Colorful Lather Printing

Susan A. S. Hershberger , Matt Nance , Arlyne M. Sarquis and Lynn M. Hogue
Center for Chemistry Education, Miami University Middletown, Middletown, OH 45042
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (4), p 608A
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p608A
Publication Date (Web): April 1, 2007

Abstract

In this classroom activity, students explore the chemistry of polar and nonpolar substances and surfactants while marbling paper with consumer products. Shaving cream, a soap lather, is used as a base for supporting food color marbling patterns. Once the shaving cream is tinted, the excitement and marbling action continue as a drop of water on tinted shaving cream makes a clean white surface. As beautiful colored patterns are created, students refine their understanding of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the different marbling materials. Students compare diffusion of a dye in different materials, observe the wetting action of soap solutions and surfactants, and investigate a colloid.

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Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary

Keywords (Feature):

JCE Classroom Activity

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

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    Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP
    • Canisius College Summer Science Camp: Combining Science and Education Experts To Increase Middle School Students’ Interest in Science

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      Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP

      The Canisius College Summer Science Camp is a successful and effective annual outreach program that specifically targets middle school students in an effort to increase their interest in science. Five broadly defined science topics are explored in a camp-...

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    Behind the Scenes with Chemistry

    Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. Slocum
    Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (10), 1002-1003
    • Behind the Scenes with Chemistry

      Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. Slocum
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      This Especially for High School Teachers article discusses the National Chemistry Week (NCW) 2010 theme, Behind the Scenes with Chemistry, and several NCW-related resources that appear in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education. A ...

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    Marbling Marathon

    Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. Slocum
    Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (6), 566-567
    • Marbling Marathon

      Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. Slocum
      Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (6), 566-567

      This Especially for High School Teachers article discusses a signature JCE Classroom Activity that uses shaving cream and food coloring to marble paper; in addition, we offer a preview of summer conference events. Articles from the June 2010 issue of the ...

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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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