Essential Hand Tools in Building Construction for SS1 Students

Building Construction SS1 First Term Lesson Note for Week 3

Subject: Building Construction
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15–16 years
Topic: Hand Tools in Building Construction
Sub-topic: Identification, Uses, Types, Numbering, and Maintenance of Hand Tools

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. State the functions of basic hand tools, equipment, and machines used in construction.
2. Identify various basic hand tools used in building construction.

Keywords

• Hand tools
• Block laying
• Carpentry
• Joinery
• Maintenance

Set Induction

Begin the lesson by showing students pictures or actual hand tools and asking if they can name or describe any of them. This will engage their interest and connect the topic to real-life experiences.

Entry Behavior

Students are familiar with common hand tools used around their homes or schools.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Actual hand tools (e.g., trowel, hammer, saw) if available
• Pictures of block-laying and carpentry tools
• Maintenance kit

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students are aware of some basic tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, used in everyday tasks.

Embedded Core Skills

• Observation
• Identification
• Practical skills

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Building Construction
• Basic Building Construction Textbook

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard
• Sample tools (e.g., hammer, saw, trowel)
• Visual aids for hand tools in block laying and carpentry

Content

1. Identification of Tools and Their Uses

• Hand tools are basic tools used manually for various construction tasks. Each tool serves a specific purpose based on its design.

2. Block Laying Tools and Their Uses

• Trowel: Used for spreading mortar.
• Mason’s Level: Ensures blocks are level and plumb.
• Plumb Bob: Helps check vertical alignment.
• Brick Hammer: Used for cutting and shaping bricks.

3. Carpentry and Joinery Hand Tools

• Saw: Used for cutting wood.
• Chisel: Used to shape and carve wood.
• Claw Hammer: Drives nails into wood and pulls them out.
• Measuring Tape: Measures length accurately.
• Try Square: Ensures 90-degree angles in wood joints.

4. Numbering of Hand Tools

• Numbering involves marking tools for easy identification and tracking. This can help in avoiding tool mix-ups, especially in workshops.

5. Maintenance of Hand Tools

• Proper maintenance includes:
  • Cleaning tools after use.
  • Storing tools in a dry place to prevent rust.
  • Regularly sharpening tools like chisels and saws.
  • Oiling metal parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Presentation Steps

Step 1: Introduction to Hand Tools in Building Construction

• Teacher’s Activity: Discuss the importance of hand tools in construction tasks.
• Learners’ Activity: Listen and note the role of hand tools in construction.

Step 2: Identify Block Laying Tools and Their Uses

• Teacher’s Activity: Show pictures or samples of block-laying tools and explain their uses.
• Learners’ Activity: Observe and identify each tool and note its specific purpose.

Step 3: Explore Carpentry and Joinery Hand Tools

• Teacher’s Activity: Present and discuss the different tools used in carpentry and joinery.
• Learners’ Activity: Identify and write down the uses of each tool.

Step 4: Explain the Importance of Numbering Tools

• Teacher’s Activity: Discuss the need for numbering tools for easy identification.
• Learners’ Activity: Ask questions about numbering tools and discuss its benefits in workshops.

Step 5: Discuss Maintenance of Hand Tools

• Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate proper cleaning and maintenance techniques.
• Learners’ Activity: Take notes on maintenance tips and practice cleaning sample tools if available.

Objective Questions (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)

1. A trowel is primarily used for _____.
   • a) spreading mortar
   • b) measuring
   • c) hammering
   • d) shaping wood
2. The tool used to ensure blocks are level is called a _____.
   • a) saw
   • b) measuring tape
   • c) mason’s level
   • d) try square
3. Which tool checks vertical alignment in block laying?
   • a) chisel
   • b) plumb bob
   • c) claw hammer
   • d) measuring tape
4. The _____ is used to cut wood in carpentry.
   • a) saw
   • b) trowel
   • c) plumb bob
   • d) level
5. Which tool is used to carve and shape wood?
   • a) measuring tape
   • b) trowel
   • c) chisel
   • d) try square
6. The claw hammer is used to _____ nails.
   • a) drive and pull out
   • b) measure
   • c) clean
   • d) cut
7. A _____ ensures accurate 90-degree angles in wood joints.
   • a) saw
   • b) plumb bob
   • c) try square
   • d) trowel
8. _____ helps prevent rust on metal parts of tools.
   • a) Cleaning
   • b) Storing in water
   • c) Oiling
   • d) Ignoring
9. The purpose of numbering tools is for easy _____.
   • a) storage
   • b) identification
   • c) measuring
   • d) cleaning
10. Regular sharpening of tools helps in _____.
    • a) easy identification
    • b) keeping tools effective
    • c) cleaning
    • d) storing
11. A _____ is used to check if a structure is level.
    • a) chisel
    • b) mason’s level
    • c) hammer
    • d) measuring tape
12. Which tool is essential for accurate length measurement?
    • a) hammer
    • b) measuring tape
    • c) trowel
    • d) saw
13. After use, tools should be _____ to avoid rust.
    • a) discarded
    • b) left in the open
    • c) cleaned and stored
    • d) sharpened
14. The _____ is commonly used for marking angles in carpentry.
    • a) try square
    • b) plumb bob
    • c) brick hammer
    • d) mason’s level
15. Oiling tools is a maintenance practice to prevent _____.
    • a) usage
    • b) rust
    • c) dust
    • d) sharpening

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs)

1. What is a hand tool?
   A tool operated manually for construction tasks.
2. Why is a trowel important in block laying?
   It helps in spreading mortar evenly.
3. What is the purpose of a mason’s level?
   To ensure blocks are horizontally and vertically level.
4. What does a plumb bob do?
   Checks the vertical alignment of walls.
5. Why is a saw used in carpentry?
   For cutting wood to the desired size.
6. What is the use of a claw hammer?
   To drive and pull out nails in wood.
7. Why is a measuring tape important in construction?
   It provides accurate length measurements.
8. What does a try square do in joinery?
   Ensures 90-degree angles for precise wood joints.
9. How are tools numbered?
   By marking them with a unique identification for easy tracking.
10. Why is cleaning tools after use necessary?
    To maintain their functionality and avoid rust.
11. What does oiling metal tools prevent?
    Rust, which can damage tools over time.
12. Why do chisels need regular sharpening?
    To maintain their effectiveness in carving wood.
13. How does numbering tools help in a workshop?
    Prevents mix-ups and keeps track of inventory.
14. What is a brick hammer used for?
    For shaping bricks to fit properly.
15. Why should tools be stored in dry places?
    To avoid exposure to moisture and rust.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define hand tools in building construction.
2. Explain the role of a trowel in block laying.
3. Identify two block-laying tools and their uses.
4. What is the purpose of the claw hammer in carpentry?
5. Describe the function of a mason’s level.
6. What tool is used to check 90-degree angles in joinery?
7. Why is numbering tools important in a workshop?
8. List two maintenance practices for hand tools.
9. How does oiling benefit metal tools?
10. Mention two tools used in carpentry and explain their functions.

Conclusion

Summarize the lesson by highlighting the different types of hand tools used in building construction, their functions, and how to maintain them properly.