This fun experiment introduces students to the concepts of color mixing and chromatography using food coloring and paper towels. Students will explore how different colors can be mixed and how they can separate over time, providing a visual representation of chemical properties. It's a colorful way to engage young learners in chemistry.
If I mix different colors of food coloring, then new colors will be created and can be observed on the paper towel.
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Place the paper towel strips in a shallow dish.
Add 1 drop of red food coloring to the bottom of one strip.
Add 1 drop of blue food coloring to the bottom of the other strip.
Pour a small amount of water into the dish without getting it on the food coloring.
Observe the food coloring moving up the paper towel.
Record the changes over time as the colors mix.
Discuss the results with your classmates.
Clean up spills and dispose of materials responsibly.
Students will observe color mixing and separation as the food coloring travels up the paper towel.
Color combinations used
Resulting color mixtures
amount of water, type of paper towel, environmental conditions
Food coloring may stain, so use with precaution. Wear gloves if necessary.
Display the color mixing results visually.
Explain the science of chromatography simply.
Engage the audience by allowing them to mix colors.
Include a timeline of the color changes.
Yes, you can experiment with any food coloring.
The color spreads due to capillary action in the paper towel.
Yes, it is safe with adult supervision.
