As we enter the Fall season, where the leaves are constantly changing colours and falling to the ground, it is providing endless opportunities for the preschool group to explore!
Recently, leaves were used to dig into the concept of chromatography, which is the process of separating various components of a mixture. The children first used scissors to cut up various leaves into small pieces, so it was easier for the molecules within the leaves to spread apart. Coffee filters were then placed into multiple jars before adding in the leaf pieces. Rubbing alcohol was then poured over top, filling the bottom of the jar and covering the leaves.
The next step was to then let the mixtures sit for the day. As a group, we continued to check in on the jars to see if the clear liquid had changed and appeared colourful. Upon checking, Jack exclaimed, “I see orange!” while Amelia D and Theo thought they saw the colour black in the next jar from far away, but as they got closer they identified that is was actually dark green! Slowly, the colour absorbed into the coffee filters and created neat colours for the end result! Through this experience, the children were able to analyze the science of chromatography and absorption, while also learning and making predictions together!
