Day, Date, Time: Saturday, 21 January 2023 8:15 am – 2:00 pm.
Contact Hours: [5 contact hours]
Food: BYO working lunch, light breakfast, drinks (water, soda) and snacks also provided
Location: USAFA Chemistry Department
Presenters: Dr Jennings, Dr Kelly, Dr Jefferies, Dr Furstenau, Stacey Lazelle
Description: Join us to take a closer look at the chemistry of art and color. Participants will learn about the history of paint pigments and the chemistry behind making pigments. We will learn to analyze paint samples using a Scanning Electron Microscope and/or MALDI, an advanced mass spectrometry technique. We will learn about art restoration, making crayons, and will make our own paint pigment. Like most of the Science HUB activities at the USAF Academy, we will make sure we have something for everyone, with emphasis on middle and high school teachers. We will provide activities that (1) expand participants’ knowledge base; (2) provide the opportunity to do experiments that can be used in their classrooms, either as a demonstration or as a student lab; and (3) provide the opportunity to do experiments in a research-style environment using advanced equipment.
Topics and Agenda:
0815. Meet participants on the south steps of the Cadet Field House; escort to Chemistry Conference Room (2N189)
0815-0900 Travel to Chemistry Conference Room, Refreshments
0900-0915 Introductions, admin items in Chemistry Conference Room
0915-1000 Presentation: “Chemistry of Pigments” – Dr Abby Jennings
Dr Jennings will talk about the history of paint pigments and the chemistry behind making the pigments.
1015-1015 Break, Chemistry Conference Room (2N189)
1015-1100 Laboratory Experiments #1
Group A: Analyzing Paint Samples (Dr Jennings, Dr Kelly)*
Group B: Art Restoration and Cleaning or Making Crayons (Dr Jefferies)
Group C: Making a Paint Pigment (Azurite; Dr Furstenau)
1100-1145 Laboratory Experiments #2
Group A: Art Restoration and Cleaning or Making Crayons
Group B: Making a Paint Pigment
Group C: Analyzing Paint Samples
1145-1245 Working Lunch with Presentation: “The Chemistry of Art Restoration” – Dr Jefferies or Dr Kelly
1245-1330 Laboratory Experiments #3
Group A: Making a Paint Pigment
Group B: Analyzing Paint Samples
Group C: Art Restoration and Cleaning or Making Crayons
1330-1400 Final wrap-up of the day’s events (2N189)
1400 Depart chemistry area for Cadet Field House
* (Note: “Analyzing Paint Samples” will involve the use of the Scanning Electron Microscope and/or MALDI, an advanced mass spectrometry technique. Both are really cool!)