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Indoor activity

Chromatography Butterflies

Use the science of chromatography to create beautiful, vibrant butterfly wings from simple paper towels and markers!

Ages 5-12 0-1 hours Education 8/10

Materials

  • Markers
  • Paper Towels
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Small Containers
  • Water

Illustrated Steps

1

Draw the Magic Circles

Draw a thick, colourful circle in the centre of a folded paper towel using your markers.

2

Prepare the Water

Fill a container with 1cm of water. Don't add too much—we only want the tip to touch!

3

Start the Chromatography

Rest the tip of the folded paper towel in the water and watch the colours climb and spread.

4

Dry and Shape

Once dry, pinch the middle and wrap a pipe cleaner around it to finish your butterfly.

What You’ll Create

You will transform plain white paper towels into stunning, multi-coloured butterfly wings using a process called chromatography. By drawing simple circles and letting water move through them, you’ll see hidden colours emerge and spread in amazing patterns.

Have fun!

  • Try different marker brands—do some spread faster than others?
  • Use black markers to see what ‘secret’ colours are hidden inside them!
  • Make a whole swarm of butterflies to decorate your room.

Why It’s Amazing

  • Chemistry in Action: Chromatography is a technique scientists use to separate mixtures. The water acts as a ‘solvent’, carrying the different pigment molecules at different speeds depending on their size.
  • Artistic Discovery: Every butterfly is unique! You never quite know exactly how the colours will bleed and blend until the water does its work.

Pro Tips

For the best results, use water-based markers (like felt-tips). Permanent markers won’t work because their ink doesn’t dissolve in water. If the water stops moving, make sure the tip is still touching the surface!