Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Grant

Learning Experience

LE Title: Memory Pillow	Author(s): Peggy Maher
Grade Level: 8	School Address: Mt. Markham M.S. Fairgrounds Road West Winfield, NY 13491
Topic/Subject Area: Home and Careers	School Phone/Fax: (315) 822-6361 (315) 822-6125
	Email: zurnpg@norwich.net

LEARNING CONTEXT

Purpose or Focus of Experience: The purpose of this experience is to help students understand how the computer can be used to make custom printed fabric. There are many fabric designs that are available on the market today to use for sewing. This project allows students to make their own fabric design that will then be used to make a pillow to help them remember a specific time in their life.

Connection to Standards

Health, Physical Education and Home Economics #3 – Students will understand

and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

Math, Science and Technology #2 – Students will access, generate, process and

transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Essential Question

Can the computer be used to make the print on a fabric?

Content Knowledge

Declarative	Procedural
Students will know basic skills of machine sewing.	Students will design the print on a fabric to use for pillow construction.
Students will know basic computer skills.	Students will understand how to use the computer print options folder
Students will understand the use of Microsoft Publisher as a word processing tool.	Students will perform basic word processing commands on a computer and in Microsoft Publisher to create a document (Memory Page)
Students will learn how to use Avery T-Shirt transfer paper to transfer their print design to fabric.	Students will scan pictures to digital format which can be imported into Microsoft Publisher.
PROCEDURE Students will go to the computer room and using MS Publisher perform the following tasks: Create a text box Format text Create word art Scan a favorite photograph into digital format Create a picture box and import a picture from a scanned photo or clip art. Format a border The instructor will model samples of prior projects using a computer LCD projector panel. Basic techniques of creating this project will be demonstrated to refresh students understanding of using MS Publisher. When students have completed a document they will learn how to use the print properties menu to print their project as a reverse print onto Avery T-shirt paper. Their print will then be ironed into fabric. Using the fabric that was designed on the computer and a sewing machine they will construct a pillow.

INSTRUCTIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS

Students who excel in using computer art programs are encouraged to create personalized graphics.

Students work in pairs and use the strategy “think, pair, and share” to help one another.

Students need to be able to see the LCD overhead projector at all time so that the instructor can model specific techniques upon student request.

TIME REQUIRED

The time required to complete this pillow is approximately 1 week allowing for:

Making the document on the computer - 2 class periods

Sewing Memory Pillow together – 2 class periods

Self assessment of project – 1 class period

RESOURCES

The resources used to make this project are:

Computer

Microsoft Publisher

Avery T-shirt transfer paper

White Muslin (approximately ½ yard of 45” material)

Contrasting Fabric (Optional for a ruffle)

Sewing Machine

ASSESSMENT PLAN

Memory Pillow Rubric

Degree to which skills have been performed or mastered

Work Performance/ Skills	Standards 3	2	1	0
Basic Computer skills 3x_______=____	Excellent work, skills exceed expectations. Included text, word art, border, scanned photos and original artwork	Good work, met expectations. Included text, word art, border, and scanned photos.	Average work, does only what is expected. Included text, word art, and a pre made graphic	Poor work.. Project is missing graphics
Basic Sewing skills 2x______=____	Included a ruffle on the pillow. . Used ½ inch seam allowance, size 14 stitch and corner are a clear pivot. Stitches were straight.	Ruffle not included. Used ½ inch seam allowance, size 14 stitch and corner are a clear pivot. Stitches were straight.	Ruffle not included. Used ½ inch seam allowance, size 14 stitch and corner are a clear pivot. Stitches were not straight.	Ruffle not included. Used wrong seam allowance or wrong stitch size and corner are a clear pivot. Stitches were not straight
Time Management 3x______=_____	Used time wisely and helped others when finished.	Used time wisely. Worked on other homework when finished	Completed project in expected amount of time. Did not use spare time wisely.	Wasted a lot of time, disturbed others or did not complete the project in expected time

STUDENT WORK

Extend and Refine

This same project is very similar to a career brochure that the students produce. They use the same techniques as the pillow expect the end product is a brochure about a career that they are interested in

REFLECTION

As in all computer projects carried out in the classroom, the project only works if the computers work. Not all printers or programs have a reverse print so this project cannot be done on just any Computer. I have been most successful using Cannon printers. Microsoft Publisher 97 and 2000 allow word art and graphics to be flipped if the computer printer does not have this option. The project can also be printed directly onto fabric sheets available at most fabric stores.