Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

My experiment is on candy chromatography using m&m's. I have done my research and conducted my experiment several times and have gotten my results.

But I'm not too sure about what information to use on a graph as my data. Or do I really need a graph? I'm trying to determine what color dyes are used in green, brown, orange and blue m&m candies and then I measure the Rf values for each color candy. I've found that the brown, green and orange m&m's are made of more than one color dye, but the blue m&m is made of only one color.

But how do I put this in a graph or chart? Could I use the color of the candy dye vs the distance each pigment moved?

Or should I just take pictures of my results instead and post them on my display board under data instead of using graphs and charts?

Thanks!

Hi,

Personally, I've found that most science fairs and science fair judges love to see graphs, charts, and hard, solid evidence of what you are trying to prove. However, I think photos of the results would also be a good idea. Since you are doing chromatography, they would be easy visualization and add color.

I think graphing the color of the candy dye vs the distance each pigment moved could work. You might also consider making a pie chart for each color to show the proportion of each color dye in each m&m color. I think it would also help to have a chart of the Rf values.

I hope that helps! Keep up the good work, and good luck!

Yes it did. Thank you so much!!! This is just what I was thinking maybe I should do too except for the pie chart. But that's a good idea too. I think I'll include that too.

Thank you very much.

Wait, you mentioned a pie chart to show the proportion of each color dye. How would I figure that out and make a pie chart for it?

I'm also trying to figure out how to make those colorful graphs and charts. Do you know where I can learn this easily so that I can print them out?

Thanks!

Actually, on second thought, the pie chart might be tricky to do. I was thinking that maybe you could show that the blue m&m had only one color, while the green m&m had maybe half of one color and half of another, but you would have to approximate those proportions. You could still do it, but it would be very rough estimates.

I usually use Microsoft Excel for graphs and charts, because you can change the color of each line, bar, etc. For printing, you can copy/paste whatever you need onto a word document.

Microsoft Powerpoint (especially 2007) offers a variety of chart options to work with (pie, bar, scatterplot, etc.)

How about a simple chart of m&ms on one axis, the types of dyes on the other, and check marks to show which dyes are present in each type of m&m?

Okay. I'm not too familiar with excel, but I'll surely try it.

Thanks for all your help!