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In this experiment, learners separate different types of molecules in marker inks (using a technique called "thin layer chromatography"). Learners mark dots at the bottom of a strip of paper (stationary phase) and put the paper into a cup of water (liquid mobile phase) to see how the inks separate. The experiment is repeated with more colors, then mixtures of colors. The final investigation is to figure out who took a cookie, by analyzing the ink used to write a note left in the cookie jar, and comparing the ink to markers taken from two suspects. The activity is written as part of a kit, but can be done without the kit.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 4 - 8
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 1 paper plate
- 1 bottle of Isopropyl alcohol 91%
- 1 plastic cup
- 1 piece of paper labeled: I took the cookie, cat
- 1 piece of paper; blank
- 4 crayola markers
- 1 black pen
- 3 blue pens
- 1 red pen
- water
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Solutions
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Chemistry
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Crime Science
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Shaw, Maisie ; Gomez, Maria
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Passport to Chemistry Adventure Program, Mount Holyoke College, 2010
Funding Source:
- Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.