Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Grade code: 2.3.2.LI.3
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.2.LI.3
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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This lesson focuses on essential components of a building's superstructure: doors and windows. Every day, we walk through doors and look out of windows in our homes, schools, and community buildings. They are much more than just openings in a wall. They provide security, let in light and fresh air, protect us from the rain and sun, and contribute to the beauty of a building. In Ghana, from the design of a traditional compound house in the Northern Region that prioritises ventilation, to a modern office block in Accra that needs security and soundproofing, the choice of doors and windows is critical.
This section breaks down the essential knowledge for this topic. Part 1: Definitions Door: A door is a movable barrier, usually solid, hinged or sliding, that is used to open and close an entrance to a building, room, or cupboard. Its primary purpose is to control access. Window: A window is an opening in a wall of a building, fitted with glass or other transparent material in a frame. Its primary purpose is to admit light and allow for ventilation and viewing. Frame: A frame is the fixed casing that surrounds a door or a window opening. It provides support for the door or window and connects it to the main structure of the wall. Think of it as the "skeleton" that holds the door or window in place.
Key Parts of a Door/Window Frame: Jambs: The two vertical side posts of the frame. Head/Lintel: The horizontal top piece of the frame. The lintel is the structural beam above the opening that carries the weight of the wall above. Sill: The horizontal bottom piece of a window frame. Doors usually have a threshold instead of a sill.
*(Teacher to draw a simple diagram on the board)* Part 2: Functions of Doors and Windows
Functions of Doors: Access and Egress: Provides a way to enter and exit a building or a room. Security: When locked, doors protect the building and its occupants from intruders. This is why many Ghanaians use strong metal security doors at their main entrance. Privacy: Doors separate spaces and block sight and sound, giving people privacy in rooms like bedrooms and washrooms. Weather Protection: They keep out rain, wind, dust, and excessive heat from the sun. Ventilation and Light: Some doors, like half-doors ("dutch doors") or those with louvers, can allow for air and light passage. Fire Resistance: Specialised fire doors can slow the spread of fire and smoke within a building.