Cotton

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. It is one of the most widely used natural fibers in the world, and has been cultivated and used to make textiles for thousands of years.

Structure of Cotton

Cotton fibers are composed of almost pure cellulose, which is a polymer of glucose. Each cotton fiber is a single, elongated cell that grows from the seed coat. The fibers are twisted together to form yarn, which can then be woven or knitted into fabric.

Uses of Cotton

Cotton is primarily used to make textiles such as clothing, bedding, and towels. It is also used in the production of non-woven fabrics for items such as medical supplies and industrial products. Additionally, cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds and used for cooking and in the production of soap and cosmetics.

Cultivation of Cotton

Cotton is grown in warm climates and requires a long growing season. It is typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. The plants require well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine to thrive. Cotton is a major crop in many countries, including the United States, China, India, and Pakistan.

Study Guide

What is the structure of a cotton fiber?
What are the primary uses of cotton?
Where is cotton typically grown?
What are the properties of cotton that make it suitable for textile production?

For more information, you can explore the following resources:

Wikipedia: Cotton
National Cotton Council

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?

Vocabulary/Answer key

What is science?

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).

Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).