Investigating key Australian fibre production practices in the cotton, timber and wool sectors

• This is a very useful resource for the year 7 and 8 Design and Technologies curriculum. It is particularly relevant for the content description referring to analysing how food and fibre are produced and how this can become more sustainable. Sections of the resource titled Step 2 Explore how cotton, timber and wool are produced and Step 3: Explain different production systems and their effects are highly useful for this content description. The National Farmers Federation Farm Facts 2012 section of the resource also includes valuable information about more sustainable production methods.
• The resource is also useful for the year 7 and 8 Science curriculum, particularly the content descriptions referring to; understanding how human activity can affect food chains and food webs; and understanding influence and development in agriculture resource management. The section of the resource titled Step 1: Engage with the topic provides relevant learning activities and information about: what fibre is; the importance of fibre for the survival of populations and ecosystems; and sustainability in the fibre industry.
• The resource is also relevant to the Sustainability cross-curriculum priority, providing valuable learning opportunities that relate to at least five Organising Ideas. The section of the resource titled Step 4: Elaborate on concepts and ideas provides relevant information about the challenges for the 21st Century fibre industry and new approaches to fibre production.
• The resource uses an inquiry-based approached with five steps titled engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate. The resource also uses the Six Thinking Hats technique to elaborate on concepts and ideas they are explored throughout the unit.

7; 8