CHROMATOGRAPHY!

What in the world is chromatography?  Before this week's lab study, some of our STEM students thought it was a type of disease.  Others thought it dealt with volcanoes, while a few admitted they had no idea what that word was!  Chromatography is the study of colors and they way they blend and can be separated.  Needless to say, this two-week study was cool and colorful!

Bible Infusion -- Genesis 37: 3- 4 -- Now Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age.  Also he made him a tunic of many colors.  But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. 

The object of our study of Chromatography was to give students an understanding of the science, and how scientists use chromatography to separate the elements of a color and study its pigments.  Students also learned the differences in compounds, mixtures and solutions.

Students used the scientific process to analyze the colors in black ink, using a variety of black markers, water, and rubbing alcohol.  They saw first hand how the inks were not all the same, and they all reacted differently to solvents.  They also learned that chromatography is used in criminal science investigations.  They particularly liked that aspect! 

Students became chromatorgraphers by using colored markers, coffee filters and water to create a "tie-dye" art piece that gave them an up-close look at this science.  On week two of the study, students created a Mother's Day art project from the dried and colorful filters.