Exploring Chromatography
Let’s combine art and science by experimenting with chromatography! This is a fun and easy activity you can do at home, and you probably already have all the supplies you need in your kitchen.
Chromatography is the separation of the components of a mixture. In this case, we are going to separate the colored inks that are inside markers.
You will Need:
A cup of water
Washable markers
Chromatography paper (such as paper towels, paper napkins, or coffee filters)
Wax paper or freezer paper (to protect your table from color)
The Steps:
Pick a marker. For your first experiment, I recommend picking either brown or black, because those tend to work best.
Make a thick line of color on your chromatography paper.
Next, put one end of the chromatography paper in the cup of water. You want the water to slowly travel through the chromatography paper and pick up the colored ink.
Wait for 5 to 10 minutes and watch carefully. The colored ink will start to separate into different colors!
What is Happening?
As the water travels through the chromatography paper, it picks up the colored ink. In many cases, colored ink is actually a combination of different colors mixed together. As the water travels through the chromatography paper via capillary action, it starts to separate the colors. Each ink has a different density, so they move at different speeds, separating into their original colors.
Time to Experiment!
Repeat the experiment with different color markers.
Which colors work the best?
Which ones separate the least?
Do you notice any patterns? Hint: pay attention to primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and secondary colors (green, purple, orange).
Time to Create!
Now it’s time to use what you have discovered to create a piece of artwork!
Take a piece of chromatography paper and add color from the markers. Be creative: add lines, dots, swirls, shapes, etc. Then, add the water and use chromatography to transform your artwork.
Be sure to share their finished masterpiece with us at #EvansvilleMuseum.
Want to Learn More?
If you enjoyed this activity, consider contacting the Evansville Museum to bring your group (school field trip, homeschool group or scout group) to participate in our “Mystery at the Museum” program. This 45 minute program is perfect for 3rd through 5th grade, and focuses on the scientific method. To learn more about this program, e-mail education@emuseum.org.