There were four groups of 3 or 4 kids each. Each group was given a different set of materials to work with - paper, plastic, snack food bags and wrappers, and 1970's knits. Three science classes were also visited. We discussed textiles and related the information to their everyday contact with fabrics. We did some fiber identification by burning a variety of fiber types and using their observational skills to tell the difference between the fibers, as well as identify some unknowns.
Natural fibers tend to burn and the residue is crunchy or an ash.
Synthetics melt and leave a smooth, shiny residue. The two pieces are actually still connected, but you can't see the strand in the photo.