Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Curriculum Theme: Vocational Studies
Previous Lesson: Safety Devices and Protective Equipment.
Topic: WEST AFRICAN TIMBER TYPES AND USES
Subject Matter: Mahogany, Obeche, Iroko, Afara, Agba, Sapele, Identification of African Timber

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define timber in the context of Woodwork.
List at least five types of West African timber.
State one common use for each type of timber mentioned.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the economic importance of West African timber.
Develop an interest in the identification and proper use of timber.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify different samples of West African timber by sight and touch.
Differentiate between two or more types of timber based on their characteristics.

Collaborate with peers in identifying different timber samples.
Share knowledge about the characteristics and uses of various timber types.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Woodwork (Senior Secondary).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Woodwork SSS 1.
Akinwumi, A.A. (2018). Basic Woodwork for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: Evans Brothers Publishers.
https://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/
https://www.fao.org/forest-products/areas/africa/en/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Wood specimens of Mahogany, Obeche, Iroko, Afara, Agba, and Sapele.
Posters showing pictures of different timber types and their uses.
Charts illustrating the grain patterns and colours of various timbers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the different types of timber available in West Africa and their various uses in construction and furniture making. Knowledge of these timber types enables pupils to make informed choices when working with wood and contributes to their practical skills in woodwork.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of trees and their products, and they understand what wood is.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

WEST AFRICAN TIMBER TYPES AND USES

Definition of Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been processed into planks, beams, or other forms suitable for construction, carpentry, or other uses. It is a vital raw material obtained from trees.

Types of West African Timber and Their Characteristics/Uses

The following are common types of West African timber with their characteristics and uses:

Mahogany (Khaya spp.):
- Characteristics: Reddish-brown colour, fine to medium texture, interlocked grain, durable, easy to work.
- Uses: High-quality furniture, boat building, decorative veneers, cabinet making.
Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon):
- Characteristics: Pale yellow to cream colour, soft and light, straight grain, easy to work, prone to insect attack if not treated.
- Uses: Light furniture, interior joinery, carving, core stock for plywood, sauna benches.
Iroko (Milicia excelsa):
- Characteristics: Yellowish-brown to golden-brown colour, coarse texture, interlocked grain, very durable, resistant to insects and rot, sometimes called “African Teak.”
- Uses: Heavy construction, boat building, flooring, outdoor furniture, cabinet making, joinery.
Afara (Terminalia superba):
- Characteristics: Light yellow to light brown colour, straight grain, medium texture, moderately durable.
- Uses: General utility timber, light construction, interior joinery, plywood, furniture components.
Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum):
- Characteristics: Pinkish-brown to reddish-brown colour, straight grain, medium texture, durable, good resistance to decay.
- Uses: High-class joinery, boat decking, furniture, panelling, exterior construction.
Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum):
- Characteristics: Reddish-brown colour, wavy or interlocked grain, fine texture, durable, distinctive cedar-like scent.
- Uses: High-end furniture, decorative veneers, flooring, musical instruments, boat building.

Identification of African Timber

Timber can be identified by observing its:

Colour
Grain pattern
Texture (smooth, coarse)
Weight (light, heavy)
Hardness
Smell (some timbers have distinct scents)

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention different types of wood they know and where they are used. The teacher then introduces the topic, “WEST AFRICAN TIMBER TYPES AND USES.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning types of wood like firewood, planks, etc., and where they are used. They listen attentively to the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated, linking it to the new lesson.

Step 2: Presentation of Timber Samples

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various wood specimens (Mahogany, Obeche, Iroko, Afara, Agba, Sapele) and asks pupils to observe their differences in colour, texture, and grain. The teacher explains that these are different types of timber common in West Africa.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the wood samples carefully and identify visible differences. They listen to the teacher’s explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the physical characteristics of different timber types.

Step 3: Discussion of Mahogany and Obeche

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Mahogany and Obeche in detail, highlighting their characteristics (colour, grain, texture, hardness) and common uses. The teacher writes key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils gain specific knowledge about Mahogany and Obeche.

Step 4: Discussion of Iroko and Afara

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Iroko and Afara, emphasizing their unique characteristics and applications. The teacher refers to the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils continue to listen, compare the timbers, and make notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the properties and uses of Iroko and Afara.

Step 5: Discussion of Agba and Sapele

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the characteristics and uses of Agba and Sapele, drawing comparisons where necessary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention and complete their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the features and applications of Agba and Sapele.

Step 6: Practical Identification Techniques

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils on how to identify timber based on colour, grain, texture, and other features, allowing pupils to handle and examine the samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in examining the wood samples, practicing identification skills, and asking questions.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in identifying different West African timber types.

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 timber.
List any four types of West African timber discussed.
State one characteristic of Iroko timber.
Mention one common use of Obeche timber.

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/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of knowing different timber types and their uses. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any two West African timber types, stating their characteristics and uses.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are given an opportunity to practice what they have learned.

Lesson Keywords

Timber – Wood that has been processed into planks or beams for use in construction or carpentry.
Mahogany – A durable, reddish-brown timber used for high-quality furniture.
Obeche – A light, pale-yellow timber, soft and easy to work, used for light furniture and interior joinery.
Iroko – A durable, yellowish-brown timber, resistant to insects and rot, used for heavy construction and outdoor furniture.
Afara – A light-coloured, moderately durable timber used for general utility and plywood.
Agba – A reddish-brown, durable timber used for high-class joinery and boat decking.
Sapele – A reddish-brown timber with a wavy grain, used for high-end furniture and veneers.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to research other lesser-known West African timber types and their specific applications. For pupils who require additional support, the teacher will provide closer guidance during the practical identification session and use more visual aids and simplified explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual wood samples are available for pupils to touch and observe. Encourage pupils to describe the timbers using their own words to foster better understanding. Emphasize safety precautions when handling wood samples if they have splinters.