Teams of girls and boys were engaged in making decisions as they constructed their own water wheels recently at Museum L-A’s science discovery workshop.

Kids to learn about ‘Cotton To Dye For’

LEWISTON – A science discovery workshop for students will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Museum L-A. This one is called “Cotton To Dye For!”

It is another opportunity for students to have hands-on experience with some basics of chemistry that pertain to dyeing yarn and cloth. It is not a tie-dyeing class. Students will experiment in order to understand the principles of dyeing, which was vital to the textile industry.

People automatically think of the weaving jobs in relation to the important industry of textile manufacturing that shaped the local economy and community for many years. “There was also important science involved behind the scenes in the textile mills,” said Annette Vance Dorey, the educator at Museum L-A.

Participants will investigate some sources of natural dyes and will learn about the chemistry of color as they dye their own creations. The science workshop is appropriate for grades four through seven.

There is no registration fee. Parents are asked to call 333-3881 to sign up their children by Friday, Dec. 5.

Museum L-A is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of work and community in Lewiston-Auburn. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 35 Canal St. in the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex at the corner of Canal and Chestnut streets.