Ottumwa High School chemistry teacher, Kevin McGinity, uses a lesson in tie dying to teach his students about lab safety and chemical reactions.
On Wednesday, half the class was wearing goggles, aprons, and gloves. They were carefully applying dye with a dropper to a tied, white t-shirt.
The activity has a long history in Ottumwa’s chemistry class. The project takes two class periods, with half the class tying their shirt and applying dye during a single class period. Samples of dye combinations and tying patterns are displayed for students to choose from. The patterns for tying lend themselves to projects that are less complicated and can be completed in a class period. There are 12 commercial dye colors to choose from. A maximum of six colors can be used on a single shirt. “This year all colors are equally popular,” said McGinity.
“The reaction of the dye to the shirt is a chemical reaction,” said McGinity. “The shirt is chemistry.”
“It’s all about chemical reactions and how that works,” said Kayla Davidson, a tenth grader.
“I like doing tie dying,” said Taylor Johnson, another 10th grader. And being able to wear it is an added benefit. “It’s a good experience,” he said.
The activity is also a fundraiser for the chemistry class. Shirts cost $12 and proceeds are used to purchase specialized equipment that the department couldn’t get otherwise.
“And it’s fun,” said Zach Kirkman, an OHS junior.
