Create wearable visuals of scientific cycles — including food webs, water cycle, photosynthesis, metamorphosis, and more. Great for assessment or classroom displays.
This timelapse video gives an overview of how to use clip-art or completed plan sheet to complete your wearable projects.
Steps-by-Step guide to complete a Science
a). With the clip-art images you provide and/or free-hand drawing, students complete their Science Making Connections Plan Sheet. (link in resources)
Give them several different images of each stage from which to choose so that each shirt is unique. Be sure to have lots of plan sheets available so students can start over until they are satisfied with their plan.
In this image, you see the butterfly and egg stages have been traced.
b). A plan sheet showing all four stages completed.
In this image, you see the butterfly and egg stages have been traced.
c). Arrows have been added. Outlining the completed plan sheet with a black marker will make the art easier to trace through the fabric of the shirt. Do NOT color the plan sheet. You want the image to be black and white for easier visibility through the fabric. I suggest you collect plan sheets and approve them before moving on to stage four. This will give you an opportunity to check for errors or make suggestions for improvement.
a). Distribute shirts to students and demonstrate how to slide the completed plan sheet inside the shirt and center it in the Science Making Connections circle. Smooth the fabric and secure the plan sheet and shirt together using 2 paper clips to keep the art underneath in place. Students should be able to see the art on the plan sheet through the fabric. Make adjustments to the position of the plan sheet if necessary.
b). Smooth the fabric and secure paper/folder in place with paper clips.
c). With plan sheet in position lightly trace on wearable design.
d). (optional) With outline of the design complete on the shirt, I like to have students color their plan sheet using map pencils, crayons, or water color markers before painting on the fabric. It gives them a chance to see what their finished wearable will look like and make changes before starting on their final project.
e). Provide fabric paint markers and/or Sharpie permanent markers so students can color their cycle.
Completed
Bonus Step – Add Some Sparkle
Adding a little sparkle to the fabric is optional, but LOVED by kids of all ages. If you decide to do this, pictured are examples of the paints I recommend. The glitter diamond is my favorite. It goes on with a white cast but dries completely clear and can be painted on top of any color to give it a diamond sparkle. Just put a dollop (quarter size) on a small plastic plate and allow students to paint over their colored fabric. Note: Let the projects dry for at least 48 hours before sending home. Be sure to provide care and washing instructions listed here.
The color may bleed through during the first wash. To prevent bleeding during the wash cycle, wash the garment in cold water separately and machine dry as soon as the wash cycle completes.
*Personal testimony – I have done this project in school districts with a high percentage of low socio-economic disadvantaged students. Collecting $7 for the t-shirt or apron has been met with minimal resistance. I believe this is due to ridding parents of “project material” stress and witnessing their child’s excitement for a project that will be theirs to keep and wear.
