Lesson

Fabric Forensics
Title/Focus
Subject/Grade
Grade 6
Level
Unit

Date

November 21, 2016

Time
45 mins
Duration

Science - Investigation

Teacher

Miss. Baillie Rutherford

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General
Learning
Outcomes:
Specific
Learning
Outcomes:

69 Apply knowledge of the properties and interactions of materials to the investigation

and identification of a material sample.
Investigate evidence and link it to a possible source; e.g., by:
- comparing samples of fabric
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:
1. Make predictions for the different fabric types on how they will burn.
ASSESSMENTS
Observations:
Are students paying attention in order to make valid predictions?
Can students make observations in order to make a concluding inference.
Key Questions:
Do students understand the difference between natural and synthetic
(fake) fabrics?
Can students predict the outcomes of how fabrics will burn?
Products/Performanc Students will observe the fabrics burning after they have each made a
es:
prediction as to how it would burn
LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Edmonton Public schools Topic D Evidence and Fabric samples
Investigation
Candle and something to put candle on
Measuring cup with water
Tongs
PROCEDURE
Prior to lesson
Introduction
Time
Attention Grabber
ASK: Is every type of fabric made out of the same material?
ASK: Therefore, do you think every type of fabric will burn the
2 min
same?
Expectations for
I expect everyone to make predictions to the best of their ability
Learning and
and to also keep their hands to themselves during the experiment.
Behaviour
Advance
1. Go over terms in order to make valid predictions
Organizer/Agenda
2. Experiment
Transition to Body
Body
Time
Learning Activity #1
Discussion about natural and synthetic fabrics
ASK: What do you think a natural fabric is?
DO: Write answer (produced by plants and animals) on the board
ASK: What kind of fabric would that consist of?
1

Prompt: silk, wool, cotton, cashmere, hemp

ASK: If we think about what natural fabrics consist of, what do
you think synthetic fabrics are?
DO: Write answers (chemically produced) on board
Prompt: polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex,
orlon and Kevlar
ASK: What tests can be performed to tell one fabric from another?
Questions that should come from their responses:
Will it wrinkle?
What color is it?
Does the dye come out in water?
What does the weave look like?
How does it feel?
Will it stretch?
Does it absorb or repel water?
What happens when it burns?
ASK: What is the difference between a thread and fabric?
\Teacher Notes:
Assessments/
Differentiation
Learning Activity #2

Burn or Melt?
DO: Make sure candle is on something so wax doesnt get on table
(jar lid)
SAY: This can be a very dangerous experiment so I want everyone
to keep their hands to themselves: no reaching or grabbing
anything! If I see anyone doing so you will go right back to your
desk and will not be able to participate.
SAY: Okay we are going to experiment with different fabrics to
see what they will do. Some questions I want you to take into
consideration are:
Does the fabric burn?
Does the fabric melt?
Is there an odor?
Is there smoke or flame?
Does it ignite immediately?
What does it look like?
Is there a residue?
ASK: What do you think this material will do? Why?
ASK: Was anyones prediction correct? If not, why dont you
think it was correct?
DO: Make predictions for every fabric
SAY: Okay I want everyone to make their way back to their desks
quickly and quietly.

Teacher Notes:
Assessments/
Differentiation
Closure

Time
2

Consolidation of
Learning:
Feedback From
Students:

Feedback To Students

ASK: So what did you guys observe? What kind of fabrics burnt?
What kind of fabrics melted?
ASK: What is the difference between a thread and a fabric?
ASK: Do you remember the 2 types of fabrics we learnt about at
the beginning of the lesson?
SAY: Great job today! You guys made some great predictions that
related to the terms we talked about at the beginning of class!