Burn tests are one method used to identify fiber content of fabric. Throughout this lesson, students will work in groups to learn about burn tests and conduct a lab where they complete burn tests to identify fibers. This lesson is designed to take one 50-minute class period, but could be drawn out to take two 50-minute class periods. To grade this assignment, I like to use their justifications for why they think it was a certain fiber, instead of just assessing if they selected the right fiber for the sample.  Consider teaching the following lessons alongside Burn Tests. Each of these have a textile science focus. Microscopy Fiber ID Lab - https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/106763Solubility Fiber ID Lab - https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/106762

Throughout this project, the students will complete a burrito-style pillowcase. This project will take about five days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. (In my classroom, I give students the choice to complete the PJ Pants or the Pillowcase Project. If they choose to make a pillowcase, I have them make two - one for themself and one for a foster kid.)

Throughout this project, the students will create a drawstring bag. This project will take about five days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. 

Throughout this lesson, the students will learn about the history of weaving and the different types of fabric weaves. This is designed to take one 50-minute class period, but it may take 2 class periods for the students to complete all of their sample weaves. 

Ice-Dying is a twist on the classic tie-dye of the mid-1960s. In this lab, students will be combining the tie-dyeing techniques with the properties of slow melting ice. As the ice melts, the melted water carries the dye into the fabric, distributing the colors.  This is ideally a 3-period lab (52-minute classes). Day 1 consists of instructions, a teacher demo, and planning. Day 2 is when the students get to tie, dye, and prep their designs. Day 3 students get to rinse out their fabric and wash it.

Microscopy tests are one method used to identify fiber content of fabric. Throughout this lesson, students will work in groups to learn about microscopy tests and conduct a lab where they complete these tests to identify fibers. This lesson is designed to take one 50-minute class period, but could be drawn out to take two 50-minute class periods. To grade this assignment, I like to use their justifications for why they think it was a certain fiber, instead of just assessing if they selected the right fiber for the sample. 

Throughout this project, the students will construct a pair of pajama pants. This project will take about seven days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. (In my classroom, I give students the choice to complete the PJ Pants or the Pillowcase Project.)

This one day lesson (45-minute class period) is designed as a checkpoint to make sure students understand how to use the sewing machine safely. Students will independently work through a worksheet that has them describe the steps to set-up a sewing machine, describe sewing notions, explain their skill level on a sewing machine, practice sewing on paper, and sew a straight line and pivot on fabric. As the students are working, the teacher will walk around, monitor progress, and ask questions. The day will conclude with a class discussion and the teacher picking up  the applications. The following day, after the worksheets are graded, the teacher will award the Sewing Machine Licenses.  This lesson is used right before the students begin their main sewing project as one last check to make sure the students know the necessary information to complete their projects.

Throughout this lesson students will learn about and use the various sewing notions through a series of six stations. This lesson is designed to be used towards the beginning of a sewing unit. The lesson will begin with a discussion of sewing knowledge and the importance of tools to various careers. Next, the teacher will explain and demo each of the six stations. The safety precautions will also be discussed. The students will move about the room in eight-minute increments as they learn about and try the tools. The students will also fill out a worksheet on the tools. The class will wrap-up with a discussion of the tools. 

Solubility tests are one method used to identify fiber content of fabric. Throughout this lesson, students will work in groups to learn about solubility tests and conduct a lab where they complete solubility tests to identify fibers. This lesson is designed to take one 50-minute class period. To grade this assignment, I like to use their justifications for why they think it was a certain fiber, instead of just assessing if they selected the right fiber for the sample.  For this lab, you can either conduct the tests as a class and have all of the students observe one set of samples OR you can have groups of students conduct the experiments. It just depends on the size of your class and the volume of supplies, swatches, chemicals, and jars you have available.