DIY Rainbow Paper Chromatography

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Introduce children to the concept of chromatography and demonstrate how different colors can be separated into their component pigments. This experiment also fosters creativity as children can create unique rainbow patterns on paper.

Materials Needed:

  1. Coffee filters or chromatography paper strips (cut into rectangular shapes)
  2. Washable markers (various colors)
  3. Small cups or jars
  4. Water
  5. Pipettes or droppers
  6. Pencil or tape
  7. Optional: Plastic trays or plates to contain spills
  8. Paper towels for cleanup

Procedure:

  1. Lay out the coffee filters or chromatography paper strips on a flat surface.

  2. Using the washable markers, draw a small dot or line near the bottom of each paper strip. Use multiple colors for a vibrant effect.

  3. Carefully roll or fold the bottom edge of each paper strip to create a small tab. This tab will be used to suspend the paper strip in the water.

  4. Fill the small cups or jars with water to a depth that allows the paper strips to be partially submerged without touching the bottom of the cups.

  5. Attach the tabs of the paper strips to the edge of each cup or jar using a pencil or tape, ensuring that the marker-drawn portion is above the waterline.

  6. Observe as the water travels up the paper strips, carrying the pigments with it.

  7. As the water continues to move up the paper, it will separate the different colors present in the markers, creating beautiful rainbow patterns.

  8. Once the water has reached near the top of the paper strips or the colors have separated to the desired extent, carefully remove the paper strips from the cups and allow them to dry completely.

  9. Once dry, display the vibrant rainbow paper chromatography artworks!

Explanation:

  • Chromatography is a technique used to separate the components of a mixture based on their different affinities for a mobile phase (in this case, water) and a stationary phase (the paper).
  • As the water travels up the paper strip, it carries the pigments from the markers along with it. Different pigments have different solubilities in water and thus travel at different rates, resulting in the separation of colors.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different brands of washable markers to see if they yield different results.
  2. Try using different solvents besides water, such as rubbing alcohol or vinegar, to see how they affect the separation of colors.
  3. Encourage children to create unique designs or patterns on their paper strips using the markers before conducting the experiment.
  4. Discuss the real-world applications of chromatography, such as in forensic science and chemistry laboratories.
  5. Challenge kids to research and experiment with chromatography techniques used in different fields, such as thin-layer chromatography or gas chromatography.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely, especially when handling water and markers. Remind them not to ingest any of the substances used in the experiment.

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