Outcomes
Through units such as this - where finding, exploring, trialling and testing using base recipes are emphasised - the Year 7/8 programmes have a much stronger technology base. The advice from Diana, Carol Pound and Beacon Practice Professional Facilitator Cliff Harwood has been usefully integrated into the programme.
Jacquey has taken time time to observe secondary students in the classroom, which helps her understand what her students need to be ready for study at that level. She has also taken the opportunity to look at, and sometimes critique, the secondary planning up to Year 13. Discussing programmes with Diana enables her to avoid any repetition students might otherwise experience.
The 12-day cycle works well in that the students have plenty of time to work rather than rushing in for short periods. An advantage for those from smaller schools is the opportunity to mix with other students while working.
The one day lesson benefits the classroom teacher as it minimises the disruption of students leaving and returning. Jacquey recalls from her days at Mangatainoka School that she used the seniors 2:30pm arrival as an opportunity for them to tell their classmates what they had done, while the Juniors talked about the technology activities they'd worked on in the classroom.
Use of digital scales was informative - when an apple piece was weighed on ordinary scales the class couldn't work out its weight. The fact that they could using digital scales had the 'wow!' factor to hold their interest.
Student comments:
"The noodle session was fun because we could choose what we put in our noodles."
"The experimenting with noodles lesson was fun, enjoyable and great tasting. It was also very interesting and educational learning about packaging and nutritional value."
"I learned that you can put your own flavouring into the noodles, and to look at the back of the packages."
"I learnt that Budget plain noodles sound plain and boring but by adding dehydrated food products you will be adding flavour and value to your healthier noodles."
