Chromatoghraphy-Science Lab Experiment

Details of activity

Term:1/2

Name of Activity: Chromatoghraphy



Objective of Activity: To have a better understanding of the filtration method- Chromatography

Ink Type no.3

Venue: Science Laboratory

Pictures/videos of Activities:

Ink Type no.1

Ink Type no.2

 

 

 

Hi all, welcome to my second blogpost in my activities page.Well, the first daunting question you may ask is, why did I put a post which should be under work samples here? Simply, I feel this activity was one of, or I not the best, science experiment we did in class.

Why do I say so? In this experiment, as you all know, is working on chromatography, one of the many filtration methods. What makes it interesting is that we are doing a nit like a CSI kind of detective work. A cheque has been forged and we are to find out what sort of marker did the thief use. With this in mind, we embarked on a fun-filled science experiment using ethanol to cause the different colours to move at different rate, a bit like a rainbow, and the three types of marker, each coming out with the results above.

From this experiment, we learnt that colours of those like Type 2 and 3 are considered mixtures as there are many colours placed together to form the black ink colour.Cool! We also studied that chromatography can be used to find colours in dyes and those in that of food products.

What was most exciting was when the colours started to spread out. It gets so fascinating to watch the dye level go upwards that we even asked for some more filter papers from our science teacher to try it out again. Some cheeky ones even used the pilot G2 pen to have a go! However, what I disliked was the shortage of filter paper. You see, we work in pairs, which means that the faster groups get the extra filter paper to play with first, which also means that at the end of the day, the two students in the slower groups would have to discuss on who to keep the done filter papers. On hindsight, this actually boosted us to work faster to get the extras.

Through this activity, I also learnt to work closer and faster with my partner, which is great as I get to know him as a fast-mover and perfectionist who likes to ask questions to clarify. This gives me a platform to find possible group mates for the next few projects in school.

To say a goodbye to this post, I would like to thank our science teacher, Mr Tan, and the school, for giving us the necessary resources needed to carry out the chromatography. I also like to thank them for giving us this fun-filled 'CSI' adventure, while at the same time allowing us to learn much from this experience.