Year Level

Year 7

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

20 students

Learning Area

Technologies – Design and Technologies (Food and Fibre Production and Food Specialisations)

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Lesson Title

Bush Heritage: Damper Making

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Lesson Description

In this lesson, students will observe a teacher demonstration on making traditional damper incorporating bush herbs. The focus will be on understanding the methods of preparation and the cultural significance of damper as a traditional Australian bush food. Students will develop skills in observation and note-taking while exploring the cultural stories and significance related to Indigenous Australian food practices.

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Curriculum Alignment

Western Australian Curriculum Content Descriptions - Technologies (Year 7)

Content Description:

• Analyse needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate and select materials, components, tools, equipment, and processes to create designed solutions - Select, justify and use suitable materials, components, tools, equipment, skills and processes to safely make designed solutions - Explain how the characteristics of foods influence selection and preparation for healthy eating - Consider First Nations Australian community needs when identifying opportunities for designing, including sustainable practices and cultural significance (AC9TDE8P01_E1)

General Capabilities

• Critical and Creative Thinking: Investigate traditional methods and explore alternative ingredients (bush herbs) and their benefits
• Intercultural Understanding: Explore the cultural significance of damper to Aboriginal Australians
• Ethical Understanding: Respect cultural heritage and traditional knowledge involved in food preparation

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Observe the preparation of damper using bush herbs
• Understand the step-by-step method and safety considerations
• Appreciate the cultural significance of damper in Indigenous Australian culture
• Identify key traditional ingredients and their uses

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Lesson Objectives

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

• Explain the process and techniques used in making damper with bush herbs
• Discuss the cultural importance of damper within Indigenous Australian communities
• Identify safety practices when handling ingredients and cooking equipment
• Extend understanding by researching other native Australian bush foods

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Materials and Resources

• Ingredients for damper (flour, water, salt, bush herbs like lemon myrtle or wattleseed)
• Cooking utensils (bowls, mixing spoons, oven or campfire setup)
• Visual aids (step-by-step photos or diagrams)
• Cultural story or background information about damper and bush herbs (printed or digital)
• Note-taking sheets or templates with visual cues
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction and Context (10 mins)

• Welcome students and introduce the lesson theme: traditional damper making using bush herbs.
• Briefly discuss what damper is and its place in bush heritage and Indigenous Australian food culture.
• Show images or short video clips about bush herbs and damper in traditional settings.
• Explain safety rules for observing the cooking demonstration.

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2. Teacher Demonstration (20 mins)

• Demonstrate the making of damper step-by-step, including mixing, adding bush herbs, shaping, and baking.
• While demonstrating, narrate the cultural significance of damper, including how it was used traditionally by First Nations people.
• Highlight key safety techniques, such as careful handling of hot surfaces and hygiene.
• Use visual cues such as labelled ingredient boards and step labels for dyslexia-friendly support.

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3. Student Observation and Note-taking (10 mins)

• Students observe carefully and take notes using provided templates with pictures and keywords to support different learning needs.
• Encourage students to list the ingredients, steps, and cultural notes they find important.
• Teacher circulates to support students needing assistance and to check comprehension.

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4. Group Discussion on Cultural Significance (10 mins)

• Facilitate a class discussion on what the students noted about the process and cultural importance.
• Ask guiding questions such as:
• Why do you think damper was important to Indigenous Australians?
• What role do bush herbs play in this recipe?
• How does incorporating traditional foods help us appreciate culture?
• Record student responses on the board.

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5. Extension and Homework (Optional) (10 mins)

• For students wanting to extend their learning, introduce a mini-research project on native Australian bush foods and their uses in traditional or modern cooking.
• Students may use books or pre-selected online resources (dyslexia-friendly texts recommended) to research.
• Ask students to prepare a short paragraph or poster to share in the next lesson.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide visual note-taking templates with images and key words to assist dyslexic and struggling readers.
• Use clear, step-by-step instructions with visual aids during the demonstration.
• Offer a peer buddy system for students who benefit from verbal discussion or clarification.
• Provide extra time or one-on-one support during note-taking as needed.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative assessment through observation of students' notes and participation in the group discussion.
• Informal questioning during and after demonstration to check understanding of methods and cultural context.
• Evaluation of extension tasks (research paragraphs or posters) for depth of understanding and connection to cultural significance.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure students understand and follow hygiene rules: hand washing before handling food ingredients.
• Highlight oven or hot surface safety during demonstration.
• Monitor student behaviour closely around cooking equipment.

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Reflection and Teacher Notes

• Reflect on how students engage with the cultural storytelling aspect of the lesson.
• Note which students may benefit from additional support or extension in food technology or cultural studies.
• Assess if additional lessons on Indigenous food practices would be beneficial in the unit.

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This detailed lesson is designed to meet Western Australian Curriculum standards in Technologies, integrating cultural appreciation with practical culinary skills. The focus on observation, respect for cultural knowledge, safety, and differentiation makes it a rich, inclusive learning experience for Year 7 students.

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Summary Checklist for Teachers

• Prepare all ingredients and materials prior to class
• Ensure kitchen/cooking area is safe and hygienic
• Use visual aids and print outs for students with diverse learning needs
• Have discussion prompts ready
• Provide clear instructions and support during note-taking
• Offer extension activity for advanced learners
• Debrief and reflect with students at lesson end

This lesson also sets a foundation for the subsequent and final lesson in the unit, where students can apply their understanding practically or reflect deeper on Indigenous food methods.