Use leaf chromatography to separate pigments in autumn leaves, spinach, or other plants. It's a fun science project suitable for all ages. Uncover the hidden colors of fall leaves by separating plant pigments with paper chromatography.
This leaf chromatography experiment is perfect for exploring the hidden colors of leaves. Walk through the backyard and see what leaves you can collect for this simple science experiment. The leaves' other pigments - some of which were already there during summer - become visible.
In this science activity, you will uncover these hidden colors by separating plant pigments with a process called paper chromatography. What colors will you see? The best fall science experiment for kids! What makes leaves change color? Learn the science and do a cool chromatography art with this lab. With this cool Leaf Chromatography science experiment, kids can see the different pigments found in leaves and answer the question, "Why do leaves change color?" Download a free printable leaf color chart too.
Conduct your own leaf chromatography experiment using the tutorial below. If you want more chromatography variations, try this fun ghost chromatography experiment and this marker chromatography experiment. Find the full list of Fall STEM activities here! Leaf Chromatography: Remove Color from Leaves! HST's leaf chromatography experiment reveals hidden colors in green leaves and lets you predict their fall colors.
Leaf Chromatography Experiment Sharing is caring! Fall is a beautiful time of year. The changing hues of the leaves on the trees set the color palette for the season. This is a perfect opportunity to ask your kids questions such as, "Why do you think leaves change color?" "What makes leaves green or red or yellow?".
The strips will absorb the pigments from the leaves, modeling the process of leaves changing colors in the fall. After about 3-4 hours, the colored pigment started to rise up through the filter. The Science Behind the Leaf Chromatography Experiment Plants need water, nutrients from soil, and sunlight to grow.