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...

This project demonstrates how to use a light sensor cell holder and make a circuit using two PCB LEDs. The resource provides a step by step guide on how to make a bike backpack cover with LEDs inserted along one of the reflective stripes. It uses a cell holder which has a light sensor on it which means the LEDs...

This resource describes how to make two hearts which light up when placed next to each other. Each heart has a magnet switch and magnet hidden along the side edges and once they are lined up with each other, a circuit is created. A miniature cell holder is used along with a PCB LED that glows through the fabric....

This resource describes how to make a safety armband or beltband.The projects use a basic e-textiles circuit, but a popper has been added into the circuit to create a switch. When the popper is open the circuit is broken and the LED will not light up. When the popper is closed the circuit is functional and the LED...

This resource describes how to add an LED light to a beanie hat.It is an ideal starter project and uses a basic e-textiles circuit. Students will learn how to use conductive thread, a standard LED and a switched cell holder in order to place the light on the outside of the hat without cutting a hole. Step by step...

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. 

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...

This booklet is aimed at key stage three teachers that want to offer wearable technology projects. It covers the following topics, conductive thread, LEDs and resistors, stitched circuits and press stud switches. Each of the tasks require little or no electronics experience. The information can be used to plan...

These activities present ideas and step-by-step guidance for making wearable technology projects. 

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?