Coffee Filter Rainbows


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In this activity about color, learners get to explore the process of chromatography. Right before their eyes, they can watch ordinary green and black ink turn into a literal rainbow of colors. You can use this activity to facilitate a conversation about light spectrums.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student

Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11

Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity

Language:
English

Materials List (per student)


  • Coffee filter
  • Paper clip
  • Black and green water-soluble pens
  • Saucer

Subjects


  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009