-
9th, 10th Grades
- Project
- 4 weeks
"Funky Fabrics Fashion Frenzy!"
Purpose
This project aims to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of fabric design for school uniforms, integrating cultural, historical, and sustainable elements. By collaborating with community partners and utilizing technology, students will create innovative designs that reflect the identity and values of their school. The project encourages students to think critically about their contribution to the school legacy while developing practical skills in design, mathematics, and science. Through hands-on experiences and community involvement, students will leave a lasting impact on their school and gain insights into real-world applications of their learning.
Learning goals
Students will develop skills in design thinking and creative problem-solving by creating a patterned fabric for school uniforms that reflects cultural, historical, and community values. They will apply mathematical concepts to calculate measurements and material needs, engage in scientific exploration by using sustainable materials, and enhance their communication skills through interviews and documentary writing. Additionally, students will gain insights into the fashion industry by collaborating with community partners and will learn to utilize technology and digital tools to innovate their design process.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.MG.A.3: Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
- NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Products
Students will create a unique fabric pattern for a school uniform that incorporates cultural, historical, and sustainable elements. They will produce a documentary exploring the school's logo and motto, capturing interviews with community members. The final products will be showcased in a fashion show and a farmer's market, highlighting the innovative use of natural resources and digital tools in the design process.
Launch
Kick off the project by hosting a design workshop where students collaborate in teams to create initial fabric pattern prototypes, using digital design tools. Invite local fashion designers and business partners to provide insights and guidance, sparking creativity and innovation. This hands-on session will set the stage for students to explore cultural influences and sustainable practices, establishing a strong foundation for the project.
Exhibition
Host a dynamic fashion show featuring the students' fabric designs, inviting current students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and partners to attend. Set up a booth at the local farmer’s market where students can display their work, engage with the community, and share the stories behind their designs. Incorporate interactive elements such as a digital gallery showcasing the design process and a documentary screening about the history of the school logo and motto.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Introduction - Discuss project goals, learning targets, and essential questions to set the stage for the fabric design project (30 min)
Design Workshop with Community Partners - Host a collaborative session with local fashion designers to brainstorm initial fabric pattern ideas using digital design tools (90 min)
Cultural and Historical Research - Investigate cultural and historical influences for fabric design through guided research and discussion (60 min)
Reflection and Journaling - Reflect on the day's insights and document initial thoughts on how to incorporate cultural elements into designs (30 min)
Wrap-up and Next Steps - Recap the day's activities and outline the objectives for the next session (30 min)
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Introduction to Sustainable Materials - Explore the importance of sustainability in fabric design with a focus on using natural resources (40 min)
Guest Speaker Session - Hear from a local business owner about sustainable practices in the fashion industry (50 min)
Hands-On Experiment - Experiment with natural dyes and materials to understand their properties and potential uses in fabric design (80 min)
Small Group Discussions - Reflect on how sustainable practices can be integrated into the design process (40 min)
Reflection and Documentation - Capture insights from the day's activities in individual learning journals (30 min)
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Mathematical Applications in Design - Learn how to calculate measurements and material needs for patterns using geometric methods (60 min)
Pattern Prototyping Session - Begin creating initial fabric pattern prototypes using digital tools and incorporating mathematical calculations (80 min)
Peer Feedback Round - Share prototypes with peers and receive constructive feedback for improvement (50 min)
Survey and Reflection - Complete a survey to gather thoughts on the critique process and reflect on learnings (30 min)
Planning for Revision - Plan revisions based on peer feedback and identify areas for further exploration (20 min)
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Exploring School Identity - Conduct interviews with community members to understand the history and values of the school logo and motto (60 min)
Documentary Writing Session - Begin drafting a documentary script that captures the essence of the school’s identity (70 min)
Collaborative Design Refinement - Use insights from interviews to refine fabric patterns, ensuring they reflect school identity (60 min)
Technology Integration Workshop - Explore digital tools to enhance design innovation and efficiency in the pattern creation process (40 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on progress and set specific goals for the next phase of the project (30 min)
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Finalizing Prototypes - Work in teams to finalize fabric pattern prototypes, integrating cultural, historical, and sustainable elements (100 min)
Community Critique Session - Present prototypes to community partners and gather feedback for further refinement (60 min)
Team Reflection and Strategy Meeting - Discuss feedback and strategize next steps for pattern revisions (50 min)
Journaling and Personal Reflection - Document personal learnings and growth from the week (20 min)
Preview of Next Week - Outline the focus for the upcoming week and prepare materials for continued work (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Initial digital sketches and mood board reflecting cultural, historical, and sustainable inspirations.
