Oregon State
Using Paper Chromatography
Through the analysis of paper chromatography to separate ink from the pen found at the crime scene, learners analyze the different stains and through calculations determine the thief.
Baylor College
How Can We Find Out What Is in Water?
Using paper chromatography, water watchers discover that several substances might be dissolved even though they aren't visible. In this case, you will prepare a mixture of three different food colorings for them to experiment with. A...
Curated OER
2000 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Local Section Exam
This 60-question comprehensive exam was designed to determine who would go on to compete in the 2000 US National Chemistry Olympiad. Hopefuls answer multiple choice questions regarding all chemistry topics taught in the first year...
Museum of Science
Candy Chromatography
Don't play favorites when separating candy colors. Pupils use the process of chromatography to separate the colors of two different types of candy-coated candies. Class members compare their results to an unknown sample to determine...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Colour—Gifted and Talented Chemistry
Add a splash of color to your chemistry class! Science scholars discover the principles behind color through a wide variety of hands-on activities. Lessons include dyes, chromatography, and flame tests.
LABScI
The Separation Lab: Candy Colors
There's no better motivator than candy! An engaging activity has pupils explore methods for separating mixtures. A two-part lab first explores methods of separation based on size and magnetism. The second activity introduces learners to...
Teach Engineering
Exploring Capillary Action
Explore capillary action from different perspectives. In the fourth installment of a nine-part series, scholars perform several experiments to observe capillary action. They look at the meniscus of water in a glass, observe capillary...
Teach Engineering
Chromatography Lab
Groups use alcohol and chromatography paper to separate the color components of black ink. The purpose of the activity is to allow the class to become aware that mixtures exist in hidden places.
Chymist
Ink Analysis: An Experiment in Paper Chromatography
Test differences in writing instruments with this hands-on activity to demonstrate paper chromatography in action. The class performs an experiment on multiple writing instruments and determines the area of separation to discover an...
Olomana School
Mixtures and Solutions: Paper Chromatography Experiment
Why does some ink bleed through paper, and other ink doesn't? Practice some paper chromatography to separate the colors from a pen with an interactive experiment for middle and high schoolers. Learners use a variety of solutions to track...
Curated OER
Ink Analysis
High school chemistry class members become "detectives for a day" and use the concept of paper chromatography to analyze a note left at the scene of a crime. Pupils test the ink on the note with a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, to...
Curated OER
Chalk Chromatography
Your chemistry class is sure to love this experiment on column chromatography, as demonstrated with chalk sticks and felt tip markers. Pupils use sidewalk chalk (another inexpensive form of chalk stick) to demonstrate adsorption and the...
Curated OER
Leaf Chromatography
In this leaf chromatography worksheet, students separate the pigments of a leaf using paper chromatography. They answer 4 questions about their results and draw the colors they observe on their chromatogram from the leaf.
Curated OER
Paper Chromatography
Pupils use this design the illustrate how ink can be separated into its component chemicals using paper chromatography. They use five unknown samples of ink on pre-labeled chromatography strips are provided to students. Pupils use...
Curated OER
Molecular Evolution in Plants
Students are using a paper chromatography study that is suitable for introductory biology. The absorption spectra studies and gel electrophoresis studies are appropriate for students who have complete both introductory biology and...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: What Color Are the Leaves Really Turning?
Everyone loves the beautiful colors of fall, but where they come from and how they change color is a mystery. In this project, you will uncover the hidden colors of fall by separating plant pigments with paper chromatography.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Reveal the Red: Exploring the Chemistry of Red Flower Pigments
Are all reds the same? Find out in this science fair project. Investigate if the pigments in one type of red flower are different from those in another type of red flower. Flowers contain an assortment of amazing chemicals that produce...
Science is Fun
Fun Science: Candy Chromatography
Using simple household items like M&Ms and coffee filters, you can demonstrate paper chromatography. This simple lab will show you the dyes that make up the different color coatings on M&Ms.
National Health Museum
Access Excellence: Wolf Pack in a Bottle: Dna Simulation
This lesson plan can be used to illustrate the principle of electrophoresis without the equipment. Paper chromatography can be used to separate dye just like electrophoresis will separate DNA. The lab also covers DNA analysis for an...
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Analyzing and Identifying Substances Aqa
This lesson focuses on analyzing and identifying substances. Substances can be analyzed using a variety of methods including paper chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. After reading about the different techniques,...
Hunkins Experiments
Hunkin's Experiments: Ink
Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. This one is a...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Spotting Chromatography
A lab activity that introduces chromatography using markers, plus water and acetone as the solvents. Learners will take measurements to compare the mobile and stationary phases of the inks, and find the polarity of the inks and solvents....
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Separation of Substances
Learn about ten different methods of separation of substances.