Textiles
A collection of resources for GCSE Design and Technology that support the teaching about natural and synthetic fibres.
Fibres and Fabrics
This booklet provides background information, presentation slides and examples of experiments that can be used with students to describe the construction of textiles and their properties.
Understanding fabrics
This lesson supports students to unpick a number of different types of textile, including natural, synthetic, blended, woven, non-woven and knitted Textiles. The lesson provides a classroom presentation, teacher notes and student worksheets.
Gold award: compare the properties of different fabrics
This resource suggests a textiles based project, suitable for a CREST award. Students compare the properties of a range of fabrics made from different fibres. The fabrics could be woven or knitted and they could be made from natural fibres such as cotton and wool or synthetic fibres such as nylon. Students should investigate physical properties, such as strength, tear resistance, abrasion and thermal resistance. Chemical properties to investigate include stain resistance and the effect of UV light on different dyes.
Design a sports glove
In this resource, students design a new glove for use in a sport of their choice. A selection of tests, activities and factsheets are available for the students to use. They must decide what are the most important properties to include in the design of their glove. They may also think of their own experiments or research to carry out, as well as exploring the aesthetic aspects of design. Curriculum links include: properties of materials, abrasion resistance, colour fast, dyeing, fabric friction and grip, gloves for protection, lightweight fabric, shrinking, water repellant fabrics, waterproof fabrics, wetting, washing and drying.
Invention of Nylon *suitable for home teaching*
This film looks at what makes the polymer Nylon so durable.
The key points made in the film are:
• In the past, clothes were all made from natural sources, such as silk, wool and cotton.
• Then Wallace Carothers discovered nylon in 1939.
• It was discovered through experimentation with polymers, products of crude oil.
• Nylon is strong and durable and used in many products.
