Twelfth graders become aware of the environmental, social and economic issues related to the production of blue jeans. They explore the relationship between individual clothing choices as well as global issues. In addition, they...

Students examine and discuss the role of the Kimono in Japanese culture. They create Kimono Paper Weavings, Kimono Scratch Art, and Kimono Clay Sculptures.

Students utilize their artistic senses to create jungle vines.  In this arts and crafts lesson, students create jungle vines using green and brown fabric and scissors.  Students hang their vines from the class ceiling to...

Dressing for success is not always about looking sharp. Sometimes it is about staying warm and dry. Present your class with an activity that challenges groups of pupils to design a layered material for blizzard conditions. The teams test...

Students experiment to determine a way to waterproof a piece of cotton fabric. For this scientific inquiry lesson, students use reference worksheets to explore  waterproofing and the use of nanotechnology in engineering everyday...

Students practice the art of stamping and pattern design in this lesson plan using cotton fabric, ink, acrylic paint, watercolors, Elmer's Glue, and Model Magic. Emphasis is placed on the creation of individual student stamps and...

Students investigate how to design a jacket that can be worn in extremely cold temperatures. They use the internet to research materials and different types of designs. As an extension to the lesson students go to a sporting goods store...

Students review the parts of fabric, good fabric selection for a quilt, and participate in a lab to determine a good fabric for quilts. They identify the parts of the fabric, how important the parts of the fabric are, and select good...

Students identify various textiles and factors that lead to the selection of specific textiles. They put their knowledge of textiles to use by selecting the textiles that they would use in an interior that they have designed.

Students explore the issues of free trade and protectionism by role-playing. In particular, they will learn how these terms apply to an understanding of U.S.-Taiwan trade in textiles. After a lecture/demo, students break into groups for...

Students practice placing images on their completed quilts. Using their quilt they made in an earlier instructional activity, they print off photographs from a printer and use heat to transfer them to the fabric. They share their quilts...

Build fine motor, spatial, and drawing skills by having the class complete the other half of a portrait. They choose an image of a face from a magazine, then attempt to draw the other half of the face as accurately as they can. Two book...

Get out the glue and those oil pastels its time for an art project. The class explores shape, art, and color as they draw fish with glue, let them dry, and then color them as they wish. This project would be wonderful after discussing...

Elementary artists use a collage and multi-media technique to create textured trees. They study the fall trees, discussing texture and what bare trees look like. They then use a variety of materials to create a textural piece. 

Kids create leaf people out of sticks, glue, and leaves. They use their imagination to construct leaf people and then glue them onto construction paper. Tip: Extend this craft by incorporating writing. Have learners write a short story...

If you have a little left over tinsel and aluminum foil, your class can create these fun moon and star mobiles. Poster board or recycled cardboard become your moon and stars; the tinsel gives them sparkle. This would be a great...

In need of a quick way to get rid of extra art tape? This simple idea describes how learners can use it to create mini amusement parks. They'll form the tape into roller coasters, cars, and people with a little imagination and creative...

Explore the extraordinary creatures of the ocean! Learners create Florida Blue Crabs (imitation of course) using blue paint and their hand prints. This is a cute supplementary project perfect for an ocean-themed unit or preschool...

Sometimes all you need is a quick and easy outdoor art project. Perfect for the end of the school year, this mural project allows kids to make a mess while creating art. They use spray bottles full of paint to "spray" paint a large sheet...

Students explore early 19th century labor conditions through the use of period songs. In this tolerance instructional activity, students listen to period songs and respond. Students write their own song that protests unfair and dangerous...

Students will learn how to safely use a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler. They will also learn the parts of the fabric and understand the difference between a finished block and a cut block.

Young scholars research and present reports on 20th century fashions and their influences. After watching a video about fashion, they complete worksheets based on the film. In another activity, students make doll-sized clothing items...

Sixth graders investigate a Japanese dyeing method, Arashi shibori, its history and its process. They are introduced to hachimaki, a Japanese headband, and make their own to wear.

Twelfth graders examine the labor conditions in different companies and corporations. In groups, they use the internet to locate the conditions of the companies of the clothes they are wearing. They share their information with the...