Describes an experiment (carried out in less than two hours) in which the merits of countercurrent extraction are immediately evident by visible colors. The experiment requires eight 125-ml separatory funnels, 250ml of 1-butanol, 250ml of 0.1-0.5 molar hydrochloric acid, and a small amount of Sheaffer's Skrip blue-black soluble ink. (JN)

Dyes aren't just for fabrics--colorants have been added to food for centuries to enhance its appearance. This monograph and teaching guide investigates both the compounds that give foods their natural color and synthetic colorants currently approved for use in foods. Problem-solving inquiry based activities involve high school level students in…

This book contains scaled-down versions of Exploratorium exhibits that teachers can make using common, inexpensive, easily available materials. Each topic begins with a drawing of the original full-sized exhibit on the museum floor, a photograph of the scaled-down version which contains an introduction to the exhibit, a list of materials needed…

Describes experiments which focus on the perception of three dimensions. Discusses the cues about distance and depth and the role they have in perceptions of three dimensions. Evaluates the effect of color on the illusion on depth. (ML)

From prehistoric times people have been fascinated with color; from cave paintings to the latest computers, color has been a constant companion. Textiles are made more beautiful by the alteration or application of colorants. This teaching resource investigates vat dyes, a colorant class which includes the oldest dyes known as well as important…

Describes a system that demonstrates how a color may be generated and specified in mathematical terms. Illustrates the mixing of primary colors as well as the concepts of saturation, luminance, and illumination. (JRH)

From prehistoric times people have been fascinated with color; from cave paintings to the latest computers, color has been a constant companion. Textiles and craft items are made more beautiful by the alteration or application of colorants. This teaching resource investigates dyes obtained from natural sources, such as plants and animals. These…

Several activities related to color are discussed. These include placing different colors on a disk which, while spinning, appears to be white. Also discusses complementary and primary colors. (JN)

Science and art have much in common. Artists as well as scientists carefully observe and communicate their subjects. Throughout time, artists have been involved in experimentation, an important scientific method which can lead to new discoveries. Both scientific developments and the ongoing history of art are cumulative. This learning packet is an…

Reports on the colors observed during titrations of 15 natural indicators obtained from common fruits and vegetables. These edible indicators can be used for a variety of teacher demonstrations or for simple student experiments. (JN)

Students explore three-dimensional properties by creating red and green wall decorations related to Christmas. Students examine why images seem to vibrate when red and green pieces are small and close together. Instructions to conduct the activity and construct 3-D glasses are given. (MDH)

Describes how color graphics are built up on microcomputer displays and how a range of colors can be produced. Discusses the logic of color formation, noting that adding/subtracting color can be conveniently demonstrated. Color generating techniques in physics (resistor color coding and continuous spectrum production) are given with program…

Presents activities that utilize balloons to encourage students to explore questions related to scientific concepts. Concepts explored include light, heat, charged ions, polarization, and the sense of smell. (MDH)

Describes an apparatus (called the "Rainbow Cup") used for demonstrating the colored rings produced by constructive interference in soap films. Discusses construction of the Rainbow Cup and gives hints for its use in the classroom, especially in relation to classroom humidity. (JM)

Uses a projector, a prism, and two screens to demonstrate the composition of white light and detect color. (MDH)