Three fun and inexpensive labs to try

On Tuesday next week, my chemistry class is doing the paper chromatography lab, JCE's Colorful Lather Prints, and Water Marbling Nail Art.  All three labs are relatively inexpensive.  Colorful Lather Prints has a little science background and a few questions.  I grouped these three labs together because they're all artsy.  All of them are fun and relatively inexpensive.  I took a pix of the materials below.

Paper Chromatography can be performed with food dyes, colored markers, and pens.  We're using several black pens (on hand), water-based colored markers, and food coloring.  I have coffee filters and filter paper to cut into strips.  The kids will use both water and isopropyl alchol (rubbing alcohol) as solvents.  I have ethanol (ethyl alcohol) on hand if the rubbing alcohol doesn't work with the pens.

The lather prints require shaving cream, index cards, food dyes, toothpicks, and rulers.  (I'll post pix next week.)

The Water Marbling Nail Art requires nail polish, tape, and containers for the water.  I'm hoping the yogurt containers work; I won't mind if these are stained with nail polish.  I bought the nail polish because I don't wear polish.  You may have some on hand.

I spent $5 on the lab for shaving cream and nail polish--to be sure to have enough supplies for eight kids.  With a little luck, you'll have the supplies on hand and it won't cost a dime.