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Making Iron Gall Ink

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Making Iron Gall Ink worksheet preview

Making Iron Gall Ink

Historical ink making illustration

📚 Part 1: Iron Gall Ink Knowledge

1. What are the four main ingredients we need to make iron gall ink? Circle the correct answers:

Oak galls

Sugar

Iron (steel wool or nails)

Milk

Vinegar

Water

2. Why did early settlers and Māori use iron gall ink?

To paint pictures on walls

To write letters and keep records

To colour their clothes

To cook with

3. What does "kiri pango" mean in Te Reo Māori?

White paper

Black ink

Writing brush

Old letter

4. When making iron gall ink, what safety rule must we follow?

Taste the ingredients to check them

Wear gloves and don't taste anything

Mix as fast as possible

Work by yourself

✏️ Part 2: Making and Using Our Ink

5. Number the steps for making iron gall ink in the correct order (1-4):

_____ Mix gently with a spoon

_____ Put on gloves and apron

_____ Add water and vinegar to the iron and oak galls

_____ Watch the colour change to black

6. Draw a picture of yourself writing with iron gall ink:
7. What was the most interesting thing about making iron gall ink?
8. How do you think this ink helped people long ago in Aotearoa New Zealand?

🌟 Part 3: Reflection - Our GREAT Values

9. How did you show our kura values while making ink? Fill in the blanks:

Give it a go: I tried _________________ even when it was new to me.

Respect: I was careful with the _________________ and listened to my partner.

Teamwork: I helped my partner by _________________.

10. Circle how you felt about making iron gall ink:

😊 Excited and happy

😐 Okay, it was fine

😕 A bit worried or unsure

😄 Amazing! I loved it!

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