National Standards for Grade Levels 8-14
 
Art Forgery adds excitement to art, chemistry, or general science classrooms. Students apply scientific observation and reasoning for a practical use, utilizing chemical, physical, and microscopic techniques to distinguish original paintings from forgeries. They are presented with paired “real” and “forged” paintings in the styles of Monet, Van Gogh, and Pollack and asked to determine which are originals. To determine this, they test for lead in the paint, check for fluorescence under UV light, and analyze paint colors microscopically to determine if they are mixed or layered. Allow 90 minutes lab time. Required, but not included: UV lamp, microscopes, 30 small test tubes, distilled water, and matches. Contains lead nitrate. Designed for 24 students working in groups of four.