2. Documentation of interviews with community members about the school logo and motto. |
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| Preparation |
1. Organize the design workshop with local designers and business partners.
2. Ensure access to digital design tools and resources for students. 3. Provide research materials on cultural, historical, and sustainable design practices. 4. Arrange interviews with community members and alumni. 5. Prepare materials for math and science activities related to fabric measurement and sustainable resources. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Measurement Workshop - Calculate precise measurements needed for fabric patterns using geometric methods, ensuring accuracy for different sizes. (60 min)
Design Feedback Session - Collaborate with local fashion designers to receive feedback on initial fabric prototypes and refine designs based on expert insights. (60 min)
Historical Research Interviews - Conduct interviews with community members to gather stories about the school's logo and motto, initiating the documentary process. (60 min)
Reflection Activity - Discuss as a group: 'How can our designs leave a lasting legacy for future students?' (60 min)
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Sustainable Materials Exploration - Investigate and select sustainable materials for fabric creation, considering environmental impact and availability. (60 min)
Cultural Influence Brainstorm - Explore cultural and historical influences that can be integrated into fabric designs, documenting ideas for further development. (60 min)
Pattern Design Refinement - Use digital tools to refine pattern designs, incorporating feedback and cultural elements identified in brainstorming sessions. (60 min)
Team Reflection - Reflect on progress and set specific goals for incorporating sustainable practices in the design process. (60 min)
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Material Calculation Exercise - Calculate the amount of materials needed for each student, applying mathematical concepts to ensure efficiency. (60 min)
Documentary Script Drafting - Begin drafting scripts for the school logo and motto documentary, integrating information from interviews and research. (60 min)
Natural Dye Experimentation - Conduct experiments with plant-based dyes to explore color options for fabric patterns, documenting results. (60 min)
Peer Review Session - Share design and documentary progress with peers for constructive feedback and ideas for improvement. (60 min)
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Pattern Prototype Testing - Create and test fabric prototypes using selected sustainable materials, evaluating functionality and aesthetics. (60 min)
Community Partner Collaboration - Meet with community partners to discuss design progress and gather additional insights for improvements. (60 min)
Documentary Filming - Begin filming segments for the documentary, focusing on the history and significance of the school's logo and motto. (60 min)
Design Iteration Discussion - Conduct a group discussion on how to iterate designs based on prototype testing and partner feedback. (60 min)
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Feedback Implementation - Incorporate feedback from designers, peers, and community partners into final design revisions. (60 min)
Documentary Editing - Edit filmed segments, ensuring clarity and coherence in storytelling about the school's logo and motto. (60 min)
Final Design Presentation Preparation - Prepare presentations for showcasing final fabric designs, emphasizing cultural, historical, and sustainable aspects. (60 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on the week's achievements and set actionable goals for the upcoming fashion show and farmer's market exhibition. (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A set of three initial fabric pattern prototypes created using digital design tools, reflecting cultural and historical influences.
2. A written report or presentation summarizing the research findings on cultural and historical influences and how they are being integrated into the design. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange meetings with local fashion designers and community leaders for insights and guidance.
