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Pen Chromatography

Try this cool colour experiment that combines art AND science! Explore the wonder of colours that spread out from a Crayola Marker Pen!

Ages: 8 and up, 6 and up

CIY Staff
Supplies/Tools Directions Staff Tips

Create It Yourself

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! ...

  • Markers
  • Newspaper
  • Paper Towels
  • Plastic Cup(s)
  • Water
  • Wax Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Cover your crafting area with newspaper. Add a layer of wax paper on top. Cut long strips about 2.5 wide from a paper towel. With a brown, purple, or green Crayola Marker, draw a line across the strip about 5 cm from the bottom.

  • Step 2

    Fill a container with water. Place only the white space under the marker line into the water. Drape the rest of the strip over the edge of the dish, with the end resting on the wax paper. Watch the colour spread as the water is drawn to the dry area of the paper towel.

  • Step 3

    Air-dry the strips. Use them in art projects—or as a science fair experiment with several colours. Find out why the colours separated the way they did! How many creative ways can you use the strips?

Crafts

CIY Staff Tips

Use your imagination and have fun making your craft as creative as you are—there's no wrong way to do it!