Chromatography Science Fair Projects

Chemistry Forensics Chemical Reactions Colors, Paints, Inks & Dyes
Color Spectrum Paper Science

Chromatography science fair projects explore the color spectrum by separating out the various color components from inks, dyes and natural materials. If you are interested in producing a very simple and inexpensive project then this may be a topic that you can do well with. However, while the basic steps for a chromatography experiment are simple, if you want to win you will need to expand on the basic concepts and create a unique angle for your project.

The basic steps for experiments for chromatography science fair projects are very simple. To start with you will need:

Next you will need to make your chromatography strips. To do this you need to cut rectangular strips of paper from white paper towels or coffee filters. The strip should be about 1” wide and should be long enough to reach from the top of the cup or glass to hang just above the bottom of the cup. Students should measure the depth of the cup or glass they will be using to determine the length of the strip.

Steps in conducting a chromatography experiment.

Now that you know the steps for chromatography chemistry science fair projects, the next step is to find a new angle for this experiment. For example, you can use paper chromatography to test the food dyes used in items like M&M, cherries and candies with dyed shells. Try testing your favorite candies to see exactly what colors make up the dyes that you are ingesting.

Another angle that you can give to your chromatography science fair projects is to use gas chromatography instead of paper chromatography. Gas chromatography utilizes special equipment to separate components out from a liquid by boiling it and injecting it into a high pressure chamber. You may need to work with your science teacher to gain access to the equipment that you need for this experiment, or you may need to work with the science department of your local college or university. This type of project will require extra safety equipment.

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