Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common kitchen tools and materials.
• Demonstrate how to apply a finish to a wooden kitchen tool.
• Explain why finishes are important for durability and appearance.

Lesson summary

This lesson connects our knowledge of kitchen essentials with the practical skills of working with resistant materials like wood. Many of our everyday kitchen tools, from the wooden spoon ('banku ta') we use to stir banku to the chopping board ('asanka' or flat board) for our vegetables, are made from wood. Over time, these items can get stained, cracked, or worn out. By learning how to apply a proper finish, we can protect them, make them last much longer, improve their appearance, and ensure they are hygienic and safe for preparing food. This is a valuable skill for maintaining our homes and can even be a source of income.

Lesson notes

A. What are Resistant Materials? Resistant materials are materials that are difficult to break, bend, or damage. They are strong and durable, which is why they are used to make long-lasting tools and equipment. In the context of the kitchen, the main ones are: Wood: Examples include chopping boards, wooden spoons, rolling pins ('banku ta'), 'asanka', and handles of knives or pots. Metal: Examples include stainless steel pots ('sankwa'), aluminium pans ('dadesen'), cutlery (spoons, forks), and graters. Plastics: Examples include storage containers, measuring cups, plastic bowls, and some spatulas.

Our focus today will be on applying finishes to wood, as it is a common material that requires maintenance. B. What is a "Finish"? A finish is a protective or decorative layer applied to the surface of a material. Think of it as a "skin" for the wood. It can be a liquid like oil, varnish, or paint that dries to form a hard, protective coat. C. Why Do We Apply Finishes to Kitchen Essentials? Applying a finish is not just about making something look nice. It has very important functions: Protection & Durability: A good finish seals the wood, preventing water from soaking in. This stops the wood from rotting, cracking, or warping. It makes the item last much longer. Hygiene & Safety: Wood has tiny pores where food particles and bacteria can get trapped. A finish seals these pores, making the surface smooth and much easier to clean properly. This prevents the growth of germs and makes our food preparation safer. Aesthetics (Appearance): A finish brings out the natural beauty of the wood's grain and colour. It can make an old, dull-looking chopping board look new and vibrant again.

Crucial Point: For any item that will touch food, we must use a food-safe finish. This means the finish is non-toxic and will not leach harmful chemicals into our food. Natural oils like coconut oil or shea butter are excellent food-safe finishes. D. Types of Finishes for Wood Oil Finishes (Food-Safe): These soak *into* the wood rather than forming a film on top. They protect the wood from the inside out and give a natural, beautiful look. Examples: Coconut oil, Shea Butter ('Nkuto'), food-grade Mineral Oil. These are perfect for chopping boards, wooden spoons, and bowls. Varnish: This forms a hard, transparent, protective film *on top* of the wood. It is very durable and often glossy. It is best for kitchen items that do not have prolonged contact with food, like a wooden kitchen stool, a spice rack, or the outside of a fruit bowl. You must check the label to see if it is food-safe. Paint: This provides a coloured, opaque coating on the surface. It is used for decoration and protection. Like varnish, it is best for non-food contact surfaces like kitchen cabinets or shelves. E. Step-by-Step Technique: Applying a Food-Safe Oil Finish Let's learn the professional way to finish a wooden item, like a small chopping board or a wooden spoon. The process has three main stages: Preparation, Application, and Curing.

Stage 1: Preparation (The Most Important Stage!) Step 1: Clean the Surface. Wash the wooden item with warm water and a little bit of mild soap. Rinse it well and use a clean towel to dry it. Let it sit in an airy place to dry completely for a few hours. Trapping water under a finish will cause the wood to rot. Step 2: Sand the Surface. Why? Sanding removes any roughness, scratches, or old finish. It opens up the pores of the wood so it can absorb the new oil finish properly. How? Take a piece of medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., P120). Wrap it around a small block of wood. Sand the surface of your item, always moving in the direction of the wood grain (the lines you see in the wood). This prevents scratching. For a very smooth finish, sand again with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., P220). Step 3: Wipe Away Dust. Use a clean, dry cloth or a slightly damp tack cloth to wipe away all the sanding dust. The surface must be perfectly clean and dust-free before applying the oil.