Title: Testing the Workability of Fresh Concrete Mixture

Grade Level: 8th Grade Technical Vocational Education Subject: Concrete

Technology

Learning Objectives:

1. Students will be able to define and understand the concept of

workability in a fresh concrete mixture.
2. Students will learn different methods to test the workability of a fresh
concrete mixture.
3. Students will analyze and interpret test results to determine the
suitability of a concrete mixture for various applications.
4. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
through hands-on activities and group discussions.

Connections to State Standards (Philippines):

1. Understands and applies scientific concepts and principles in making

decisions (K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum - Science and
Engineering Practices).
2. Applies engineering and entrepreneurial design processes in developing
innovative and sustainable solutions to problems (K to 12 Basic
Education Curriculum - Technological and Livelihood Education
Standards).

Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)

Materials:

1. Concrete mixer
2. Measuring tools (scale, measuring cups, and spoons)
3. Water
4. Cement
5. Sand
6. Gravel
7. Mixing containers
8. Trowels
9. Stopwatch
 10. Slump cone
11. Flow table
12. Test molds

Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Engage the students by asking them to think about buildings and

structures they see every day. Discuss the importance of concrete in
construction and the need for the correct workability of concrete
mixtures.
2. State the learning objectives and explain the importance of learning to
test the workability of fresh concrete mixtures.
3. Connect the lesson to the state standards, emphasizing the application
of scientific concepts and the engineering design process.

Activity 1: Mix Design (25 minutes):

1. Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with the
necessary materials.
2. Instruct the groups to follow a given mix design to prepare a fresh
concrete mixture.
3. Students will measure and combine the cement, sand, gravel, and water
according to the mix design specifications.
4. Encourage the students to discuss the importance of accurate
measurements and the impact on the workability of the concrete
mixture.
5. Once the mixtures are ready, check for consistency and ensure each
group has a different mix design.

Activity 2: Slump Test (30 minutes):

1. Explain the concept of slump and its significance in determining the

workability of fresh concrete.
2. Demonstrate the slump test procedure using a cone and explain the
measurement criteria.
 3. Provide each group with a slump cone and guide them through the
process of performing the slump test on their prepared concrete
mixtures.
4. Allow the students to measure and record the slump values of their
mixtures.
5. Facilitate a discussion on the significance of different slump values and
their implications for construction.

Activity 3: Flow Test (30 minutes):

1. Introduce the flow test as an alternative method to assess the

workability of fresh concrete mixtures.
2. Explain the flow table test procedure and its advantages over the slump
test.
3. Divide the students into pairs and provide each pair with a flow table
and a test mold.
4. Guide the students in pouring the concrete mixture into the mold and
performing the flow test using the flow table.
5. Students will measure and record the flow values of their mixtures.
6. Discuss the differences in results between the slump and flow tests,
emphasizing the importance of choosing the appropriate test method for
specific applications.

Conclusion (15 minutes):

1. Engage the students in a group discussion to reflect on the significance

of testing the workability of fresh concrete mixtures in construction
projects.
2. Review the learning objectives and connect them to the activities
conducted throughout the lesson.
3. Summarize the key concepts learned and encourage students to apply
their knowledge in future projects.
4. Assess students' understanding through oral questions and provide
feedback.

Assessment:
 1. Observation of students' active participation and engagement in group
activities.
2. Evaluation of students' measurement accuracy during the mix design
activity.
3. Review of students' recorded measurements and analysis of slump and
flow values.
4. Assessment of students' ability to connect the test results to the
suitability of a concrete mixture for different applications.

Note: This lesson plan is aligned with the K to 12 Basic Education

Curriculum of the Philippines, specifically the Science and Engineering
Practices and Technological and Livelihood Education Standards.

https://chat.openai.com/share/1da3b725-efa9-456f-9f8f-934699ae167a

For a simplified student activity using a cup to demonstrate the slump test, you can
create a basic concrete mix with readily available materials. Here's a simple ratio for the
mix:

Basic Concrete Mix Ratio:

 Cement: 1 part
 Sand: 2 parts
 Gravel or Crushed Stone: 3 parts
 Water: 0.5 parts

This ratio is a starting point for a basic concrete mix that can be easily scaled up or
down based on the quantity needed for the student activity. It is important to note that
these ratios are by volume, not weight.

Example:

If you are using cups as a measuring tool (e.g., plastic cups), you can define a "part" as
one cup. Then, the mix ratio becomes:

 Cement: 1 cup
 Sand: 2 cups
  Gravel or Crushed Stone: 3 cups
 Water: 0.5 cups

Procedure:

1. Provide each student or group with the specified amounts of cement, sand,
gravel, and water.
2. Instruct them to mix the dry ingredients first (cement, sand, and gravel) and then
gradually add water while mixing until they achieve a workable consistency.
3. Ensure that students tamp each layer of the mix in the cup as they fill it.
4. Proceed with the slump test using the plastic cup as described in the previous
student activity.

Notes:

 This mix is simplified for educational purposes and may not meet the specific
strength or durability requirements of structural concrete.
 The water content may need to be adjusted based on the desired workability, as
it can vary depending on factors like the fineness of the materials and
environmental conditions.
 Encourage students to observe and discuss the workability of the concrete mix
during the activity and how it relates to the slump test results.

Remember that this activity is designed to give students a basic understanding of

concrete workability and the principles behind the slump test. Adjust the mix
proportions based on the available materials and the educational objectives of the
activity.