What this lesson teaches
This activity demonstrates how different pigments in ink separate based on solubility. Children see how colors blend and separate, deepening their understanding of mixtures and solutions in nature.
Can you finish nature's colorful chromatography in about 25 min?
You will this activity demonstrates how different pigments in ink separate based on solubility.
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This activity demonstrates how different pigments in ink separate based on solubility. Children see how colors blend and separate, deepening their understanding of mixtures and solutions in nature.
Using everyday materials for chromatography engages students' curiosity and emphasizes visual learning. The process of watching colors separate taps into dual coding theory, as they connect words (pigments, solubility) with vivid visual outcomes, enhancing memory retention.
1. Cut a coffee filter into a strip about 2 inches wide. 2. Draw a thick line with water-soluble markers about 1 inch from the bottom. 3. Fill a small cup with water, about 1 cm deep. 4. Dip the bottom of the filter strip into the water without submerging the marker line. 5. Watch the colors move up the filter and separate — how many colors do you see? 6. Discuss the results: What happened to the colors? Why do you think that is?