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Lesson Note on Roofs: Definition and purpose of roof, Roof for SS 2

A lesson note on Roofs for SS 2 covering definition and purpose of roof and roof components/materials, with drawing activities and identification of materials.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedApr 28, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Superstructure
Previous Lesson: Suspended Upper Floor:.
Topic: ROOFS
Subject Matter: Meaning of ROOF, Definition and purpose of roof, Roof components, Roof materials, Drawing different roof types.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define a roof and state its primary purposes.
  • Identify and describe the main components of a roof.
  • List various materials used for roofing.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of roofs in protecting buildings and occupants.
  • Develop an interest in the different types of roofing systems.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Draw simple diagrams of common roof types.
  • Point out components of a roof from an illustration or model.

Social Domain:

  • Discuss with peers the benefits of using appropriate roofing materials for different climates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
  • State Unified Scheme of Work
  • Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools by N.A. Ajala
  • https://www.google.com/search?q=Building+Construction+ROOFS+sss2
  • https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Building+Construction+ROOFS+sss2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Roofing sheets (samples)
  • Nails
  • 2×2 timber (sample)
  • 2×4 timber (sample)
  • Diagrams or charts showing different roof components and types

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand the structure that covers a building, providing protection from weather elements. Knowledge of roofs is important for safe and durable building construction and for selecting appropriate materials for different building needs.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of building elements and the need for shelter.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ROOFS

Meaning of Roof

A roof is the top covering of a building, including all materials and constructions necessary to support it on the walls of the building or on uprights. Its primary function is to provide protection from weather conditions such as rain, sun, wind, and snow.

Purpose of a Roof

The following are the purposes of a roof:

  • To provide shelter and protection to the occupants and contents of the building from rain, sun, wind, and other adverse weather conditions.
  • To enhance the aesthetic appeal and architectural beauty of a building.
  • To support the weight of roofing materials, snow, and wind loads.
  • To provide thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
  • To contribute to the overall structural stability of the building.

Components of a Roof

The following are some common components of a roof:

  • Ridge: The highest horizontal line or edge where two roof slopes meet.
  • Rafters: Sloping structural members that extend from the ridge to the eaves, supporting the roof covering.
  • Purlins: Horizontal beams that support the rafters or roof covering, typically found in larger roof structures.
  • Wall Plate: A timber member laid horizontally on top of the walls to provide a bearing for the roof rafters.
  • Tie Beam/Ceiling Joist: A horizontal timber connecting the feet of opposite rafters to prevent them from spreading outwards.
  • Eaves: The part of the roof that projects beyond the face of the wall.
  • Fascia Board: A board fixed horizontally to the ends of the rafters at the eaves, often supporting the gutter.
  • Soffit Board: A board or panel that forms the underside of the eaves or other overhanging parts of a roof.
  • Verge: The edge of a roof that runs up from the eaves to the ridge on the gable end of a building.

Roofing Materials

The following are various materials commonly used for roofing:

  • Corrugated Iron Sheets
  • Aluminum Sheets
  • Asbestos Cement Sheets (Note: Use of asbestos is restricted due to health concerns in many regions)
  • Concrete Tiles
  • Clay Tiles
  • Thatch
  • Bitumen Felt/Membrane

Types of Roofs (Drawing)

The following are common types of roofs, which can be illustrated with diagrams:

  • Flat Roof: A roof that is nearly horizontal, with a slight slope for drainage.
  • Lean-to Roof: A single-sloping roof supported by a higher wall on one side and a lower wall or posts on the other.
  • Gable Roof: A common roof type with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangular shape at each end (gable).
  • Hip Roof: A roof with slopes on all four sides, which meet at a ridge and hips (sloping ridges).

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. The teacher then asks pupils what they think covers the top of a house.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greeting, recall the previous lesson, and offer answers to the teacher’s question.
Learning Point: Pupils connect previous knowledge to the new topic and are introduced to roofs.

Step 2: Meaning and Purpose of Roof

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a roof as the top covering of a building and explains its various purposes using simple language and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and importance of a roof.

Step 3: Components of a Roof

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies and describes the main components of a roof such as ridge, rafters, purlins, wall plate, and eaves, using diagrams or samples of timber.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagrams/samples, listen to the explanations, and copy notes into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name the parts of a roof.

Step 4: Roofing Materials

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and discusses various materials used for roofing, showing samples where available (e.g., roofing sheets, nails).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials, observe the samples, and note down the types of roofing materials.
Learning Point: Pupils know different materials suitable for roofing.

Step 5: Types of Roofs (Drawing)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Drawing/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses common roof types like flat, lean-to, gable, and hip roofs, briefly sketching their basic forms on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the sketches and attempt to draw simple diagrams of the roof types in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can recognize and draw basic roof types.

Step 6: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher encourages pupils to discuss which roof types and materials are most common in their local area and why.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their observations and reasons.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop critical thinking.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. What is a roof?
  2. State three purposes of a roof.
  3. Mention four components of a roof.
  4. List three common roofing materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson on roofs, their components, and materials. The teacher then gives an assignment for pupils to draw and label a gable roof.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply knowledge through homework.

Lesson Keywords

  • Roof – The top covering of a building.
  • Rafters – Sloping members that support the roof covering.
  • Ridge – The highest horizontal line of a roof where two slopes meet.
  • Eaves – The part of the roof that overhangs the walls.
  • Gable Roof – A roof with two sloping sides meeting at a ridge.
  • Roofing Materials – Materials like sheets and tiles used to cover a roof.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research historical roofing methods or more complex roof structures. For pupils requiring more support, the teacher can provide pre-drawn diagrams of roof components to label and simplify the definitions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use visual aids extensively, such as charts, diagrams, and actual samples of roofing materials and timber sizes (e.g., 2×2, 2×4 timber) to make the lesson concrete. Encourage pupils to relate the lesson to buildings in their immediate environment. Emphasize safety aspects related to roof construction and materials.

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Lesson Note on Roofs: Definition and purpose of roof, Roof for SS 2
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