Flower Pigment Science: Weekly Science Project Idea/Home Science Activity Spotlight

Use paper chromatography to explore the colors that make up flowers!

In this week's spotlight: a pair of flower power projects, perfect for spring and Mother's Day! Paper chromatography is used to help separate a solution into its components. In these hands-on science activities, paper chromatography lets students see what makes up the "colors" of flowers. Are all red flowers the same in terms of pigment? Pluck a few petals and find out!

• Springtime Science: Exploring the Pigments in Red Flowers (activity)
• Reveal the Red: Exploring the Chemistry of Red Flower Pigments (full Science Buddies Project Idea)