Perth Waldorf School eNewsletter

Parkerville Campus (Class 7-8)

Class 8 ‘Chemistry and Process of Food’ Main Lesson

Class 8’s current Main Lesson is taking them into the fascinating world of biochemistry and food with a focus on essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—as well as the plant world and agriculture. During the course of this Main Lesson, students will participate in practical experiments such as making flour and dough, testing various foods to identify starch, proteins, and fats and learning about their properties and exploring the intriguing processes behind milk curdling and protein denaturation and how these properties are used in the food industry. The aim of these experiments is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes within our bodies and cultivate an awareness of the origins of the food we consume.

So far during this Main Lesson, Class 8 have carried out a range of experiments including measuring the amount of energy stored in a range of foods, testing for starch in foods, experimenting using flour and learning about the different components of wheat grains, and finally understanding the process of making bread dough.

Alongside the many experiments, Class 8 have also been learning about the geography and history of our food origins. We talked about the onset of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent where many of the grains we use on a daily basis originate from. From an Australian perspective we examined the significant developments in wheat hybridisation led by William Farrer, which led to the creation of wheat varieties suited to the Australian climate.

During the remainder of the Main Lesson, Class 8 will continue to learn about and carry out experiment testing the protein and fat content found in a range of food.

Olivia Burgio, Chemistry Teacher

Ethna Brave, Humanities Teacher

By Ethna Brave
LOTE Teacher

Class 7 Sailing Camp

Class 7 students spent last week in Albany, furthering their sailing skills from the camp in Term 1 which was held at Woodman Point.

This week, the students composed Haikus about the sailing camp during their Wish, Wonder & Surprise Main Lesson.

When we arrived at the Princess Royal Sailing Club, we were met with cold wind and strong gusts. We were towed in quick circles out in the harbour, nearly tipping several times.

By Alicia

Sailing

White caps on the waves,

Spray in the wake of the boat;

Splashing our faces.

By Mathilde

Pastel waves of light

Boats glide across the water

Shining bright again.

By Jasper

Eating lunch outside

Wraps we made in the morning

No veggies for me.

By James

On Wednesday afternoon, after a blustery morning of sailing, Class 7 toured Albany’s historic Whaling Station, where they learnt about the history of whaling in the region.

Whaling Station

It started, a hunt

But the drops of blood

Never stopped the men.

Ladies wore bone corsets, while

The whales cried.

It never stopped in time,

At Albany.

By Ava

Blubber and bones used,

The harpoons struck them with pain,

They felt very betrayed.

By Alyssa

On the second last day of sailing, we took turns on the boats, going out further and sailing on our own without the instructors. The wind was howling when we were on the boats. We were so far out that the shore looked tiny compared to the big ship we were approaching. The salty spray stung our eyes while we sat on the boat.

By Bo

The wind increased over the week and on the last day of sailing, all our sails were full of so much wind causing one of us to capsize.

By Alicia

Capsizing

I lean very far

The foot strap breaks with a snap,

I fall and go splash.

The boat capsized,

I go flying like a bird,

There is a big splash.

By Tariq

Back at camp we saw all different birds flying around.