In the combined lab and lecture course for nonscience majors “Chemistry of fashion,” fundamental concepts of chemistry are taught through the context of fashion. The course is designed around the themes of colorants (dyestuffs and pigments) and fibers (natural and man-made). The course introduces students to natural and man-made fiber terminology and, through a series of labs, explores the effect of electromagnetic waves: heat absorption, the reflectivity of light, and absorption of ultraviolet rays by various fibers. The concepts of solutions, physical changes, chemical changes, pH, and how the chemical structure of fibers impacts the dyeing process are introduced. Students dye natural and man-made fibers with natural dyes (e.g. turmeric, raspberries, tea, and cochineal bugs) as well as synthetic dyes and observe the colorfast properties of these various fibers and dyes. The students examine the chemistry behind the use of a mordant in the natural dyeing process. Students also explore how dyes may change color in the presence of oxidizing and reducing agents in addition to showing sensitivity to acids and bases. In a final unit, students learn about chemical reactions through the synthesis of Prussian blue. Students read and discuss chemistry research articles on these topics. The course culminates with students applying all that they learned through a self-designed inquiry project. Students, in groups, write a research proposal using science research literature. They then spend four classes in the lab conducting original research. The students share their original research on e-posters at an end of semester school-wide event.  Design and content, as well as student response to the course, will be described. This lab/lecture class was designed to increase interdisciplinary learning at the school, particularly with the school’s fashion, marketing, and communications majors.

Chemistry of fashion: Course for nonscience majors

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.