Botanical Chlorophyll Paper Chromatography Extract
An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 9.
Materials Needed
- • Fresh baby spinach leaves (3–4 leaves)
- • Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) (1/4 cup)
- • White paper coffee filter (1 filter)
- • Heavy coin (quarter or large token) (1 unit)
- • Tall small glass jar (1 unit)
- • Pencil and tape (1 set)
Pro Tips
- → Use the ribbed edge of a coin to firmly roll and crush fresh spinach leaves directly onto the paper filter 2 cm from the bottom.
- → Repeat the coin rolling 10 times over the exact same spot to build up a dark, concentrated green pigment bar.
- → Suspend the strip so only the very bottom touches the alcohol; the green line must remain above the liquid surface.
Safety First
Adult handles rubbing alcohol; use in a well-ventilated room away from open flames.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Cut a 3-centimeter-wide by 15-centimeter-long strip from a white paper coffee filter.
Step 2
Place a dark spinach leaf over the strip 2 cm from the bottom and roll the ribbed edge of a coin over it 10 times to transfer a concentrated green stripe.
Step 3
Pour 1 cm of rubbing alcohol into a small glass jar and suspend the paper strip vertically from a pencil resting across the rim.
Step 4
Watch the alcohol travel up the paper over 20 minutes, separating the plant pigments into distinct bands of yellow, olive green, and bright blue-green.