Foliage Fun: KidsZone → Hidden Colors →
Hidden Colors, Part Two
Activity: Paper Chromatography With Leaves
Chromatography may be done with leaves, under adult supervision, since alcohol -- either isopropyl or ethanol -- is used instead of water. Try different leaves at different times of the year, or flower petals, to find their hidden colors, too!
See set-up for Chromatography with Markers, with these modifications:
1. Use a glass container, since containers made of other materials may react with the alcohol.
2. No markers. The colors we are interested in will come from the leaves.
3. Grind or snip leaves into small pieces and cover with alcohol. Dip edge of fresh paper strip in the alcohol/leaf liquid and set up chromatography as on previous page.
4. This chromatography will have to sit overnight, in a spot away from flames or heat!
After 12-18 hours different bands of green chlorophyll will be revealed on the paper. In some leaves, especially those collected in the fall, bands of yellow, orange, and red will be visible as well.
These activities were developed by Sue Stoessel, senior education associate at the Museum of Science, Boston. One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science takes a hands-on approach to science, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors a year through its vibrant programs and over 700 interactive exhibits.
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