Time for Me to Leaf: Tree Chlorophyll Chromatography

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In this video we will explain the color changes leaves go through each fall, demonstrating how plant dyes change in concentration with a leaf chromatography experiment. Mikhail Tsvet originally performed this experiment in 1901, and we'll be performing a modern-day version that viewers can perform at home. Our video will be told through the perspective of Chlorophyll who will narrate the video. We will begin by discussing and diagramming how plants make and store food through photosynthesis, explaining the concept of chlorophyll and its green color. We will then show how seasonal changes cause trees to decrease food production, reducing chlorophyll and revealing/enhancing the other colored dyes already in the plant’s leaves. Next we will demonstrate these concepts by performing a chromatography experiment on screen with several different colored leaves. This experiment will be done with everyday materials such as a coffee filter, pencil, and rubbing alcohol. We will explain how fluid wicking and gravity allow us to see the different concentrations of plant dye and suggest the viewers try the experiment again other dyes such as ink from markers. We will then demonstrate how much fun can be derived from fall leaves by having a massive leaf fight.

Grade Level: 
9th
10th
11th
12th

Comments

neap_tidez Thu, 07/19/2012 - 11:44

Nice video. I love using Sage leaves because they also have a purple pigment. I have done leaf chromatography with 7th graders and ink chromatography with 8th graders, but I think I'll have my 8th graders do both, in case they didn't see this in 7th grade!

Ken Thu, 11/29/2012 - 00:00

Thanks for the vid. This is a great way to create a variety of colored paper for collages or color/value studies. I can't wait to do this with my 7th graders.

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