| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Design and technology |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Textiles |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Any other preferences |
Objective: Spark curiosity and contextual understanding of textiles by exploring their historical evolution.
As students enter the classroom, they are greeted with a large time machine graphic projected on the whiteboard, labelled "Textile Time Machine".
Prompt Discussion: Upon settling in, ask students, "If you could travel back in time to one period in history to see how textiles were made, where would you go and why?"
Small Group Brainstorm: Break students into small groups to discuss and jot down their ideas for 5 minutes. Encourage them to think about different cultures and important historical periods, such as Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, or the Industrial Revolution.
Gallery Walk: Each group shares their chosen period and a brief rationale by placing their ideas on a timeline displayed around the room. Students walk through the gallery to observe and discuss other groups' selections.
Transition to Learning: Conclude with a brief introduction to the lesson on textiles, linking the historical context to the modern techniques and materials they will explore. Highlight how understanding the past can inform current designs and technology in textiles.
Objective: Create excitement and anticipation by introducing students to various textile materials.
Place a big, decorated box in the centre of the classroom covered with a cloth. The box should be filled with different swatches of fabric.
Create Suspense: Begin by telling students that they will embark on a "fabric detective mission." The goal is to identify mysterious fabrics that contribute to our everyday clothing and items.
Exploration Time: Invite students to take turns reaching into the box without looking and feel a fabric swatch. They must describe it using their senses (sight, touch, even smell) to their peers, but they cannot reveal what it is yet.
Group Questioning: After a few turns, engage the class by asking questions about what they felt and how they think each fabric is used in design and technology. This activates their existing knowledge and encourages critical thinking.
Reveal and Discuss: Once all swatches have been introduced, students will guess what each fabric is and discuss its properties. This can segue into a lesson that covers the various types of textiles, their characteristics, and their uses in design projects.
By implementing these engaging introductions, you can effectively capture your students' interest and lay a strong foundation for their exploration of textiles in design and technology.