COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS
Comox Museum brings Valley students a history lesson in clothing

Comox Valley Schools have teamed up with the Comox Archives and Museum to produce a resource of historical material for elementary teachers and students across the District.

The kit is designed to lead students through inquiry-based learning about clothing and how it has changed from locally, handmade items to those obtained from across the world.

This new resource is filled with local historic images and stories and provide ideas and materials for hands-on textile activities. Students will card raw wool, learn to weave and recognize the difference between organic materials and those made from synthetics.

Part of this work will include an examination of the clothing worn throughout history. Indigenous perspectives will be contrasted by those of modern day. Students will be reading the labels on their own clothing and finding out where it was made, locating places on maps, determining how it might have arrived in this part of the world, and calculating distances travelled.

Through a variety of engaging activities and critical thinking, students will see the impact the modern clothing industry has on our environment and be encouraged to make a difference.

The learning kit is one of many resources developed in partnership with the museum. The last endeavour saw the completion of materials which invited students to explore the local history of toys and games.