This activity, for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, looks at textiles in fashion design. It provides an opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and understanding of a circular economy approach to developing textiles products and how textile companies are applying this approach to developing new products...

In this project, students investigate and compare the waterproof and breathability properties of a range of fabrics used in clothing designed for sailing. They will find out about the different fabrics used in wet weather sailing gear. In particular, how breathable waterproofs work and what advantages and...

In this project, students test the strength of samples from different items of clothing to find out which material is the strongest.  One way to see which material is strongest would be to hang weights from it until it breaks, with the one that holds the most weight being the strongest. 

A collection of mini design challenges, themed around different material areas.

In this resource, students design a new glove for use in a sport of their choice. Students may find it helpful to talk with local people who partake in their chosen sport. The P.E. Department may be able to suggest suitable contacts.

A selection of tests, activities and factsheets are available for the...

The Fabric Fires activity for Key Stage Three students looks at how different fabrics catch fire and burn. Students are asked to first consider the commonest reasons for fires in the home. They then test and compare a fabric and a cotton wool ball, firstly when untreated and then having first soaked them in a fire...

From Practical Action, these materials help students to look at Fair Trade and sustainable development. It poses the question: Is there any way in which the London Olympics in 2012 and future Olympics can contribute to making the world a fairer, more sustainable place?

The activities in this collection link the study of textiles and materials with the science programmes of study. They show how textiles can be used in two very practical ways to reduce the danger of severe burns and in medical applications.

The activities are designed for key stage three students and help to...

This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). New applications for traditional fabrics are being found, but increasingly, fibres and fabrics are engineered for specific purposes. Much...

In this project, 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...

Alan Cucknell's job consists of finding new and innovative ways to make their clients' products stand out from the crowd. This...