Fiber Science & Apparel Design

This hands-on science program helps children, grades 3-5 communicate what they observe and learn, understand the science connection between different fields of study, recognize and apply science concepts in their daily experiences. It emphasizes giving each child an opportunity to manipulate materials and equipment, test ideas, and explore what interests them in a relaxed learning environment. This program is most effective when an adult works with a group of 5 to 10 children. The series of supporting manuals were reviewed by an independent jury and recommended for 4-H use nationally. Visit the In-Touch website for more program details.

• In-Touch Science: Chemistry & Environment
• In-Touch Science: Fibers & Animals
• In-Touch Science: Foods & Fabrics
• In-Touch Science: Plants & Engineering

Order the publications from Fiber Science and Apparel Design. Send a check for $4 per copy, made payable to Cornell University, to Charlotte Coffman, MVR 239, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.

This curriculum explains the role of textiles in aviation. Experiential activities explore the principles of aerodynamics, textile properties, and functional clothing design. The program has been successful in nonformal settings; elementary classrooms; Grades 7-12 courses in science, technology, and family and consumer sciences; and homeschooling situations. It includes:

• A 30-minute videotape that reviews the history of textiles in flight, fiber chemistry, polymer science, and careers. Grade 7 and up.
• An activity notebook that encourages youth, to make kites, rockets, and parachutes; to test fabrics for flammability, strength, and absorbency; and to design garments for flyers. More than 50 hands-on activities are contained in the 200 loose-leaf pages. Grades K-12.

Order the publications from Fiber Science and Apparel Design. Send a check for $12 per manual and/or $15 per video, made payable to Cornell University, to Charlotte Coffman, MVR 239, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.  Cornell Cooperative Extension educators can borrow supporting resources from the Lending Library.

This interactive web-based program engages youth, ages 8-19 in science, technology, and math experiences. Users follow jean trends, calculate their average Frisbee throw, learn to fit a bicycle, and more. Visit the Go Figure website and try it!

This project focuses on past and present technologies that convert plant materials to textile products. Youth make a tool, try traditional techniques, research modern production, and link to a community agency such as a museum or nature center. Topics include papermaking, rope making, indigo dyeing, net making, and mat weaving.  All activites can be downloaded as .pdf files from the Plants & Textiles website. 

Cornell Cooperative extension educators can borrow a teaching kit of tools, samples, and books from the Lending Library.