This is one of my all time favorite projects! It works perfect with this unit too. They are traditionally called cyanotypes, but to the kiddos I call them sunprints.
What it is: Paper coated in light sensitive materials.
HUH? The paper is coated with these two chemicals: Potassium ferricyanide and Ferric ammonium citrate...when they are mixed together it becomes sensitive to light.
How it works: Items (leaves, flowers, cutouts, gadgets) are arranged on a template. This is a great opportunity to talk about composition and how items relate to one another in a piece of art...
Once the student have their composition laid out on the template, they are ready for the light sensitive paper. It is important that they move fast because the paper is effected the moment light hits it. Once they give the word they are ready, I give them the sunprint paper. They need to transfer their design onto the sunprint paper. Students need to carefully write their name on the paper once they have transferred their items.
How long: The items need to stay on the paper for a varying amount of time. It depends on the paper (if it is pre-coated or if you coat the paper yourself), the time, and the weather. Generally, it takes about 2-3 minutes. The paper changes color and once it looks silver it is done.
Next: To stop the developing or to stop the sun from changing the paper it need to be submerged into a tub of water. I have the kids put it face down, so no more sun hit the paper. The extra chemicals need to be rinsed out revealing the image.
Finally: The print takes a swim in a bath of water and hydrogen peroxide. Have the kids put their prints face up for this one... it is a show stopper. The print goes from a blue to a explosive bright blue right before your eyes... it is really neat...
The product:
A nice outdoors activity!
