BURGAW, N.C. — Pender Early College High School students recently got a hands-on look at an industry they encounter every day when Kara Price of NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles returned to PECHS on September 16 for the third consecutive year.
Price introduced students to the science behind textiles, as well as the wide variety of careers available in the industry. While many people associate textiles primarily with clothing, Price explained that the industry encompasses much more, including products such as firefighters’ turnout gear, sneakers, and even artificial heart valves.
The Wilson College of Textiles at NC State is the only college in North America focused entirely on textiles. The college offers undergraduate programs in fashion and textile design, brand management and marketing, fashion development, polymer chemistry, textile engineering, and textile technology. These programs benefit from the STEM resources of NC State and the community support of a small concentrated college.
Price also shared information about opportunities available to high school students, including NC State’s Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) and TexTEC Camp. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore different areas of textiles and gain hands-on laboratory experience.
During her presentation, Price explained the differences between natural and synthetic fibers and introduced students to several types of fibers, including cellulosic, thermoplastic, and protein fibers. Students learned how these materials are produced and how they react differently to heat.
Students then put their new knowledge to the test during a fiber-burning experiment. Equipped with safety goggles, gloves, tweezers, candles, and worksheets, students examined several unidentified fibers. They held each sample over a candle flame and recorded observations, including how easily the material burned, how long it burned, any odors produced, and the characteristics of the resulting ash.
Based on their observations, students attempted to identify each fiber. Price later revealed the identities of the samples and led students in a discussion about their observations and conclusions.
The activity provided students with an opportunity to combine science, observation, and critical thinking while learning about a career field they may not have previously considered.
For Pender Early College, opportunities like Price’s visit are an important part of providing students with exposure to careers, colleges, and fields of study beyond the traditional classroom.
PECHS appreciates Price and the NC State Wilson College of Textiles for continuing to partner with the school and provide students with opportunities to learn, experiment, and explore possibilities for their futures.