Material Makers: Woven Bags is an engaging and hands-on activity that will see students create a colourful woven bag using paper. Students will respectfully and thoughtfully consider the significance of weaving to First Nations Australians, understanding that it is a way to share knowledge, connect to people and Country and invite mindfulness.

Using the included template, students will use everyday classroom items to create a simple and colourful woven bag. Before creating their bags, students have the option to complete the included Design Brief outlining the colours and strip widths that they intend to use for their bag. Three different Design Brief templates are included, ensuring there is one suitable for your cohort of students. For younger students, we recommend enlarging the Design Brief template to A3 size.

This is a low-preparation activity, which can be used to support learning during a Year 2 Chemical Sciences unit or as a standalone activity when exploring Indigenous culture. Regardless of when it is used, your students are guaranteed to gain insight into the cultural importance of weaving for First Nations Australians and how the process of weaving is a strengthening material manipulation.

It’s time to start weaving.

This resource is a part of our Chemical Sciences Year 2 UNIT PLAN.