Paint Like the Ancients

Penn Museum and The School District of Philadelphia Office of Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Programs)

This program, developed by Sarah Folger at The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, was designed to engage students in an in-depth study of something that is rarely considered-how humans create color. Colors have always been an important part of human culture and the desire to create different colors has inspired new scientific methods and technologies throughout human history. Through a partnership with the SDP Gifted Programs, the experience was brought into classrooms around Philadelphia where students explored how our ancient ancestors unlocked the science of color. After a session spent experimenting with organic and inorganic materials, the experience culminates by having each student develop an original natural paint recipe complete with its own unique name.