STEM Quest is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held throughout the school year for grades 9 to 12. The goal is to encourage science and engineering exploration as well as to build up a science community at TLA, and perhaps enter a Science competition in the future.
Chromatography is a fundamental analytical technique used in chemistry and biology to separate and identify components of complex mixtures. In this investigation, you’ll use paper chromatography to separate pigments from plant material and commercial inks. The separation is based on the differential solubility and polarity of molecules in two phases — a stationary phase (paper) and a mobile phase (solvent).
By observing how far each pigment travels, you’ll calculate retention factor (Rf) values, analyze molecular interactions, and interpret the relationship between pigment polarity, solubility, and movement through the stationary phase. This same principle underlies advanced techniques such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used in pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental testing.
THURSDAY, December 4, 2025 from 12:30 to 2:00pm
Recommended for Grades 9-12
Cost: $10 per student
Contact Person/Information: Joyce Froese, jfroese@schoolathome.ca, 1-800-745-1320 ext 365
Sign-up deadline: Friday, November 28, 2025
