Y4

Science

Wool — taking a closer look

The wool fibre has a number of structural features that give wool its unique properties as a fibre and textile. The diameter (micron) of the wool determines how fine the final yarn and fabric will be, the crimp (wave) gives wool its natural insulation properties.

The focus of this lesson is to spark students’ interest, stimulate their curiosity, raise questions for inquiry and gain an understanding of their existing beliefs about wool. These existing ideas can then be taken account of in future lessons.

During this lesson students will have the opportunity to:

  • explore and make shared observations about the wool fibre
  • gain an appreciation of how the physical properties of the wool fibre contribute to the final properties of the woollen.

Links to the Australian Curriculum:

  • Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties that can influence their (ACSSU074)
  • Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations (ACSIS071)
  • Living things depend on each other and the environment to survive (ACSSU073)