Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Types of Building and Building Materials
Topic: Building Materials
Subject Matter: Uses of different building materials
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify different building materials used in construction.
(b) State the various uses of different building materials. - Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of selecting the right materials for building. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate how some building materials are used through simple classroom activities or illustrations. - Social Domain:
(a) Work together in groups to identify and discuss building materials used in their environment.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
- ScienceDirect – “Building Materials and Their Uses” (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/building-material)
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Samples or pictures of cement, bricks, wood, glass, steel, and tiles
- Chart showing various building materials and their uses
- Short video or slideshow on building construction
- Whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson enables pupils to understand the uses of common building materials and their importance in creating strong, durable, and safe structures.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen various types of houses and buildings around them and can identify materials like wood, cement, and glass used in construction.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Building Materials
Building materials are substances used in the construction of houses, bridges, roads, and other structures. They help in forming the strength, beauty, and durability of any building.
Uses of Different Building Materials
Different materials are used in construction depending on their properties and purposes.
The following are the major building materials and their uses:
- Cement: Used for binding bricks, stones, and concrete blocks together. It is also used for plastering walls and flooring.
- Sand: Used in making concrete, mortar, and for filling spaces in buildings.
- Gravel (Coarse aggregate): Used to provide strength and stability in concrete mixtures.
- Bricks/Blocks: Used for building walls, fences, and pillars in structures.
- Wood: Used for roofing, doors, windows, ceilings, and furniture.
- Steel: Used for reinforcement in concrete and for constructing strong frameworks in large buildings.
- Glass: Used for windows, doors, and decorations to allow light and visibility.
- Clay: Used for making bricks, tiles, and pottery items used in construction.
- Paint: Used for decoration, protection of walls, and beautification of buildings.
- Water: Used for mixing cement and concrete and in curing the construction materials.
Importance of Using the Right Building Materials
Using the right building materials helps ensure safety, strength, and durability of any structure.
The following are the importance of using good building materials:
- They provide strength and stability to the building.
- They ensure the building lasts for a long time without damage.
- They improve the beauty and appearance of structures.
- They help reduce maintenance and repair costs.
- They make buildings safe and comfortable to live in.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Demonstration, Group Work, Use of Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to mention materials they see around buildings and construction sites, such as bricks, wood, or glass.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming various materials used for building.
Learning Point: Pupils are familiar with common materials used in construction.
Step 2: Identification of Building Materials
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures or real samples of building materials and names each one.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and identify the materials shown by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to recognize and name common building materials.
Step 3: Uses of Different Building Materials
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the uses of each material, referring to their functions in building houses and structures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion and give examples of where they have seen each material used.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the various uses of different building materials.
Step 4: Importance of Using the Right Building Materials
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses why choosing good materials is important for durability and safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and share their views.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of selecting appropriate materials for construction.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the note correctly into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have accurate written notes for future study.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention five common building materials.
- State one use each of wood, glass, and steel.
- Give two reasons why it is important to use good building materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the uses of different building materials.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and encourages pupils to observe the materials used in buildings around them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the lesson highlights and appreciate the value of using correct building materials.
Home Task: Record two correct examples of Building Materials from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.
Lesson Keywords
- Cement – a powdery material used to bind bricks and stones together
- Concrete – a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water for building
- Steel – a strong metal used for reinforcement in construction
- Bricks – rectangular blocks made from clay or concrete used for walls
- Aggregate – crushed stone or gravel mixed with cement to make concrete
Differentiation
Teacher supports slow learners by using visual aids and real samples, while faster learners are allowed to lead in identifying materials and explaining their uses.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Emphasize practical examples and local materials pupils can see daily. Where possible, organize a short outdoor observation of the school’s structures.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +