Conservation Scientist for a Day
by Catherine Hartwell Lobre and Curtis Desselles
Introduction
What is the purpose of the “Conservation Scientist for a Day” program?
Conservation Scientist
This online workbook is designed to give students an introduction into the field of conservation from the viewpoint of a conservation scientist.
Students visiting the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) will be prepared to engage in hands-on learning in the NCPTT conservation laboratory after reviewing this online workbook.
For students unable to visit NCPTT in person, this workbook will help students to gain a better understanding of the important role the conservation scientist plays in the preservation of cultural heritage.
What will students learn from the “Conservation Scientist for a Day” program?
Students will learn about:
- The role of the conservation scientist,
- The Scientific Method,
- Conservation,
- Cultural heritage,
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) theory,
- The Metric System,
- Chemical analysis testing, and
- Safety in the laboratory setting.
Students will learn how to:
- Identify chemical elements within the glaze and body of pottery,
- Document observations using a scientific report,
- Use a stereo microscope,
- Use a digital camera,
- Perform chemical spot tests, and
- Perform XRF spectroscopy analysis using the Tracer III-V.
Students will utilize the following skills:
- Reading comprehension,
- Writing,
- Math,
- Science,
- Laboratory techiniques,
- History,
- Geography, and
- Art/Drawing.