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.4
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.2.LI.4
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson focuses on the roof, which is the "crown" or covering of any building. In Ghana, the roof is one of the most critical parts of a house, protecting us from the intense sun and the heavy seasonal rains. We see different types of roofs on buildings all around us, from the simple shed roof of a small shop to the complex hipped roofs of modern homes. Understanding the types of roofs, their functions, and the materials used to build them is essential for anyone interested in building construction, architecture, or even just being a knowledgeable homeowner. This lesson will explore these aspects in detail, using examples from our own communities.
This section covers the core knowledge for this lesson. We will break down the topic into four main areas as suggested by the NaCCA exemplars. Part 1: The Roof as a Component of the Superstructure
First, let's remember the main parts of a building. A building is divided into two major parts: Substructure: The part of the building below the ground level (e.g., foundations). Superstructure: The part of the building above the ground level (e.g., walls, floors, beams, and the roof).
The roof is the uppermost part of the superstructure. It is the final covering that protects the entire building and its occupants from the outside elements. It consists of two main parts: The Roof Structure: This is the framework, usually made of wood or steel, that supports the roof covering. It includes components like rafters, purlins, trusses, and beams. The Roof Covering: This is the external layer that we see from the outside, which is waterproof and weather-resistant. Examples include metal sheets, tiles, or concrete.
Think of the roof structure as the skeleton and the roof covering as the skin. Both are needed for the roof to function properly. Part 2: Functions of the Roof