Students perform four experiments analyzing fabric and fiber samples to learn to characterize types of fabric and fiber, then do an unknowns lab. First students determine if each sample is animal, vegetable, mineral, or synthetic in origin by subjecting fibers to a burn test and evaluating fibers for protein and for the presence of sulfur. Then, students observe fiber samples to identify their general microscopic characteristics, subject fiber samples to chemical solubility tests, and subject fiber samples to stress and strain tests. Following their training and exposure to background information including techniques for proper collection of fiber evidence, students test three unknowns to determine their identity. Includes instructional manuals and student worksheets. Designed for 24 students working in six groups of four students each. Meets national standards for grade levels 10-12. Designed for grade 10-14.
KIT CONTENTS:
- Fabric and fiber samples (white cotton, white wool, white carpet fiber, spun glass strands, nylon, rayon, acetate, unknown 1, unknown 2, unknown carpet fiber)
- wax pencils
- metal forceps
- plastic forceps
- slides
- cover slips
- wooden toothpicks
- 0.5 oz. empty dropping bottles
- red litmus paper
- lead acetate paper
- 3M HCl
- 3M NaOH
- chlorine bleach
- dry-cleaning solvent
- acetone
- mounting solution
- instructor's manual
- student manual
- MSDS
- methods of assessment manual
Additional items required but not included: microscopes, alcohol burners or Bunsen burners, matches, 7 test tubes, 1-hole stopper, test tube clamp, distilled water.
