The Life Cycle of a T-Shirt
Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: June 10, 2022
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Science, Economics, Civics
Authors: Angel Chang
Region: Asia, Middle East, North America, United States, Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video explains how cotton T-shirts are made and the environmental and health effects of this entire process.
- Students will learn where and how cotton is grown, how cotton becomes fabric, how far materials travel around the globe, the process of turning fabric into a garment, what happens once a T-shirt is owned by a consumer, and what we can do to lessen the impact of fashion on the planet.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video is beautifully animated and will keep students engaged.
- This resource is incredibly relatable, as many people own a T-shirt, and students will get a first-hand look at what a seemingly commonplace item goes through to get into their wardrobe.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students need to create a free TED-Ed account to complete the assessment portion of the lesson.
- In the Dig Deeper section, the link to the video about machines that make your clothing is broken
Differentiation
- Social studies classes could use this resource to consider how global demand, few regulations, trade, and economic growth impact the environment, low-income communities, women, and children.
- Math classes could use the data presented in the video to craft and solve their own environmental word problems.
- As an extension, have students research the different solutions presented at the end of the video for lessening the impact of fashion on the environment. As groups or individuals, students can create digital public service announcements to spread awareness about the strategy they chose. If possible, have students share their public service announcements outside of the classroom.
- Other related resources include this video about sustainable and ethical clothing, this video about fast fashion, and this activity that allows students to repurpose an old T-shirt into a bag.
This resource is a 6-minute animated video that explores the history, manufacturing, and environmental impact of the t-shirt. The growth and processing of cotton are presented, followed by an overview of the transportation, manufacturing, and distribution of t-shirts globally. The impact on the climate, the environment, and on human health are presented, and consumer choices to reduce these impacts are presented. This resource includes multiple-choice questions, additional links, and a space for discussion. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
