Having a go at chromatography

In this hands-on activity, students use paper chromatography to separate the dye pigments in coloured sweets. This introduces students to chromatography and helps them to understand how scientists find toxins in substances.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• explain chromatography in simple terms

• demonstrate how chromatography works using paper chromatography.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• what you need

• what to do

• student handout

• extension ideas.