Sun Prints, T-Shirts and Team Building

 

Charlene Waggoner

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2007, Volume 28

Abstract

Making T-shirts is an effective way to create group identity. Making T-shirts while learning some content is an even better way to do so. Cyanotype or Sunprinting has often been used to determine surface area, estimate solar exposure and preserve leaf shapes in the field without damaging the source plant. This technique can also be applied to fabric via saturation with traditional cyanotype chemical or through the use of sun paints. Combining sunpaint or sunprint images of plants from nature walks or from eradication of exotic species is an excellent way for students to become engaged in the activity or to remember what they have learned. Participants in this workshop will need to bring a white or very light colored washed cotton T-shirt. We will learn the sunprinting technique and then use our hurry up and wait time to discuss other ways to effectively use class time while simultaneously facilitating better group interactions.

Keywords:  plant anatomy, small groups, cooperative groups

Purdue University (2006)