Clothing and Textiles: Reinforcing STEM Education through Family and Consumer Sciences Curriculum

Abstract

Advances in science and engineering are essential for ensuring America’s economic growth and national security, according to the Alliance for Science and Technology Research in America (2010). Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs can respond to this demand through the identification of parallels between science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and clothing and textiles curriculum. FCS can help prepare young people for science and engineering careers related to the design, production, distribution, use, and disposal of clothing and textile. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the opportunities for FCS teachers to strengthen student comprehension of STEM concepts utilizing clothing and textiles-related curriculum and/or courses. A teaching strategy for reinforcing STEM concepts and the integration of FCCLA to address this need is presented.