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The Art of Making Native Damper: Classroom Education

Native damper, a simple yet iconic bread, has been a staple in the diets of Indigenous Australians. Traditionally baked over an open fire, damper is not just a delicious treat but also a rich cultural symbol. Incorporating the making of damper into school education offers a hands-on learning experience that intertwines history, culture and practical life skills. This blog will explore the benefits of teaching students how to make damper and provide tips on how educators can integrate this activity into their curriculum.

Why Make Damper in Schools?

1. Cultural Appreciation and History: Damper is more than just bread; it is a part of Australia’s heritage. By making damper in the classroom, students can learn about its origins and the role it played in the survival of Indigenous Australians and early European settlers. This activity opens the door to discussions on Australian history, Indigenous cultures and the adaptation of food practices in different environments.
2. Hands-On Learning: Making damper is a tactile experience that engages students in a way that traditional classroom lessons often cannot. Measuring ingredients, kneading dough and shaping the bread allow students to develop fine motor skills and understand the science behind cooking. The process also encourages teamwork, communication and problem-solving as students work together to create their bread.
3. Connection to Curriculum: Integrating damper making into subjects like history, science and home economics can enhance students’ understanding of these disciplines. For example, in history, students can explore the different methods of food preparation used by Indigenous Australians and how these practices influenced early settlers. In science, the chemistry of bread making, such as how yeast and baking soda cause dough to rise, can be discussed.
4. Promoting Sustainability and Local Ingredients: Teaching students to make damper also provides an opportunity to discuss sustainability and the importance of using local ingredients. Educators can highlight how traditional damper recipes utilise simple, locally available ingredients and encourage students to think about the environmental impact of the food they consume.

Steps to Making Damper in the Classroom

1. Preparation
   
   Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients and materials. You’ll need flour, salt, baking soda and water. Optional ingredients include butter or oil, sugar and milk to enrich the dough. Ensure that all students have access to a clean work surface and that safety procedures are in place, especially if an oven or campfire is used for baking.
2. Discussion
   
   Before starting the baking process, engage students in a discussion about the history of damper. Explain how it was traditionally made by Indigenous Australians and later adapted by European settlers. Discuss the different methods of cooking damper, such as in hot ashes or modern ovens and the significance of this bread in Australian culture.
3. Mixing and Kneading
   
   Allow students to measure and mix the ingredients. Explain the role of each component in the recipe. As they knead the dough, encourage them to observe the texture and consistency, linking this to the scientific principles of gluten development and the role of leavening agents.
4. Shaping and Baking
   
   Once the dough is ready, students can shape their damper into rounds or flatbreads. If resources allow, baking the damper over a campfire provides an authentic experience, but an oven works just as well. During the baking process, discuss the transformation that occurs as heat causes the dough to rise and cook.
5. Tasting and Reflecting
   
   After baking, students can enjoy the fruits of their labour by tasting the damper. This is a great time to reflect on the experience, discuss any challenges they faced during the process and consider the historical and cultural significance of the food they’ve made.

Incorporating the making of Australian damper into school education offers students a unique and enriching experience. It connects them to the country’s history and Indigenous cultures while providing practical life skills and reinforcing curriculum topics. As educators, creating opportunities for such hands-on learning is invaluable, helping students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them. 

Learn more about Muru Mittigar Cultural Training and Education Programs for schools — contact our office at (02) 47 300 400 or info@murumittigar.com.au.