Did you know that the ink we use in pens and markers has several pigments that make up one color? Chromatography is a way to separate mixtures of soluble substances, such as ink and plant pigments. Our Flower Solution Experiment lets you see how ink separates in real time!
What You’ll Need:
- Coffee Filters
- Washable Markers
- Water Dropper
- Paper Plates or Newspapers
- LED String Lights and Battery
- Scissors
- Green Tape
- A Solo Cup
- Pipe Cleaners
- Clothespins
What To Do:
- Lay out the newspapers and paper plates to make your workspace, then flatten the coffee filters.
- Draw a few lines and circles on the coffee filters with washable markers. Keep a few centimeters of space between each line for when the ink separates.
- Drop bits of water onto the coffee filter with the water dropper. As the filter dampens, the water will spread and bleed out the colors. Which colors separate? Which do not?
- Next, set out the coffee filters to dry.
- Once the filters are dry, roll them into a cone-like shape and wrap LED lights around the filters. Secure with clothespins and green tape to make your filters look like the stalk of a flower.
- Cut a hole in the side of your solo cup and feed the LED light plug through it. Your cup should stand upright while being close to the outlet.
- Lastly, place each flower cone within the solo cup and arrange it as desired!
Chromatography in Action
The solution will separate as the water hits the ink, causing different pigments to spread across the paper. See what colors make up your favorites and which tend to spread more! Try this with other types of ink, too, to see what results you get. Does higher-density ink bleed more or less?
Are you interested in learning more?
Grab your My First Lab microscope and look at your final product! What does pen ink look like under a microscope? Does marker ink look different?
My First Lab’s Mission
My First Lab has led in developing STEM equipment for the past 30 years. With products ranging from microscopes and bundles to prepared slides and accessories, we will have any product for the junior investigator, hobbyist, or educational leader. Learn how to create hands-on experiments with Mad Maxx, read through our STEM education blog, and browse our products here.
