Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Technology Fundamentals
Previous Lesson: Roofs: Functional requirement of roof, Materials used.
Topic: ROOFS
Subject Matter: Types of roofs (different roof forms), Problems of roof (leakage, rusting, sagging)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a roof and explain its purpose.
Identify the main components of a roof.
List various roofing materials.
Explain different types of roof forms.
Identify common problems associated with roofs.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper roof construction and maintenance.
Recognize the aesthetic and protective functions of roofs.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw simple diagrams of different roof types.
Suggest solutions to common roof problems.

Discuss the impact of poorly constructed roofs on building occupants.

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 Textbook

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 of various roof types
Whiteboard/Chalkboard

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding roofs is important because they protect buildings and their occupants from weather elements. This lesson helps pupils to identify different roof types, materials, and common issues, which is essential for effective building construction and maintenance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

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

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ROOFS

Definition and Purpose of a Roof

A roof is the upper covering of a building, designed to protect the interior from weather conditions such as rain, sun, wind, and snow. It also contributes to the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the building.

Components of a Roof

The main components of a roof include:

Rafters: Sloping structural members that support the roof covering.
Purlins: Horizontal beams that span between trusses or rafters to support the roof deck.
Trusses: Prefabricated frameworks of timber or steel that form the main support for the roof.
Roof Covering/Sheeting: The outermost layer that provides weather protection (e.g., corrugated iron, tiles).
Eaves: The part of the roof that overhangs the walls.
Gutters and Downpipes: Systems for collecting and draining rainwater from the roof.

Roofing Materials

Common materials used for roofing include:

Corrugated iron sheets (aluminium, galvanized steel)
Asbestos cement sheets
Clay tiles
Concrete tiles
Aluminium sheets
Zinc sheets
Felt
Shingles (asphalt, timber)
Thatch

Types of Roofs (Roof Forms)

Roofs can be classified based on their shape and structure. Common types include:

Flat Roof: A roof that is nearly horizontal, with a slight slope for drainage.
Lean-to Roof: A single-slope roof attached to a taller wall.
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 or a series of hips.
Mansard Roof: A four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides, with the lower slope much steeper than the upper.
Gambrel Roof: A symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side.
Pyramid Roof: A hip roof where all four sides slope upwards to a single point.
Butterfly Roof: A roof with two sloping surfaces that meet in the middle, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape.

Problems of Roofs

Roofs can experience various problems over time, including:

Leakage: Water penetration due to cracks, loose sheets, damaged tiles, or poor flashing.
Rusting/Corrosion: Degradation of metal roofing sheets due to exposure to moisture and air, especially in galvanized iron.
Sagging: The roof structure bending downwards, often caused by inadequate support, excessive load, or rotting timber members.
Cracking: Occurs in rigid materials like tiles or concrete due to thermal expansion/contraction, impact, or structural movement.
Insect/Pest Attack: Timber components can be damaged by termites, wood borers, or other pests.
Poor Drainage: Inadequate slope or blocked gutters leading to water ponding and potential leaks.
Storm Damage: Strong winds can lift or dislodge roofing materials, while heavy rain can exacerbate leaks.

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 introduces the topic by asking pupils about the importance of the top covering of a building and what it is called.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by identifying the roof as the top covering and stating its purpose.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition and Purpose of a Roof

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a roof and explains its primary purposes, such as protection from weather, structural support, and aesthetic value.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and define a roof in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental definition and functions of a roof.

Step 3: Components and Materials of a Roof

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of roofing materials and timber members, identifying and explaining the main components of a roof (rafters, purlins, trusses, covering) and various roofing materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, identify the materials, and list the components and materials in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name key parts of a roof and common materials used.

Step 4: Types of Roofs

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different types of roof forms (e.g., flat, gable, hip, lean-to) using diagrams on the board or charts, highlighting their unique characteristics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagrams, ask questions, and draw simple sketches of the different roof types.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between various roof forms and understand their basic structures.

Step 5: Problems of Roofs

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Problem Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains common problems associated with roofs, such as leakage, rusting, sagging, cracking, and poor drainage, discussing their causes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify the problems, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils become aware of potential issues that can affect roofs.

Step 6: Solutions to Roof Problems

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Problem Solving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion on possible solutions or preventative measures for the identified roof problems.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas and discuss practical solutions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about maintaining roofs and addressing common faults.

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 a roof.
State two purposes of a roof.
List three main components of a roof.
Mention four types of roofing materials.
Identify three common problems associated with roofs.

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, emphasizing the importance of well-constructed and maintained roofs, and assigns homework to draw and label two types of roofs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask final questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced and pupils are given a task to consolidate learning.

Lesson Keywords

Roof – The upper covering of a building.
Rafters – Sloping structural members supporting the roof.
Purlins – Horizontal beams supporting the roof deck.
Trusses – Frameworks providing main roof support.
Gable Roof – A roof with two sloping sides.
Hip Roof – A roof with four sloping sides.
Leakage – Water penetration through the roof.
Rusting – Corrosion of metal roofing.
Sagging – Downward bending of the roof structure.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to sketch more complex roof forms or research local traditional roofing methods. For pupils needing additional support, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams and extra time for identifying components and materials, offering one-on-one guidance.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to have clear diagrams or real-life examples of roof components and types. Encourage pupils to relate the concepts to buildings in their environment. Emphasize safety aspects related to roof construction and maintenance.