September 2006

This guide was prepared by Nancy I. Colamussi, Elementary Education, B.S., M.A. Rocky Point School District, Long Island, New York.

Extended Response: Comprehension & Critical Thinking

The questions below can be used as written, simply answered in complete sentences, or easily transformed into longer essay (ELA) style questions, or even research topics. In any case, have the students support their answers with details from the text or use critical thinking skills to create a thorough and interesting answer. Consider the level of your students when deciding how to use the questions. 

"High-Tech Threads: Taking textiles to the Extreme!" p. 6 "- 10

1. Discuss 2 of Ortho's fashion creations. Would you wear them? How much would you be willing to pay for these garments?

2. How can smart textiles make life safer and more enjoyable?

3. The author of the article says that the only limits of the designs are the human imagination and the laws of physics. What does this mean?

4. What is electrospinning?

"Electronic Textiles" p. 13 ""- 17

1. Why did researchers at MIT's Media Lab set out to use organza to make computerized clothing?

2. What is the purpose of the "LifeShirt"?

3. Explain ILC Dover's "smart" space suit and its impact for astronauts.

4. Are e-textiles practical for the average person? Why or why not?

"Nature + Nano = Smart" p. 18 ""- 19

1. What is nanotechnology?

2. How does biometric clothing work?

"Walking the Runway of Techno-Fashion" p. 26 ""- 29

1. On page 27, the author makes this statement: "Fashion should allow us to connect and interact without environment rather than separate us from it." Is there anything in your present wardrobe that fits this theory? Describe.

2. The article makes this statement: "So much of this technology - email, instant messaging, for examples-is preventing us from having direct contact with one another and driving us apart physically as a society." Write a persuasive essay agreeing or disagreeing with this statement.

3. The following quote tells of a designer's inspiration: "I grew up sailing boats. We used strands of cassette tape to tell wind direction. I used to imagine that I could hear the sounds recorded onto the tape if the wind hit the tell-tail just right. What in your life could be the inspiration for a creation?

4. Read about Diane Eng's Heartbeat Hoodie. Do you think this is just a gimmick or could be helpful? How?

"Emily's Smart New Clothes" p. 31-33

Critical Thinking: How did this story make you feel? Do you think it could become a reality?

"Nature's Superhero Threads" p. 37-39

Besides those mentioned in the article, could you think of other uses for spider silk? Wool?

"Animal Angles" p. 49

Can you think of other animals or insects that wear nature's "smart clothing"? Give details.

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Updated: 11/7/09 08:24 pm
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