Fabric functional properties
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can investigate the properties of materials that would suit the purpose of my design.
Key learning points
- Fabrics have different insulating properties.
- Fabrics have different levels of water resistance.
- Fabrics have different levels of strength.
- Designers need to consider the sustainability of fabrics.
- Fabrics are chosen for their properties.
Keywords
Properties - words used to describe what a material is like
Insulating - stops heat from escaping
Waterproof - no water can get through at all
Water-resistant - doesn't soak up water easily
Sustainability - using what we need, while protecting the environment so there is enough for the future
Common misconception
All fabrics have the same properties.
Different fabrics have different properties which must be considered when selecting fabrics for designs.
Teacher tip
Insulation test - depending on conditions, this may need to be set up in the lesson and observed over more time.
Equipment
Fabric scraps, ice cubes, stopwatch or timer.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does a milliner do?
Q2.On a hat, what is the function (job) of a brim?
Q3.Which of these natural fabrics comes from a plant?
Q4.What do we call materials that do not let water pass through them at all?
Q5.What does the word insulating mean?
Q6.What do we call fabrics that do not come from natural sources?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do we mean by a fabric's properties?
Q2.Match the fabric properties to their descriptions.
keeps warmth in and cold out
stops water getting through
can expand and change shape
not flexible
doesn't soak up water easily
Q3.Which of these is part of being sustainable?
Q4.Which would be the most sustainable choice?
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Fabric functional properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Fabric functional properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the Textile pattern pieces: hats and caps unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.