GIRLS’ SCIENCE CLUB 2/26/2015
Chromatography is a cool technique used to separate ink into its different components. Today we will use paper chromatography to separate the ink of different markers. Get ready for some colorful science!
 Chromatography: A technique used to separate mixtures, such as ink, into components
 Mixture: A combination of 2 or more different substances
 Stationary phase: The material that “holds” the ink and doesn’t move (ex. filter paper)
 Mobile phase: The liquid that moves along the stationary phase to separate the mixture (ex. water)
 Filter paper strips
 Water
 Small cups
 Paper towels
 Markers
1.
Using 1 of your markers, make a good-sized dot (not too small, not too large) on the filter paper about 1 inch above the bottom.
2.
Lower the end of the paper into the water, but MAKE SURE that the dot sits ABOVE THE WATER LEVEL. If the dot sits inside the water, the ink will not be separated properly.
3.
Hold the paper steady and straight! Do not drop it in the water or shake it around too much.
4.
Let the water run up and separate the marker ink mixture.
When the water level reaches near the end of the paper, carefully remove the paper and set it down softly on a paper towel to dry.

GIRLS’ SCIENCE CLUB 2/26/2015
1.
Pick a colored marker. What color is it? ______________
Does it separate into different colors? (Circle)
YES NO
2.
Try a black marker. Does it separate into different colors? (Circle)
YES NO
3.
Try a black Sharpie. Does it separate into different colors? (Circle)
YES NO
4.
Which traveled further up the filter paper, black marker or black sharpie?
(Circle)
MARKER SHARPIE
5.
If you have time: try some other markers and see what you find!
Chromatography is a technique used to separate ink into its different components. Filter paper holds the ink in one place, and water “runs” up the filter paper to push apart different parts of the ink mixture.
 Chromatography is used by forensic scientists at crime scenes. They can match the ink found on paper to a pen that a suspect uses!
 There are many types of chromatography, such as paper chromatography (which we used), liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography!