Natural fibres links and resources

Websites AusAID Publications Videos

Clothes line URL:  http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/resources/clothes_line/ A collection of lesson plans and resources from Oxfam exploring cotton production and the textile industry in India. Suitable for pupils aged 7-11. Cotton Australia URL:  http://www.cottonaustralia.com.au/ This site contains a wealth of information about cotton growing in Australia. Extensive downloadable PDF files provide background information for teachers. Fair Trade For All Education Kit URL:  http://www.fta.org.au/sites/default/files/file/fairtradeforall.pdf This kit provides Australian-based educational materials that focus on issues of trade justice, and in particular the Fairtrade certification system. The kit consists of six modules ? World Trade, Fairtrade Certification, The Coffee Trade, The Cocoa Trade, Sweatshops, Avenues of Empowerment ? for use with young people aged 10?13 years. All modules provide teacher information and a student resource sheet and include links to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. Flax and hemp URL:  http://www.flaxandhemp.bangor.ac.uk/english/intro.htm The University of Bangor in Wales is working with farmers to supply quality hemp and flax fibre for the Welsh bio-fibre industry. The website looks at hemp and flax growth, processing and products. Home Textile Museum URL:  http://www.hometextiletoolmuseum.org/demonstrations.html The Home Textile Tool Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to understanding textile production as it used to be in the American homes. The website showcases all aspects of home textile production, including flax and wool spinning, plain and overshot weaving, flax growing and preparation, keeping sheep, and natural dyeing. How Everyday Things Are Made URL:  http://manufacturing.stanford.edu/ An introductory website for children and adults showing how various items are made. The site includes information and video about products and manufacturing processes. International Jute Study Group URL:  http://www.jute.org/plant_1.htm The International Jute Study Group is an intergovernmental body established under the auspices of UNCTAD. Its website provides information on the growth and production of jute and kenaf. It includes an extensive collection of photos and short videos, statistics and information on jute products. International Year of Natural Fibres URL:  http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/ The official website for the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009. The site provides information on how natural fibres are used and why they are important. An information kit is available to download. Pasifika patterns URL:  http://www.tki.org.nz/r/wick_ed/pasifika/patterns.php Learn about symmetry while creating a Pasifika mat. Students can use this interactive learning object to investigate the symmetry in tapa cloth from each of 5 Pacific islands. Rotational symmetry and reflection symmetry are demonstrated. Sisal URL:  http://www.sisal.ws/ This website provides information about how sisal is grown, harvested and processed to generate products we use in everyday life. Talking textiles: How are textiles made? URL:  http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/artanddesign/talkingtextiles/howaretextilesmade.asp An interactive resource allowing learners to find out the origins of various materials. The resource also includes a short quiz. The Workboot Series URL:  http://www.poultryhub.org/education-and-training/kondinin-group/ The Western Australian Kondinin Group of farmers produces the Workboot Series, a collection of teacher resource sheets designed to educate upper primary children about the role and diversity of agriculture in Australia and the key issues and challenges confronting farm enterprises. These include a collection of illustrated worksheets on cotton, dairy, honey, timber, wheat and wool.

AusAID Publications Focus, a quarterly magazine published by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), provides a variety of items about how the Australian Government's overseas aid program addresses specific global issues You can subscribe to Focus online or order printed copies at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pubs.cfm?Type=PubFocus Videos Scope: Clothing Science Description: Different scientists explain the science behind clothing. Topics include the cotton manufacturing process, production of synthetic clothing, dyes, the difference in warmth between layers of cotton and a woollen jumper and sun-cleaned clothes. Duration: 30 minutes Age group: Primary Where to get it: Enhance TV http://www.enhancetv.com.au/index.php Scope: Clothing Technology Description: An introduction to the science behind clothing technology. Topics include the history of clothing, fibres, designing wetsuits, smell-free sneakers, non-iron jeans and carbon nanotubes. Duration: 30 minutes Age group: Primary Where to get it: Enhance TV http://www.enhancetv.com.au/index.php

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