Science and Art of Reduction - Oxidation Vat Dyeing
Indigo is the dye in blue jeans and has been used to make designer fabrics for over 4000 years. Dyeing with indigo is an intriguing chemical process that almost appears magical as the cloth changes from light green to intense blue. In the past, indigo dye-masters required years of experience and knowledge of mysterious natural products and their complicated reactions. Now, with the Instant Indigo Dye Kit you can make the blue in blue jeans and learn about the history and chemistry of this amazing and indelible material!

Standards and Concepts: scientific method - hypothesis, investigation, control, variable, models, solutions - solubility, precipitate, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, surface tension, cohesion, dilute, concentrated, pH, chemical structures - ionic, covalent, polar covalent, hydrogen bonding, dyes, chromophores, cellulose and polymers, chemical reactions - oxidation and reduction, energy and matter - kinetic energy, diffusion, entropy, absorption of light and vibration of electrons, history of indigo - primitive biotechnology, chemical revolution

Contains: 15 grams activated indigo, 15 grams of hydrosulfite mixture, 2 preforms bottles, wood rack, paintbrush, plastic cups, wooden stirring sticks, forceps (tweezers), white denim cloth, 2 small scoops and instruction booklet.

Recommended for ages 12 and up with adult supervision.

Warning:  This kit contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused. Indigo can leave hard to remove stains.