The Inorganic Chemistry of Painting—Guided-Inquiry Kit

Product Details

Challenge your students to design the best paint by applying their knowledge of chemistry and experimental design. This lab begins with the synthesis of an inorganic mineral, malachite, from the reaction of copper(II) sulfate with sodium bicarbonate. Color changes, gas evolution and the formation of a precipitate are all products of the reaction. Once made the malachite is mixed with a binder, such as linseed oil, acacia powder or egg yolk that makes it adhere to the surface to be painted. Students must combine all reactants in the appropriate proportions, based on stoichiometric calculations and experimentation, to produce the best possible paint, one that pops with color and has strong adherence to paper! This lab combines art and chemistry in a way that will develop your students' scientific reasoning skills. Includes reproducible student hand-outs, Teacher Notes, and all necessary chemicals. Complete for 30 students working in pairs.