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Mason / Bricklayer
Builds structures using bricks, stone, concrete blocks, and mortar.
Did you know?
The Great Pyramid of Giza is built from about 2.3 million blocks, and its casing stones fit so tightly that the joints average just 0.5 mm wide.
How subjects help
- Mathematics: Work out how many bricks and how much mortar a wall needs before building starts.
- Physics: Keep every row level and upright so a wall carries its weight straight down.
- Art & Design: Lay bricks in patterns and arches that give a building its character.
- Physical Education: Lift and place heavy blocks all day with safe posture that protects your back.
A famous name
Joseph Aspdin: Leeds bricklayer who patented 'Portland cement' in 1824, forerunner of the cement used in building today.
Try it yourself: Build a paper bridge
- Put the books about a ruler apart and lay one flat sheet across the gap.
- Add coins to the middle one at a time. How many before it sags to the table?
- Now fold a new sheet into a zigzag (like a fan) or roll it into tubes, and test again.
- Which shape held the most? Can you beat your record with one more idea?
Engineers and builders do the same loop for real: build, load it, find the weak spot, improve the shape.
Also try: Take apart a click pen.
Known for it in
USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Italy