Fabrics & Fiber 10-534

Target Grades: 8-12

Students perform four experiments analyzing fabric and fiber types to learn to characterize them.  First, students determine if each sample is animal, vegetable, mineral, or synthetic in origin by subjecting fibers to a burn test and evaluating fibers for protein and for the presence of sulfur.  Then, students observe fiber samples to identify general microscopic characteristics and subject them to chemical solubility and stress and strain tests. After learning techniques for proper collection of fiber evidence, students test three unknowns to determine their identity. Includes instructional manuals and student worksheets.

Required, but not included:

microscopes, alcohol or Bunsen burners, matches, test tubes, 1-hole stopper, test tube clamp, and distilled water. Designed for 24 students working in groups of four. Meets national standards for grade levels 10-12.

Kit Contains:

Instructor’s Manual Student Manual MSDS Cotton Sample Wool Sample Carpet Sample Glass Wool Sample Nylon Sample Rayon Sample Acetate Sample Unknown Sample #1 Unknown Sample #2 Unknown Sample #3 Wax Pencils Metal Forceps Plastic Forceps Slides Cover Slips Toothpicks Empty Dropper Bottles Red Litmus Paper Lead Acetate Paper Hydrochloric Acid Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hypochlorite Dry-Cleaning Solution Acetone Mounting Media