LAMP Topic Brief 9: Paints and Dyes

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This Topic Brief was published as part of the ASE’s LAMP Project. This unit was developed from work carried out with non-academic boys and girls in the age range 14 to 16 years. It was tried with some success on groups of between 12 and 15 in an urban comprehensive school of 1750 pupils. The average reading age of the pupils involved was 11 years.

Initially the unit was developed for students who were not taking an examination in a science subject. The aim was to provide an interesting science course which was within tile capabilities of the non-academic pupils at the same time giving them a sense of achievement. Furthermore it was hoped to provide material which could be seen by the students to be relevant.

Aims
The unit aims to develop in students an awareness:
1. that light is necessary for colour,
2. of how some colouring materials are extracted or made,
3. of the nature and uses of dyes and paints,
4. of the need to use controlled experiments when comparing the properties of dyes and paints,
5. of safe working procedures and a respect for the safety of others.

Contents
1. What is colour?
2/3. Extraction of dyes
4. Dyeing materials and indicator properties
5. Chromatography
6. Colour fastness and use of a mordant
7. Making a modern dye
8. Use of dyes
9. Pigments
10. Making paint
11. Anodizing

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx6va

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