Foxfire Virtual Tour

The Grist Mill was used to grind flour and other grains for the community. The quality of the flour was dependent on the grinding process. This mill used an overshot water wheel that employed the force of gravity. The overshot wheel was more efficient than an undershot water wheel, which utilized the movement of flowing water. The quality of grain produced depended on the wheel’s movement. A clammy flour resulted from a dull wheel while over ground flour produced thin, flavorless bread.

Consequently, in order to ensure a quality product, the miller underwent numerous trials with ongoing assessment. Foxfire’s ninth Core Practice echoes this standard of ongoing quality assessment. Teachers and learners partner to evaluate created work. These evaluations then guide subsequent work toward higher levels of achievement and understanding.