Mill Farm once produced milk and
buttermilk for sale in Edinburgh and around local towns. Butter
was also made in the water powered buttery building.
During part of the year, one or
two cattle are brought into the old byre for milking at about 10.30
each day. Visitors are normally welcome to watch the milking but,
as accommodation is limited, we advise that groups wishing to see
the milking note this requirement on the booking form so that space
may be reserved.
The buttermaking activity is suitable for small groups of primary
4's and over ONLY and lasts 30-40 minutes. The group help to skim
milk, then turn small whisk churns until the butter is separated.
Butter is then worked used "scotch hands" to remove the
remaining milk and form a solid pat. This practical activity is
accompanied by discussion about the range of products produced from
milk, and issues of hygiene and food purity. Displays of old dairying
equipment can be examined and handled. Pasteurised, commercially-produced
milk is used in this demonstration, and the highest standards of
hygiene maintained so that the group can safely taste the butter
that they make.
Suggested curriculum links
This session is directly aimed at
children working at Levels A - C. The information given is in accordance
with the 5 - 14 Environmental Studies Guidelines.
Attainment Outcome: Earth and Space
Strand : Changing Materials
Learning Outcome: To make observations of the ways in which milk
can be made in to butter through churning (Level A)
The above Level A outcome is related to the Renfrewshire Guidelines
for Science P3 Unit 1 Lesson 1.
Attainment Outcome: Knowledge and
Understanding of Technology
Strand : Processes and how they are applied
Learning Outcome: To understand how butter is made through a sequence
of simple steps (Level A)
To be able to explain the sequences through which butter is made
(Level B)
To describe the general sequence of events through which milk and
butter are produced and used (Level D)
Attainment Outcome: Knowledge and
Understanding of Technology
Strand : Resources and how they are managed
Learning Outcome: To understand how milk is changed into butter
(Level C)
To understand those materials, tools and people are resources necessary
to make things (Level C)
