Measuring Colors
Overview
To allow students to develop skills in using the metric system to measure with a graduated
cylinder and to allow students to practice cooperative group work. Students will also practice
reading and following detailed instructions.
Getting Started:
1. Before class, mix up three large containers of colored water using the food coloring (red, yellow,
and blue) and place them in the room so that students can use them as a supply source for the
activity.
2. Proportions should be as follows:
In a 2 quart pitcher – 8 drops of blue
12 drops of red
60 drops of yellow
3. Pre-measure 40 ml of each color in a beaker or baby food jar.
4. Mark the test tube racks A through F with the black marker or with labels.
Materials: (per Group)
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1 test tube rack labeled A through F
6 large test tubes (approximately 20 ml)
1 graduated cylinder
40 ml of each color: red, yellow, and blue liquid
3 plastic pipettes or dropper
1 mixing stick
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ask students to get into their cooperative groups.
Hand out A Rainbow of Colors Student.
Have students pick up the equipment needed.
Have students read and complete the directions.
Walk around and instruct students on working in cooperative groups if there are any
problems.
Measuring Colors
Teacher Answer Key
Test Tube
Color of Water
Total Amount of Water
A
Red
11 ml
B
Orange
11 ml
C
Yellow
11 ml
D
Green
11 ml
E
Blue
11 ml
F
Indigo
11 ml
With one look you will be able to tell if the students followed the instructions or not. You will see a
rainbow with the liquids all the same height.
Measuring Colors
(student sheet)
Introduction: In this activity you will be experimenting with how different colors
blend and mix. The purpose of Activity 1 is for you to follow written directions,
determine volume equivalents, and use correct measuring techniques.
Materials:
 1 test tube rack labeled A through F
 6 large test tubes
 1 graduated cylinder
 3 plastic pipettes or dropper
 Red, yellow, and blue colored liquid
Procedure:
 Place the six test tubes in the rack that is labeled A through F.
 Follow the steps below:.
1. Into test tube A measure 19 ml of red liquid from the cup.
2.
Into test tube C measure 18 ml of yellow liquid from the cup.
3.
Into test tube E measure 18 ml of blue liquid from the cup.
4.
From test tube C measure 4 ml and pour it into test tube D.
5.
From test tube E measure 7 ml and add it to test tube D and mix.
6.
From the cup of blue liquid measure 4 ml and pour it into test tube F.
7.
From the cup of red liquid measure 7 ml and add it to test tube F and
mix.
8.
From test tube A measure 8 ml of liquid and pour it into test tube B.
9.
From test tube C measure 3 ml and add it to test tube B and mix.
10.Fill in the table.
Measuring Colors
Test Tube
A
B
C
D
E
F
Color of Liquid
Total Amount of
Liquid