Teach-Primary-Issue-19.3

Frommicroplastics in our clothing to the science of design, there are plenty of teaching moments in a fashion show. This lesson will explore the fashion industry, guiding pupils through issues that exist and finding solutions to protect the environment. They will explore things like the natural materials that can be used to design and make garments, and will be encouraged to sketch design drawings as well as gathering recycled materials to embellish their ideas. Finally, you will introduce the children to the world of pre-loved clothing, using their new knowledge to stage a green fashion runway. 1 | IN A PLASTIC WORLD Discuss microplastics and fast fashion and the impact they have on our environment. Explain that, particularly in clothes made from synthetic materials, this kind of pollution is a big issue and that the microplastics are often found in our ocean and seas, harming wildlife there. Explore what materials could be best to filter out microplastics by conducting an experiment. Gather a range of materials, including different fabrics, as well as a plastic filter funnel, a water and sand mixture, and an empty beaker. Create the filter by spreading the material over the funnel. Next, pour the water and sand mixture through the filter and into the beaker. Note down how much sand has been left in the filter. Record the measurements or observations on a table to keep track of the results. Which material was the best filter? Discuss if there is a way we could use the materials that act as good filters for microplastics in our fashion choices, or how they could spread awareness to help people when designing clothes? 2 | AU NATURALE Our natural environment offers different colours, shapes and textures to explore. Take the children out on a nature walk and ask them to record and sketch the START HERE MAIN LESSON WHAT THEY’LL LEARN l How to set up and record findings from an experiment l How to use the natural world as inspiration in fashion l The importance of upcycling and pre-loved fashion l How our fashion choices affect the environment Art and design Hold a class discussion to introduce the fashion industry. First, list all the ways to get clothing (e.g. online shopping, hand-me-downs, etc). Ask the children to sort these choices into ones they think are bad for the environment and some that may be a better choice to make. From the discussion, pull out the issues with fast fashion and show images connected to the impact this kind of consumerism has on the environment. Use thought bubbles around the images to gather pupils’ thoughts and reactions. Explain that they are going to explore the more sustainable fashion choices that people could make to protect our planet. Create your own climate-friendly fashion show Explore sustainability and clothing design, culminating in a green runway showcase, with Emily Azouelos KS2 LESSON PLAN 78 | www.teachwire.net