Pull out the bin of markers and search for the black ones to get started with this fun paper chromatography lab! All you need are a couple of washable markers (more is better), water, a paper towel, and a dish/bowl. Use what you have around the house or classroom to enjoy simple science experiments any day of the week! Are markers really black? Let’s find out!
INK CHROMATOGRAPHY
What is chromatography? Chromatography is a way of separating the parts of a mixture so that you can see each one by itself. And paper chromatography has to be the best method to separate ink!
When you dip the paper in water with the black marker drawn, the dried pigments from the marker ink dissolve. As the water travels further up the paper, it carries the pigments via capillary action.
The marker ink separates because different pigment colors are carried along at different rates; some travel farther and faster than others.
How fast each pigment travels depends on the pigment molecule and how strongly the pigment attracts the paper. Since the water carries the different pigments at different rates, the black ink separates to reveal the mixed colors to create it.
The solvent in this chromatography lab is water because we use washable markers that dissolve in water. You need to use an alternative solvent to separate the colors in permanent markers.
You might want also to try Leaf Chromatography which separates the pigments in leaves!
What colors will you observe when you complete the chromatography experiment below?
PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY LAB
Click here for more easy STEM Activities and Science Experiments with paper!
SUPPLIES:
- Black markers
- Scissors
- Paper towel
- Bowl of water
HOW TO SET UP A CHROMATOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT
STEP 1. Gather four different brands of black washable markers.
Also, use your washable markers for our coffee filter flower STEAM project!
STEP 2. Cut four strips of paper towel.
STEP 3. Fill a bowl with water.
STEP 4. Using one of the black markers, color a small square at one end of the paper towel. Repeat with the remaining markers and paper towel strips.
STEP 5. Dip the end nearest the black square into the water and hang the end over the edge of the bowl.
STEP 6. Repeat for each strip and let them sit until they are completely wet. Observe what colors you can see in the strips.
CHROMATOGRAPHY SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS
Want to turn this paper chromatography into a cool science project? Then check out these helpful resources below.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR KIDS
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…
What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should simply be used as a guide to help lead the process. It’s not set in stone.
You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation. Click here to learn more about the scientific method.
MORE FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Check out our list of science experiments for Jr Scientists!
- Use a chemical reaction to inflate a balloon.
- Make foaming elephant toothpaste.
- Explore static electricity with cornstarch and a balloon.
- Create fireworks in a jar.
- Can you make rice float?
MORE SCIENCE RESOURCES
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- All About Scientists
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
Click on the image below or on the link for more easy and fun science experiments for kids.
