussed in the lesson.

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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of correct wall construction methods, materials, and bonding for building stability. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any two types of bonding patterns.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to practice what they have learned.

Lesson Keywords

Wall Construction – The process of building vertical barriers in a structure.
Bonding – The arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall to create an interlocking pattern, ensuring stability and strength.
Mortar – A mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind building units together.
Stretcher – A brick or block laid with its longest face exposed along the length of the wall.
Header – A brick or block laid with its shortest face exposed, usually spanning across the wall’s thickness.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with identifying specific wall construction methods and bonding patterns in existing school buildings. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and allow for hands-on practice with fewer units, offering one-on-one guidance during the practical session.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that all instructional materials, especially bricks, blocks, and tools, are readily available and safe for pupils to handle. Emphasize safety precautions during the practical demonstration. Encourage pupil participation and facilitate peer learning during the practical activity to reinforce understanding.