An elementary science experiment using chromatography; emphasizes group discussion on observations and conclusions.

1. Brian Carr

2.  3.1.5 Demonstrate the ability to work
cooperatively while respecting the ideas of
others and communicating one’s own conclusions
about findings.
 From
http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch
.aspx
 Activity link:
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=117
 Similar video:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsjLhD3hcqQ

3.  Chromatography - A technique used to separate the
components of a chemical mixture by moving the mixture
along a stationary material.
 Soluble – capable of being dissolved or liquefied.
 Solvent – a substance that can dissolve another substance.
Water is the most common solvent.
Definitions taken from the science dictionary portion of http://dictionary.reference.com/

4.  Many scientists work together in teams. This way,
they can discover important things using the ideas
and viewpoints of many, rather than one.
 The keys to “cooperative discovery” is to
communicate well and to listen and respect the
findings and thoughts of others.
 Scientists often have results that vary, even when
they are performing the same experiment. Consider
this (and potential reasons for this) while
performing this experiment.

5.  You will perform these steps with one to three
partners. Each student will do one of their own.
 Take one of the round pieces of filter paper and
cut a small hole in the middle. The hole should be
about the size of the rolled up pieces of paper
towel – large enough to accommodate it; small
enough to hold the paper towel in place.
 Use the black marker and draw dots, lines or some
simple pattern on the filter paper - each partner
can create their own design, but keep it simple.

6.  Push one of the rolled up pieces of paper towel
through the hole in the filter paper.
 Pour about an inch of water into the bottom of the
cup.
 Place the filter paper at the top of the cup – the
rolled up paper towel should dip into the water.
 Now, as you wait, discuss with your partner(s) what
you think will happen to your assembly. Note your
hypotheses on the next slide.
 Hint: it will take about 10 to 15 minutes for results
to begin, so you have plenty of time to discuss.

8.  What did the water do?
 What happened to the black ink? Can you make
any observations about what makes up black
ink?
 Does everybody’s experiment look the same?
 Record your thoughts on the next slide.

10.  Which entry best describes what happened in
your experiment?
A – My designs became bigger.
B – My designs separated into different colors.
C – The black ink ran onto the paper towel.
D – Nothing of interest happened.

11.  What do you think would happen with different
color ink? Try it out.
 Did you and your partners have different
designs? (lines, dots, etc.) Did the design or
shape make a difference?
 Can you think of different ways of setting up
the experiment? (think materials, process, etc.)