🧪 Science Tuxedo (Mock Lab Coat) – Directions for the Teacher

🧤 1. Early Prep

You are sure to generate enthusiasm for science and this project if you create and wear your own mock lab coat project in class. Think of this project as a “wearable anchor chart” for the different concepts you teach throughout the year. Students will be excited when they find out they will have the opportunity to create their apron or shirt project!

Decide beforehand if you want students to create a shirt or apron. My recommendation is to go with the apron if you want students to have a lab apron to wear on lab days. Some teachers like to do the shirt project toward the end of the year as a review of concepts they have learned throughout the year. It is also a fun way to engage students during a time when many attention spans are waning.

Decide where you are going to get fabric markers and paint (if needed). These supplies are offered at Walmart or hobby supply stores. ScienceWear also offers recommended fabric markers and paint at competitive prices. 

Check out the collecting money and ordering form examples. This form explains the project and related cost. I provided Microsoft Word versions so you can choose the shirt or apron form and edit to your specifications before printing copies for the class.

Personal testimony – This project has been used by teachers in classrooms across the United States, including schools with low socio-economic status disadvantaged students. Collecting money ($6 for a shirt or $7 for the apron) has been met with minimal resistance from students and parents. I believe this is due to the excitement students have for actually creating a project that will be theirs to keep and wear. In addition, the project is completed in class, so it rids the parent of “project supervision and material” stress.

📦 2. Order

Purchase Orders: Order processing begins only when a PO number is provided. Project delays are often caused by PO processing, so contact us early and let us help with the paperwork. You do NOT need size information to get a quote and start your PO.

Once ordered and payment or PO is provided, expect delivery in 10 days (7 days for printing + 3 days for shipping). If you need the order quicker, let us know!

🛠 3. Final Prep

While the order is being processed, review the supply list and gather materials. Contact us if you need assistance with clipart.

🎨 4. Creating the Science Tuxedo Shirt or Apron

This project can be completed in two to three 45-minute classes or stretched out over the year to use as a review.

🧰 Supplies – Part I:

• Tuxedo apron or t-shirt
• Extra-fine or fine black Sharpie marker (1 per student/class)
• Large piece of butcher paper, poster board, cardboard, or foam board (1 per student)
• Jumbo paper clips or bulldog clips (4 per student)
• Fabric markers (1 set per group of four/class)
• Science clipart images

Distribute the garments. Have students place a folded sheet of butcher paper or board under the fabric to prevent marker bleed-through. Use clips to secure the fabric and board together.

Helpful tip: Since t-shirt fabric is stretchy, inserting a ½ sheet of foam board inside the shirt helps with control. Smooth the fabric and clip it tightly. These boards (available at Dollar Tree) can be cut and reused.

Have students neatly write (or trace) their name with a Sharpie on the name tag area.

Provide science clipart images of the concepts you will teach (or have taught) for students to select and trace onto their shirt or apron. You may also assign students to search and print their own science clipart to trace.

The images are easily traced by placing them under the fabric and using a fabric marker.

🔥 Heat Setting the Marker

Decide whether students will do their own heat setting or if an adult will assist.

Two Heat Setting Methods:

1. Iron: Set to cotton. Cover the design area with a cloth (like a tea towel or pillowcase). Iron back and forth for 4 minutes.
2. Dryer: Place the shirt/apron in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes.

💡 Teacher Tip: I’ve successfully had students as young as 5th grade do their own heat setting by integrating it into science safety lessons using 3–4 ironing stations.

If you are not using paint as described in Part II, the project is complete.

🧼 Washing and Care Information

Color may bleed during the first wash. To prevent bleeding, instruct students to wash separately in cold water and dry immediately after washing.

✨ Part II (Optional) – Add Iridescent Paint

Adding iridescent glitter fabric paint is optional but highly recommended! This is done after heat setting. No additional heat setting is required.

🧰 Supplies – Part II:

• Completed project (shirt or apron)
• Board/paper setup from Part I
• Clips from Part I
• Q-tips or paint brushes (1 per student)
• 1 oz. condiment cup or foil square for paint
• Iridescent/diamond glitter fabric paint (available at Walmart, hobby stores, or ScienceWear)
• Have students set up their project just like in Part I. Provide each with a small amount of glitter paint.

Using Q-tips or paint brushes, students dab paint over the areas they want to sparkle. The iridescent paint dries clear and quickly.

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Tips:

1. Control paint quantity to avoid waste and glitter overload.
2. Q-tips can be discarded after use. Brushes can be washed in soapy water.
3. Let condiment cups dry before stacking and storing.
4. Plan ahead for drying space—painted projects should not be stacked!