Schedule an ATHM educational program for your students, and help them discover the many aspects of the history, science, and art of textiles in America. Textiles have influenced our lives from the hand-mades of earliest times up through the mechanized Industrial Revolution, and into the extreme science of the cutting edge present. The American Textile History Museum’s educational programs help students and life-long learners alike connect to America’s diverse textile heritage with engaging interactive experiences, objects, and displays that stimulate creativity, problem solving skills, curiosity, and excitement for this vibrant field.
Threads of Learning is a series of interactive school programs that help tell America’s textile story utilizing the Museum’s extensive collections and expertise. All programs address specific curriculum standards with age-appropriate activities, and are designed to complement and enhance classroom learning. Students will remember the day, the sights and sounds, and the concepts they engage.
All programs include a Teacher’s Guide with program specific pre- and post-visit lesson plans and additional activities to help teachers get the most out of the main museum or classroom visit. All guides identify program specific connections to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Download your teacher’s guide by clicking here.
Grades K-3
Experience the tradition of Navajo handweaving as Geraldine the goat tells the story of how her mohair is transformed into a rug. The story and demonstration are followed by a paper-weaving activity.
Grades 3-5
Learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences through the creation of a fabric costume for a cutout silhouette designed to represent the traditional dress of a United Nations country. The dressed cutouts may be strung together to form a swag of nationally costumed figures holding hands – great for a classroom display.
Grades 4-6
Learn how to weave, as well as textile terms and loom preparation, through the design and creation of a small woven item. Notched cardboard looms and yarn are included.
Grades 4-8
Role play and use primary sources to gain understanding and respect for the 19th century immigration experience as it directly relates to the Industrial Revolution.
Grades 4-8
Experience the discovery process known to the early inventors of textile machinery, and learn to problem-solve while creating inventions. Emphasis on simple machines, levers, pulleys, and engineering.
Grades 7-9
A quick review of estimation strategies and mental math prepare your students for the game, “Estimation Mania.” Teams are challenged to solve mathematical estimation problems related to items common in textile production, followed up by an post-lesson assignment to design their own “invisibility cloak,” estimating materials needed.
