06/10/2025 | Selena Gonzalez, Education Program Specialist II at The Museum of the Grand Prairie

What We Teach is a series spotlighting youth programs that highlight local perspectives on the history and culture of East Central Illinois. Through this series, we share an inside look at the field trips and in-classroom experiences we offer to schools. To learn more about our educational offerings, visit the Champaign County Forest Preserve website and explore the resources available through the Museum and Education Department. 

Sheep to Wool is a long-standing and popular rotation offered as part of our Life on the Grand Prairie field trip. This hands-on experience is suitable for all ages and adds a rich, educational element to any visit. In this rotation, students explore how clothing was made in the early 1800s, long before ready-made clothing became widely available in the late 19th century. 

Before store-bought garments, families worked together to create clothing from raw materials, most often wool from their own sheep. Every family member played a role in this long and labor-intensive process. In this rotation, students begin at the very start: caring for sheep. They’ll learn how wool was sheared, try their hand at carding wool to see just how challenging it can be, observe the spinning process, and discover native plants traditionally used for dyeing. Finally, they’ll see how yarn is woven into fabric, completing the journey from sheep to clothing. By experiencing each step, students gain an understanding and appreciation for the time, effort, and teamwork it took just to get dressed on the prairie.