Year 8 project day – The Art And Science Of Colour

On Thursday 10 March, 24 students from six partnership schools enjoyed a fascinating day exploring the art and science of colour with Drs Barry Meatyard and Pat O’Brien from the Science Learning Centre.

The students began the day as experimental archaeologists evaluating tempera and oil paints used by artists for painting on plaster and canvas boards. Using egg yolk and linseed oil as binders they investigated the quality of blue, green and black paints and their ease of production, likely expense and drying qualities. They learned how to ‘date’ a picture by examining the colours the artist had used.

Coming right up to date, they moved on to examine the properties of colour-changing pens used for artwork or just for fun. Using chromatography to separate the colours, they investigated the pH and other properties of the ‘magic’ pen used to change the pens’ colours. They also learned about the special ink used by registrars on birth, marriage and death certificates. The special properties of this ink mean that it fades in a particular way and makes is almost impossible to forge or change these important documents.

Finally the students investigated the effect of light on photosynthesis: a process vital for all life on earth, and built their own spectroscopes using old DVDs and CDs to explore the spectral qualities of light from the sun, room lighting and table lamps.

All students worked in groups made up of participants from the different schools. They not only learned about the science of colour but also the importance of team work in scientific endeavour.