Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 11
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Elements
Previous Lesson: Wall Openings: functions of wall openings, Role of lintels.
Topic: SUSPENDED UPPER FLOOR
Subject Matter: Meaning of SUSPENDED UPPER FLOOR, Definition of concrete upper floor, Methods of concrete floor construction.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a suspended upper floor.
Define a concrete upper floor.
Explain the common methods of concrete floor construction.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper floor construction in building safety.
Value the use of correct tools and techniques in construction.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify the basic tools and materials used in concrete floor construction.
Describe the steps involved in constructing a concrete upper floor.

Participate in discussions about different floor construction techniques.

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 J.S. Olaitan

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Spirit level
Wooden float
Line and pegs
Builder’s square
Diagrams or charts showing suspended upper floors and concrete floor construction steps.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how floors are constructed above ground level, which is essential for designing and building multi-storey structures. Understanding these methods ensures that pupils can identify safe and durable construction practices.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of building materials such as cement, sand, gravel, and water, as well as an understanding of basic building components.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

SUSPENDED UPPER FLOOR

Meaning of Suspended Upper Floor

A suspended upper floor is a floor structure that is raised above ground level and is supported by columns, beams, or walls, creating a space beneath it. It is not in direct contact with the ground.

Definition of Concrete Upper Floor

A concrete upper floor is a type of suspended floor constructed primarily using reinforced concrete. It involves casting a concrete slab, often supported by concrete beams and columns, to form a rigid and durable floor surface.

Functions of Upper Floors

The following are the functions of upper floors:

They create additional usable space in a building by providing multiple levels.
They transfer loads from occupants, furniture, and partitions to the supporting walls and columns.
They provide structural stability to the building.
They offer sound and thermal insulation between different levels.

Methods of Concrete Floor Construction

The construction of a concrete upper floor typically involves several key stages:

Formwork (Shuttering): This is the temporary mould or structure built to contain the wet concrete until it hardens. It defines the shape and size of the concrete slab and beams. Common materials for formwork include timber, steel, or plywood.
Reinforcement: Steel bars (rebar) are placed within the formwork before concrete is poured. This reinforcement provides tensile strength to the concrete, which is strong in compression but weak in tension. The steel bars are cut, bent, and tied together according to structural drawings.
Concreting: This involves mixing cement, sand, aggregates (gravel), and water in correct proportions to achieve the desired strength. The mixed concrete is then transported and poured into the prepared formwork containing the reinforcement.
Compaction: After pouring, the concrete is compacted using vibrators or manual tamping to remove air voids and ensure a dense, strong slab.
Curing: Once the concrete has been poured and compacted, it must be properly cured. Curing involves keeping the concrete moist for a period (usually 7-28 days) to allow for complete hydration of the cement, which increases its strength and durability. This can be done by covering it with wet hessian sacks, plastic sheets, or by sprinkling water regularly.
Finishing: After curing and removal of formwork, the concrete surface is typically finished with a screed (a layer of cement and sand mortar) to provide a smooth, level surface suitable for final floor coverings like tiles, carpet, or wood. Tools like the wooden float are used for this.

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 identify different types of floors they know, especially in multi-storey buildings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various types of floors like ground floors and floors in upstairs apartments.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge about building floors and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Meaning of Suspended Upper Floor

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines and explains what a suspended upper floor is, using examples of multi-storey buildings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and note down the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of a suspended upper floor.

Step 3: Definition of Concrete Upper Floor

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a concrete upper floor, highlighting its main material (reinforced concrete).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils define a concrete upper floor in their own words and write it in their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can define a concrete upper floor.

Step 4: Functions of Upper Floors

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains the functions of upper floors in a building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion, and list the functions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand why upper floors are important.

Step 5: Methods of Concrete Floor Construction

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Detailed Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the step-by-step process of constructing a concrete upper floor, including formwork, reinforcement, concreting, compaction, curing, and finishing. Diagrams are used to illustrate these steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention, ask questions, and identify the various stages of construction.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a clear understanding of how concrete upper floors are constructed.

Step 6: Practical Application/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visualisation/Practicality
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the instructional materials (spirit level, wooden float, builder’s square, line and pegs) and explains their specific uses at different stages of concrete floor construction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools and discuss how each is used in the construction process.
Learning Point: Pupils connect theoretical knowledge with practical tools used in the field.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

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

What is a suspended upper floor?
Define a concrete upper floor.
Mention two functions of an upper floor.
List any three stages involved in the construction of a concrete upper floor.

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/Homework
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and gives pupils homework to research different types of reinforcement used in concrete slabs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given an opportunity for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

Suspended floor – A floor raised above ground level, supported by structural elements.
Concrete floor – A floor made from reinforced concrete.
Formwork – Temporary mould for concrete.
Reinforcement – Steel bars used to strengthen concrete.
Slab – A flat, horizontal concrete element forming a floor.
Curing – Process of maintaining moisture in concrete for strength development.
Screed – A layer of mortar applied to a concrete slab for a smooth finish.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to identify different types of suspended floor systems (e.g., beam and slab, flat slab). For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams and re-explain complex terms using everyday analogies.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have clear diagrams or real-life examples of each stage of concrete floor construction. Emphasise safety precautions involved in working with concrete and formwork. Encourage pupils to ask questions and share any relevant experiences they may have observed in construction sites.