Science Experiments

Chromatography
Chromatography is often used to separate complex mixtures of compounds, but one of its first uses was to separate the chemicals that make up chlorophyll - the green colour in leaves. This can be done easily, and you could investigate different leaves to see if they contain the same chemicals in the same ratios. That is, is there more of that colour in this leaf than there is that one? Leaves that are obviously different colours lend themselves to this particularly.
Apparatus
leaves mortar and pestle (a bowl and any small blunt object should do) dropping pipette (or a bic/biro without the 'insides' taken out) blotting paper
Instructions
Cut the blotting paper into small squares, or circles, about 3" (7cm) across. Take the leaves and crush them with the mortar and pestle, adding a little water to make a paste, add more water until it is quite runny. Now take some of the liquid in the dropping pipette. If you are using a biro to 'suck up' the liquid I recommend practising with normal water first to get the hang of it. Now put a drop of liquid in the middle of the blotting paper. (The amount required may take a bit of practice, so try again if it doesn't give great results first time.) The liquid should spread towards the edges of the paper, and as it does so it will separate out into several different colours giving a attractive pattern on the paper.

Chromotagraphy