The 5th/6th graders made fabric and fiber representations of microorganisms. This is a great tie-in to Science class. These are actually going to be displayed in a real art exhibition! To make a fiber microorganism, the 5/6s are cutting a large piece of felt into a desired shape. Then, they are layering other shapes of patterned fabric or solid color felt on top. These shapes are glued together and were embellished with stitching, beading and sequins (if desired.) The students looked at pictures of microorganisms, but were allowed to use their creative license while making their microorganism. Check out this link for the "Our Tiny Friends and Foes" exhibit.
6 comments:
I love the inspiration for this project. I'm on my way to check out your link.
These are FABULOUS!! I love the color, the design and the science involved. I'm curious, how many kids did you have stitching at one time?? Were the kids pretty self-sufficient? Thanks.
Thanks! I have very small classes.. The 5th and 6th graders have about 10-12 kids in each class. I had taught them some sewing last year, so they didn't really need much help. I had large eyed needles and we used embroidery floss. The kids glued all the fabric together with elmer's glue and then added decorative stitching. The kids that were really good at sewing could sew as much as they wanted and the kids who took a long time to sew maybe only did the edging. Buttons were sewed on or hot glued if they started to run out of time. I could have easily done this with a class twice the size or larger, as these kids barely needed any help. I showed them how to thread a needle by licking the thread, tying a knot on the very end and then showing them some stitches. I did a fabric collage last year with decorative stitches. The good thing about gluing the fabric is that they can do as little or as much sewing as they are capable of.
These micro-organisms are truly amazing, creative and a great teaching tool. I used to teach scince and we made models out of clay... Sue xx
Thanks for you detailed response. In the past I have done quilting with large classes of first and second graders with regular needles and thread and, although the results were great, I remember the kids needing LOTS of help. You've got me thinking I should try something like this with gluing fabric as an option for those who find sewing a bit too challenging -- especially when I start working with older grade levels. I still can't get over how great these look!!!!
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