YEAR 9 CHEMISTRY

PROJECT ON separation techniques - 30 marks

OBJECTIVE: Students can explain how 3 separation techniques, filtration, crystallization and
chromatography can be used to separate two different mixtures.

1. A mixture of sand and salt water

2. A mixture of leaf pigments in spinach
The explanations can be done by demonstrating and experimenting in the household using materials
collected at home along with scientific writing and presenting diagrams of the entire experiment.

TOPIC: Using separation techniques to separate two different mixtures.

RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION: to determine the method/methods to separate a

mixture of sand, salt water and an extraction of leaf pigments.

If chromatography is selected the stationary phase and the mobile phase must be selected
appropriately. (Stationary phase – filter paper, mobile phase – alcohol and water – Mixing sanitizer
liquid with a small amount of water)

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION: The experimental techniques and using the suitable separation
techniques to separate the given mixtures.

HYPOTHESIS: To investigate if the methods of filtration and crystallization can be used to separate a
mixture of sand and saltwater and to investigate if a mixture of leaf pigments in leaf extractions can be
separated using chromatography (If separation is not clearly visible on the filter paper, then you can
attach the relevant pictures and comment on the hypothesis).

Students are supposed to perform online research on the different separation techniques and explain
why different techniques are the most suitable to extract sand and salt water and leaf pigments.
Students must design an appropriate experimental setup and conduct the experiments. Students must
draw diagrams and attach pictures of each individual experimental setup. An individual report must be
produced to present the findings.

A RUBRIC is provided for the marking expectations along with instruction for the experimental and
research information.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Students can present in the form of PDF document/ PowerPoint presentation, duly completed
on time and uploaded on Edunation. Requesting students who will be submitting in PowerPoint
format should convert the PowerPoint also in the pdf format and then upload on Edunation.
2. Clearly mention Student Name, Student Id, Class and Division, Teacher Name and Set number.
3. Should clearly mention the experimental setup (Aim, Hypothesis, Apparatus, Methodology,
Observation Table, Observation+ Inference, Before and after diagrams experimental setup and
Discussion if needed)
4. Please attach the pictures as evidence for observations table (provided along with) and the
marked chromatography paper in the document you prepare.
5. This project is research and experimental investigation report/ document writing.
6. Explanation for the experiment: The experimental setup filtration, crystallization and
chromatography must be setup properly.
For filtration and crystallization – the experimental setup must be constructed carefully using
the materials found at home. The residue and filtrate must be identified clearly. The
crystallization point must be obtained precisely and an explanation on how the crystallization
point was determined must be included clearly. The method used to achieve crystallization must
be included.
If the filtration and crystallization wasn’t obtained properly then the reasons for not getting the
expected result must be included clearly.
Chromatography – The filter paper must be cut in an appropriate manner to obtain a proper
chromatography paper. The leaf pigment must be selected carefully (Spinach or kale are good
options). The leaves must be crushed using minimum amount of solvent (alcohol from sanitizer
liquid + water in 1:1 ratio). The baseline must be marked correctly. The spot must be marked,
and the pigments must be added using a small tube or tip of a pencil. The same pigment must
be added to the same place 3-4 times with intervals of drying to make sure the concentration is
increased. The spot must be completely dried before adding the filter paper to the solvent. A
method must be carefully designed to keep the filter paper upright in the solvent. The solvent
front and the position of the spot/ spots must be marked clearly.
If a proper chromatogram was not obtained, then the reasons for not obtaining a chromatogram
must be included clearly.
All findings in both the experiments must be discussed clearly
 Observation Table:

Experi Method resid filtrate Method How Diagra If the If

ment of ue of crystallizati m/s seperati successf
1 separati crystallisa on point on ul
on tion was wasn’t seperati
obtained achieve on was
d, the achieved
reasons , then
for not include
getting evidence
the s
expecte
d result
(include
evidenc
es)

Experiment Stationary Mobile Number of diagram If the If

2 phase phase spots seperation successful
wasn’t seperation
achieved, was
the reasons achieved,
for not then
getting the include
expected evidences
result
(include
evidences)

RUBRIC:
 Criteria Does not meet standard Achieving Extending
Question/problem is not clear. Question/problem is somewhat clear Question/problem is specific and
Hypothesis/prediction is not Hypothesis/prediction somewhat clear
Question present. addresses the question Hypothesis/prediction addresses
Hypothesis Variables are not included Some variables are included but not the question clearly
Variables complete Independent, dependent and
control variables are included and
identified
Material list is not detailed and Material list is somewhat detailed Material list is very detailed and
Experimental complete and complete complete and correct
Procedure Procedure / method not clear Procedure / method is clear Procedure / method is very clear
Fair testing not included Fair testing shown partially Fair testing shown completely
Does not follow the plan for Follows a plan for the investigation. Follows a plan for the
the investigation. Records Records some data but not always investigation. Records all data
some data, but not systematically or accurately. Records systematically and accurately.
systematically or accurately. observations but not always Records observations of
Records some observations. similarities and differences. Chooses similarities and differences.
Investigating
Does not always choose appropriate measurements but Chooses appropriate measurements
appropriate measurements. doesn’t always measure accurately. and measures accurately. Draws
Draws scientifically, but not Draws scientifically with proper scientifically with proper
with many details. perspective and with details as perspective and with details as
necessary. necessary.
Data is not clear Data is somewhat clear Data is somewhat clear
Data /
Poor or no use of tables or Good use of graph or charts to Excellent use of graph or charts to
Observation
graph or charts to display data display data. display data
Conclusion not supported by Conclusions are not clearly supported Conclusions are clearly supported
Conclusion
data by data. by data..
Graph is neither neat, creative Graph is somewhat neat, creative nor Graph is very neat, creative nor
Submission nor organized organized organized
No attention to detail Minor attention to detail Significant attention to detail

Important Points:
1. Your experiment will start with an aim/objective.
2. Prediction
3. Requirements/Apparatus used
4. Method – Should be precise and to the point.
5. Record – a table with proper columns and rows with headings
6. Result – Include the finding of the separation methods on the two experiments
7. Conclusion – Compare with your prediction
8. Improvements that could be added.
9. Bibliography and references, pictures should be added.