Rainbow Paper Chromatography

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Introduce children to the concept of chromatography and the separation of colors while creating vibrant and artistic patterns on paper.

Materials Needed:

  1. Coffee filters or white paper towels (cut into strips)
  2. Washable markers (multiple colors)
  3. Small cups or containers
  4. Water
  5. Pipettes or droppers
  6. Pencil or tape
  7. Optional: Clear tape or glue stick
  8. Optional: Scissors

Procedure:

  1. Cut the coffee filters or paper towels into strips about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long.

  2. Use washable markers to draw a small dot or line near the bottom of each strip. Make sure to use different colors for each strip.

  3. Pour a small amount of water into each cup or container, enough to dip the bottom of the paper strips.

  4. Place one end of a paper strip into the water, ensuring that the marker line is above the water level. You can use a pencil or tape to hold the paper in place on the rim of the cup.

  5. Observe as the water travels up the paper strip, carrying the pigments from the marker ink along with it.

  6. Watch as the colors separate and spread out on the paper strip, creating beautiful patterns and gradients.

  7. Once the water has traveled about halfway up the strip or until the colors have separated to your satisfaction, remove the strip from the water and let it dry completely.

  8. Optional: Once the paper strips are dry, you can cut them into different shapes or sizes and arrange them on a new piece of paper. Use clear tape or a glue stick to attach them and create a colorful collage.

Explanation:

  • Chromatography is a technique used to separate mixtures into their individual components.
  • In this experiment, the water acts as the solvent, moving through the paper strip via capillary action.
  • As the water travels up the paper strip, it carries the pigments from the marker ink along with it. Different pigments have different solubilities, causing them to travel at different rates and separate into distinct bands of color.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different types of markers (e.g., washable markers vs. permanent markers) to see how they compare in terms of color separation.
  2. Try using different solvents besides water, such as rubbing alcohol or vinegar, and compare the results.
  3. Discuss with children how chromatography is used in real life, such as in forensic science or the food industry.
  4. Challenge kids to create their own designs or patterns using the separated colors from the chromatography strips.
  5. Encourage children to explore how factors like temperature or paper type affect the results of the chromatography experiment.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely, especially when using scissors or handling liquids. Remind them not to ingest any of the substances used in the experiment.

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