Using Paper Chromatography, Eighth Graders Rescue Boris the Hamster

In recent lab sessions eighth graders have learned about paper chromatography—how to separate out the pigments from different types of dyes. The students were faced with a problem and a clue: beloved class pet Boris (a Russian white dwarf hamster) was missing. A ransom note was left by the rushed perpetrator, who had spilled water on it, which caused the colors to bleed and revealed a unique dye pattern. Students devised their own methods, based on resources provided to them about paper chromatography, to test a variety of different teachers’ black pens to see which dye pattern matched the clue.

The students have been engaged in a series of labs involving the separation of different mixtures, using characteristic properties to identify the components of each mixture. Says science teacher Lindsay Mackintosh, “This progression of labs leads up to the Sludge Project, a culminating assessment of our curriculum this year.” The students will plunge into sludge when they return from Israel.

“Though scientists may not be using paper chromatography to reveal who left an important unsigned memo in their lab,” says Ms. Mackintosh, “learning about and practicing science is essentially like uncovering a mystery. Often when scientists encounter a phenomenon or a question, they have clues that have led them to this question or observation. Drawing on these clues, they create ways to test their questions or ideas. Students got to live through this experience firsthand, while saving Boris in the process.” And for those of you wondering, Boris was found safely in Debby Arzt-Mor's office! MORE PHOTOS