Foxfire Virtual Tour

The blacksmith was a valued, essential community member. A blacksmith had to understand all aspects of metallurgy, including knowledge of different melting points, oxidation and other scientific processes. The blacksmith had to maintain critical and precise standards, such as oxygenating the fire through the air pump, using the hammer and anvil to shape the metal and, finally, placing the metals back into the fire to heat them into a malleable form until the final product was achieved. The cycle used to forge metal into its final form reflects Foxfire’s first Core Practice. The first Core Practice emphasizes how a cycle of learner choice, design and revision infuses the work teachers and learners do together to fulfill all curricula given.