Larry Reinhard, McHenry County Farm Bureau's Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator, and Sue Henning, McHenry County Farm Bureau staff member, gave presentations about cotton to one hundred 5th grade students at Conley Middle School in Huntley, Illinois on November 1st and 2nd.
On Monday, the students learned about weaving and the history of various textiles. The students also learned about how various textiles are made and the products used to create the numerous fabrics and textiles that we wear.
After the students had the opportunity to learn all about textiles, the students experienced a weaving demonstration. Larry and Sharon Krengel and Jean Nieman demonstrated how to use a spinning wheel and a drop spindle. At the end of the presentation, the students even were able to utilize a drop spindle to make their own yarn.
The students learned even more about textiles on Tuesday. Larry Reinhard talked to the students about the history of cotton farming and the various uses for cotton. After the students listened to Larry's presentation they picked a cotton boll apart and removed the cotton seeds from the boll. The students finished off the presentation with a tasty cotton product, a Twinkie made with cottonseed oil. The students really enjoyed learning about textiles, weaving, and cotton and are looking forward to their next Ag in the Classroom presentation.
