What started as a chemistry lab idea to incorporate fashion and science has now become the science department's newest innovative elective.
What is the Textile Science Elective?
The Textile Science elective taught by Ms. Santos and Ms. Parisse aims to teach HSFI Seniors about everyday fabrics and the science behind them as well as sustainable practices that can be used to minimize harm to our planet. Created two years ago, this class gives HSFI seniors the opportunity to learn more about fabric science, manipulation and sustainable practices that they can incorporate into their lives and majors.
Hands-On Labs
Current and past students have completed labs ranging from identifying unknown fabrics to sustainable natural dyes. Students last year were able to use blueberries and turmeric as natural dyes on fabrics. When using unnatural dyes students are taught to minimize the amount of dye they use and measure correctly so there is no left over dye contaminating the environment.
In one of the recent labs students were able to determine how much heart energy is absorbed by certain fabrics based on the type of fabric and heat. This lab was created to educate students about the reason behind why the news or people tend to say wearing light colors in the heat can help you stay cooler.
Thank you to Ms. Santos and Ms. Parisse for creating an elective where science meets fashion. As the Textile Science elective continues to grow it is clear that students are able to take away lessons of how to think critically, sustainably, and creatively about the world around them.