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Show Your Colors!

Source Institutions

    Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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Show Your Colors!

In this family or group activity, learners conduct a chromatography experiment to reveal the colors that leaves "hide" under their green pigments. Use this experiment to predict what colors the leaves will "turn" in the fall.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone)
  • small glass jar
  • several green leaves from different trees
  • ruler or meter stick
  • marker
  • pencil
  • paper clip
  • paper coffee filter

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Seasons
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Light and Optics
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection:

  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Rights:

  • All Rights Reserved, Smithsonian National Zoological Park,

Funding Source:

  • FujiFilm

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