Students in Mrs. Theresa Maquar’s Chemistry I class looked at the connections between science and faith when they explored the chemical principles involved in creating the perfectly dyed Easter egg. Students studied the properties and effects of acids and bases. The egg dyeing activity presented them with a fun way to see chemistry in action, including how the acid in vinegar does make a difference in the saturation of color on the dyed eggs.

In keeping with Dominican’s STREAM™ initiative, the students also learned about the Christian symbolism represented by the colored eggs. They researched the origins of the practice of dyeing eggs at Easter, and the ties to early Christianity. The students’ papers covered the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church and symbols that originated from the ancient Eastern Church.

For the celebration of Eastertide, the unbroken shell on the egg represents the sealed tomb that Jesus was in before His resurrection. The eggs were first dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus shed in His death. The Easter egg symbolizes the empty tomb of Jesus and represents the promise of new life and the hope that we have from His resurrection.

“The students were fascinated with the connections between their Chemistry lab activity and the fact that their fun traditions are actually very spiritual in their origins,” said Mrs. Maquar.