Which Ink Colour Travels Furthest (Chromatography)

Product Description

This Valentine’s-themed chemistry investigation introduces paper chromatography and separation techniques through a visually engaging practical task suitable for Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and homeschool science.

Although themed around Valentine’s colours, the investigation can be used at any time of year as a core chromatography practical.

Learners separate inks, measure distance travelled, compare results, and explain patterns using ideas about solubility and attraction between substances and paper.

What you receive

• Two PDFs
• A PDF containing the editable Canva template link
• A PDF containing a detailed teacher guide linked to curriculum standards
• Templates include variables pages, results tables, measurement guidance, written risk assessment, and group role cards.

Curriculum focus

Key Stage 3

• Separating mixtures: chromatography as a separation technique

Key Stage 4 (GCSE Chemistry / Combined Science)

• Chemical analysis: chromatography and Rf values
• Required practical links

US curriculum links

• Middle School Physical Science: separation of mixtures
• High School Chemistry: chromatography and analytical techniques

Save 20% off the Bundle available here

Read the blog post with teaching ideas and curriculum rationale here 

You will get the following files

• PDF link to Editable Canva templates, pupil recording sheets, variables support, results templates
• PDF comprehensive teacher guide.