Create wearable visuals of scientific cycles — including food webs, water cycle, photosynthesis, metamorphosis, and more. Great for assessment or end-of-unit classroom displays.
Teacher Downloads
Science Making Connections Plan Sheet
Student planning sheet for laying out their science cycle design.
Download PDFHow-To Video: Using Clipart
This timelapse gives an overview of how to use clipart or a completed plan sheet to create your wearable Connections project.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Complete the Plan Sheet
Using clipart images you provide and/or free-hand drawing, students complete their Science Making Connections Plan Sheet. Give them several different images of each stage to choose from so each shirt is unique. Have plenty of extra plan sheets available so students can start over until they're satisfied with their design.
1a — Begin tracing stages on the plan sheet
1b — Complete all four stages
Once all four stages are laid out, students add arrows to show the cycle direction. Outline the completed plan sheet with a black marker to make the art easier to trace through the fabric. Do not color the plan sheet — keep it black and white for maximum visibility through the fabric.
1c — Add arrows and outline in black
Teacher Tip
Collect and approve plan sheets before moving on to the shirt. This gives you a chance to catch errors and make suggestions before they're transferred to the garment.
Step 2: Transfer the Design to the Shirt
Distribute shirts to students. Demonstrate how to slide the completed plan sheet inside the shirt and center it within the Science Making Connections circle. Smooth the fabric and secure the plan sheet and shirt together with 2 paper clips to keep the design in place. Students should be able to see the art through the fabric — adjust the position if needed.
2a — Position the plan sheet inside the shirt
2b–2c — Secure and trace the design
Optional: Once the outline is complete, have students color their plan sheet with map pencils, crayons, or watercolor markers before painting the fabric. This gives them a chance to preview the finished look and make changes before committing to the final project.
2d — Preview the colors on the plan sheet
Step 3: Color the Design
Provide fabric paint markers and/or Sharpie permanent markers so students can color in their cycle. Encourage creativity — each shirt should look unique!
2e — Color the wearable with fabric markers
Completed project
Bonus Step: Add Some Sparkle ✨
Adding glitter paint is optional but loved by students of all ages. The iridescent diamond glitter paint goes on with a white cast but dries completely clear, giving any color a beautiful sparkle. Put a quarter-sized dollop on a small plate and let students paint it over their colored design.
Teacher Tip
Let projects dry for at least 48 hours before sending home. Send washing and care instructions with the finished shirt.
Washing and Care
Color may bleed during the first wash. Wash the garment separately in cold water and machine dry promptly as soon as the wash cycle completes.
Making the Project Accessible
ScienceWear projects have been successfully used in schools serving students from a wide range of economic backgrounds. Because the project materials are provided together, families don't have to search for and purchase multiple supplies. Students also get to keep and wear their finished project, which can help make the activity feel especially meaningful.
Completed Project Examples
Explore completed Connections projects for inspiration. Select an example to view its completed-project product page.
Food Web Shirt 
Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Shirt 
Nitrogen Cycle Shirt 
Water Cycle Crying Cloud Shirt 
Sedimentary Rock Formation Shirt 
Food Web - Transfer of Energy Apron 
Energy Flow - Desert Food Web Apron
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Bring the Science Making Connections project to your classroom with ScienceWear pre-printed shirts.