The STEM in Your Closet

The STEM in Your Closet

Have you ever really thought about what kind of science, engineering, and technology actually go into making your clothes? Now is your chance! The zipper on your jacket was at one time an engineering miracle. The shirt that has built-in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a scientific innovation that helps to keep you healthy. There is a world of science and engineering in your closet. Just open the door.
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Build a Shaduf

Build a Shaduf

From Engineering

Ancient farmers used a long wooden lever called a shaduf to lift water from rivers to irrigate crops and for other uses. This simple tool was incredibly effective at making it easier to move water. In this activity, you'll harness the power of a lever as you design and build a working model of a simple shaduf.

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Wind Can Do Work

Wind Can Do Work

From Renewable Energy

Use your engineering skills to design a windmill, then test how powerful the wind can be!

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Waterwheel

Waterwheel

From Wheels Make the World Go Round

Try this hands-on activity to learn more about wheels!

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Lift It!

Lift It!

From Levers Lessen the Load

Learn more about levers with this hands-on activity!

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Reviews

“One of the best ways to get kids excited about STEM is to show them how every aspect of daily life is intrinsically connected to science and technology. The reliable Inquire and Investigate series takes on this task by offering titles brimming with information...”
-Booklist Series Nonfiction Showcase

"After reading this three volume set from Nomad Press I understand how the scarecrow felt after getting his brain. I’m a lot smarter and it was fun getting there!"
-Greg Pattridge, Always in the Middle

Detailed Book Description

What kind of sneakers are you wearing right now? What material is your shirt made out of? And how did all of these clothes and accessories get made and arrive at a store for you to try on and buy?

In The Science of Fashion, learn how science, technology, and engineering make the entire fashion industry possible! Most people tend to think of fashion designers and scientists as occupying two completely different worlds, but the truth is, the fashion business is completely dependent on and intertwined with science and engineering. The computer technology used in fashion design, the science behind dyes and special treatments such as waterproofing, and the engineering innovations in manufacturing of fast fashion are just a few of the ways the fashion world and the science and engineering world meet.

Hands-on engineering projects, links to online resources, career connections, and essential questions get kids engaged with the science of what they wear!

Try these hands-on science projects!

  • Create your own natural dyes
  • Deconstruct the sewing robot
  • Explore the psychology of color

Learn key reading strategies with Julie Danneberg!

 

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Available In:
Hardcover, $22.95
9781647410278
Paperback, $17.95
9781647410308
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Fashion Through History

Chapter 1
Textiles and Technology: From Fiber to Fabric

Chapter 2
The Chemistry of Color

Chapter 3
Design

Chapter 4
The Latest Must-Have Accessories

Chapter 5
Simply Sensational Sneakers

Chapter 6
Fashion: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Selected Bibliography
Index