Starch Resist Batik, Meaning, Materials and Tools for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Previous Lesson: Demonstration with Splashing Techniques
Topic: BATIK (STARCH RESIST)
Subject Matter: Meaning of starch materials, and tools for starch resist technique

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define starch resist batik.
• Identify different starch materials used in batik.
• List common tools for the starch resist technique.

Psychomotor Domain

• Observe the process of preparing starch for batik.
• Identify and handle basic tools for starch application.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the role of starch as a resist agent in batik.
• Show interest in learning the starch resist technique.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of different starch types (e.g., cassava starch, corn starch)
• Fabric samples with starch resist batik designs
• Mixing bowl, spoon, and water for starch preparation demonstration
• Applicator tools like brushes, spatulas, or squeeze bottles
• Charts or pictures illustrating starch resist batik processes and tools

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to a fundamental resist dyeing technique in batik, expanding their understanding of fabric decoration methods. Knowing the meaning, materials, and tools for starch resist batik provides a practical foundation for creating unique textile designs. It also helps students appreciate the versatility of natural materials in art and craft.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of batik as a fabric decoration technique and some knowledge of different resist methods.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BATIK (STARCH RESIST)

Meaning of Starch Resist Batik

Starch resist batik is a fabric decoration technique where a paste made from starch is applied to fabric to create patterns. The starch acts as a resist, preventing dye from penetrating the areas it covers. After dyeing, the starch is washed off, revealing the undyed patterns against the dyed background.

This method is known for producing soft, subtle lines and textures, often with a slightly cracked effect similar to wax batik, but with a different feel and application process.

Starch Materials for Batik Resist Technique

Various types of starch can be used for the resist technique, each offering slightly different properties in terms of consistency, adherence, and resist effectiveness. The choice of starch often depends on availability and desired effect.

1. Cassava Starch (Akpu/Fufu Starch): This is a common and readily available starch in Nigeria. It produces a thick, sticky paste that adheres well to fabric and offers good resist properties. It is often preferred for its strong binding capacity.
2. Corn Starch (Maize Starch): Widely available, corn starch also forms a good paste. It tends to be finer than cassava starch and can produce smoother lines. It is effective as a resist and easily washes out.
3. Rice Starch: Made from rice, this starch can also be used. It generally produces a smooth paste and is effective, though less commonly used than cassava or corn starch in Nigerian batik.
4. Wheat Starch: Derived from wheat, this starch can also serve as a resist. It forms a paste with good consistency and is suitable for various applications.

The starch is typically mixed with water to form a thick, spreadable paste. Sometimes, a small amount of glue or binder might be added to improve adhesion, though this is not always necessary.

Tools for Starch Resist Technique

The tools used for applying starch paste are generally simple and can be adapted based on the desired pattern and application method.

1. Brushes: Various sizes of brushes (e.g., paintbrushes, stencil brushes) are used for painting starch onto the fabric to create broad strokes, fine lines, or detailed patterns.
2. Spatulas/Scrapers: These flat tools are useful for spreading starch evenly over larger areas or for creating textured effects. They can also be used to create sharp, defined edges.
3. Squeeze Bottles/Cones: Plastic squeeze bottles with fine nozzles or traditional batik canting-like cones (made from plastic or leaves) are used for drawing intricate lines and dots with the starch paste.
4. Stencils: Stencils are used to create repetitive patterns or specific shapes by applying starch through the cut-out areas onto the fabric.
5. Stamps/Blocks: Carved stamps or blocks can be dipped in starch paste and then pressed onto the fabric to transfer designs.
6. Bowls/Containers: Used for mixing the starch paste and holding it during application.
7. Stirring Rods/Spoons: For mixing and ensuring the starch paste is lump-free and of consistent texture.
8. Drying Racks/Lines: For drying the fabric after starch application and after dyeing.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Explanation, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson on general batik techniques. The teacher then introduces the topic of “Starch Resist Batik” and explains that it is another fascinating method of creating patterns on fabric.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall previous knowledge, and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Introduction to starch batik

Step 2: Meaning of Starch Resist Batik

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of starch resist batik, highlighting how starch acts as a resist agent. The teacher shows examples of fabrics decorated with starch resist batik to illustrate the concept.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the fabric samples, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Definition of starch resist

Step 3: Starch Materials for Batik

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Listing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses various starch materials suitable for the resist technique, such as cassava starch, corn starch, and rice starch. The teacher shows samples of these raw starch materials and explains their common sources.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the starch samples, identify them, and note down the different types mentioned.

Learning Point: Types of starch materials

Step 4: Demonstration of Starch Preparation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the process of preparing starch paste by mixing starch powder with water to achieve the right consistency for application. The teacher explains safety precautions during preparation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, noting the steps and consistency of the starch paste.

Learning Point: Starch paste preparation

Step 5: Tools for Starch Resist Technique

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Description

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces and explains the various tools used for applying starch, such as brushes, spatulas, squeeze bottles, stencils, and stamps. The teacher shows actual tools or pictures of them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the tools, listen to their descriptions, and understand their uses.

Learning Point: Identification of tools

Step 6: Application Techniques Overview

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustration/Overview

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly explains how each tool can be used to apply starch to fabric to create different patterns, showing examples or quick gestures. This reinforces the practical application of the tools.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and visualise how the tools are used for starch application.

Learning Point: Starch application methods

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is starch resist batik?
2. Mention two types of starch materials used for this technique.
3. List three tools used for applying starch in batik.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding starch batik basics

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of starch resist batik, materials, and tools into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the meaning of starch resist batik, the materials, and the tools. The teacher encourages students to practice identifying these elements.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Consolidation of learning

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Research and write short notes on the following:

1. The advantages of using starch resist over wax resist in batik.
2. Any other natural materials that can be used as resist agents in fabric dyeing.

Lesson Keywords

• Starch Resist Batik – A fabric decoration technique using starch paste as a resist.
• Resist Agent – A substance that prevents dye from penetrating certain areas of fabric.
• Cassava Starch – A common starch material used in Nigerian batik.
• Spatula – A flat tool used for spreading starch paste.
• Squeeze Bottle – A tool for drawing fine lines with starch paste.

Differentiation

For students who may struggle, provide simplified definitions and focus on identifying only the most common starch materials and tools. For advanced learners, encourage them to research the historical origins of starch resist techniques in different cultures or explore how different starch consistencies affect the final batik design.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of starch resist batik, search on YouTube for: starch resist batik technique SS3