2. Gather digital design tools and software licenses for student use. 3. Prepare interview questions and consent forms for interviews with community members. 4. Set up a workspace with necessary materials for prototype creation, including fabrics and sustainable materials. 5. Organize access to mathematical tools and resources for calculations related to measurements and materials. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Feedback Integration Session - Gather and discuss feedback from students and alumni surveys to identify areas for improvement in fabric designs (60 min)
Cultural Elements Workshop - Collaborate in teams to explore and incorporate cultural and historical influences into updated fabric prototypes (90 min)
Sustainable Materials Research - Investigate and select sustainable materials that align with design goals and values, documenting findings (90 min)
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Digital Design Enhancement - Utilize digital tools to refine and enhance fabric patterns based on feedback and research insights (120 min)
Mathematical Calculations for Fabric - Apply geometric methods to calculate precise measurements and material requirements for updated designs (120 min)
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Community Partnership Collaboration - Engage with local fashion designers and business partners for guidance on refining fabric patterns and production processes (120 min)
Science and Sustainability Exploration - Experiment with natural resources to create eco-friendly fabric samples, documenting the process and outcomes (120 min)
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Documentary Production - Conduct interviews and gather materials to craft a documentary on the school logo and motto, focusing on their historical significance (120 min)
Pattern Finalization - Finalize fabric pattern designs, ensuring they reflect the identity and values of the school community (120 min)
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Fashion Show Preparation - Plan and organize the logistics of the upcoming fashion show, assigning roles and responsibilities (120 min)
Exhibition Setup - Create digital galleries and interactive elements for showcasing the design process and documentary at the exhibition (120 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised fabric pattern designs incorporating feedback and sustainable elements.
2. A documented narrative of interviews about the school's logo and motto, including insights from community members. 3. Sample fabric swatches using plant-based dyes and natural fibers. 4. Digital presentation showcasing updates to fabric designs and plans for sustainable production. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure interview appointments with community members, fashion designers, and alumni.
2. Gather materials for sustainable dyeing and fabric production, including plant-based dyes and natural fibers. 3. Arrange access to digital design tools for pattern revision and presentation creation. 4. Prepare space for digital presentations and provide necessary technology (e.g., projectors, laptops). 5. Collaborate with community partners for insights on sustainable practices in fabric production. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Fashion Show Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the fashion show, practicing presentations and managing logistics. (120 min)
Documentary Final Edits - Finalize the documentary, ensuring the narrative captures the essence of the school's logo and motto. (120 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Arrange the physical and digital space for the exhibition, ensuring interactive elements are ready. (120 min)
Community Engagement Preparation - Prepare materials and talking points for engaging with community members at the exhibition. (120 min)
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Final Design Touch-ups - Make last-minute adjustments to fabric designs based on feedback from the fashion show rehearsal. (120 min)
Exhibition Dry Run - Conduct a mock exhibition walkthrough, practicing interactions and ensuring all elements are functioning. (120 min)
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Fashion Show Execution - Host the fashion show, showcasing students' designs to an audience of peers, faculty, and community members. (120 min)
Exhibition Opening - Launch the exhibition at the farmer's market, engaging the community with the fabric designs and documentary screening. (120 min)
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Reflection and Feedback Session - Gather reflections from participants and feedback, discussing how the project impacts the school's legacy. (120 min)
Project Celebration - Celebrate the project's completion with students, faculty, and community partners, recognizing achievements and collaboration. (120 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final fabric pattern designs with incorporated adjustments
2. Completed documentary on the school's logo and motto history 3. Organized fashion show and farmer's market booth 4. Reflection piece on the legacy to be left for future students 5. Collected feedback and reflection report from community members |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather necessary digital design tools and software for final pattern adjustments
2. Ensure access to video editing software for documentary completion 3. Coordinate logistics for the fashion show and farmer's market, including venue and equipment 4. Prepare materials for the exhibition setup, including digital galleries and presentation tools 5. Create and distribute feedback surveys to community members, faculty, and alumni |
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