CSI

Phenomenon and Questioning

Thoughts on this picture? 1 min

What is an unknown? 2 mins

How can we SCIENTIFICALLY determine an unknown? 2 mins

What have we learned in this class to help us determine an unknown? 2 mins

Put students into CSI groups. Each group gets five scenarios to go through (the group members should split up and work on a case individually and then come together to discuss findings) and they can record their answers on paper, white boards, or in google forms. 20 mins

Collaborate with CSI group to share answers and Look at toxicology report. Students should begin to ask how much of a chemical will kill a person. They will figure it out that they should look that up on the web. 20 mins

Share out answers? 10 mins

Case:

• The victim (in the picture) in the following case is a 45 year old male named Curt Decker. He was found dead by his wife at approximately 6:35 pm at his work place. There are no external injuries except an abrasion to the face. Initial investigators say they found several signs around the death site that suggest foul play. Five possible causes of his untimely death have been suggested by his wife who has been ruled out as a suspect because of a proven alibi.
  • Scenario 1: An unlabeled drug bottle was found in the medicine cabinet of Decker’s bathroom. A 532.99 g sample of the drug was analyzed and found to contain 346.12 g C, 23.98 g H, 108.52 g O and 54.36 g S. A second analysis was run and the molar mass of the compound was found to be 314.38 g/mol. It may be a drug prescribed for osteoarthritis. Coincidentally, Decker’s arthritis has become so intolerable within recent weeks that he’s had to rely on the aid of a crutch for mobility. Prolonged ingestion of this drug is thought to lead to heart attack. Decker’s doctor, Kevin Klein has a reputation or prescribing dangerous drugs to “dispose of” unwanted patients. Could Dr. Klein be annoyed at Decker’s whining attitude?
  • Scenario 2: Several of Decker’s full or partial fingerprints were retrieved from a tipped cup found near the crime scene. A faint almond scent was detected around the rim. A 823.16 g liquid sample of the compound was found to contain 30.79 g H, 365.73 g C, 426.64 g N. The molar mass was determined to be approximately 27.03 g/mol. A friend of Decker’s noticed a disgruntled colleague, Shay Lemarck, uncharacteristically eager to provide refills. Could this be the answer? What was in the cup?
  • Scenario 3: Decker’s wife mentioned that the osteoarthritis had become so debilitating as of late, that he was “popping painkillers like candy”. Certain painkillers are even more dangerous in large quantities than others. One indication that this may be the cause of death was a partially full acetaminophen bottle was found on the scene. Chemical analysis of one pill weighing 1454.10 g revealed 924.08 g C, 87.39 g H, 134.80 g N and 307.83 g O. The molar mass of the drug is known to be 151.18 g/mol. Could it be that the crime scene is not a crime scene at all? What was this pill?
  • Scenario 4: Decker’s latest and most brilliant research was on a specific type of organic aromatic hydrocarbon. Decker, being a paranoid individual, would not specify which one, but a 453.28 g sample was shown to contain only carbon and hydrogen. In the sample, there was only 35.17 grams of Hydrogen. It was also determined that the molar mass was 78.12 g/mol. Mr. Decker knew that his laboratory had carefully regulated air-flow to prevent high level inhalation. Decker periodically mentioned to his wife that he suspected his lab partner Leslie Hatterson, was altering the flow rates. Interesting, without Decker, the published research could mean thousands of dollars for Ms. Hatterson. With money as a motive, could this solve the mystery.
  • Scenario 5: Around the lab, Mr. Decker seemed to have a bug problem. Being the scientist that he is, Mr. Decker had near him a spray bottle labeled “bug dope”. Once it is ingested it can be harmful. A 614.56 g liquid sample was taken and once analysis was ran it was determined that it consisted of 22.02% C and 77.98% Cl. The molar mass of this compound was determined to be 545.55 g/mol. Mr. Decker bragged about his “bug dope” to his lab neighbor John Bugg the biologist (he was meant to be a biologist) and it could have been possible the Mr. Bugg was jealous of this spray because he didn’t think of it first. Did Mr. Bugg want to patent the “bug dope” as if it was his creation?
  • For each scenario: Find the Empirical and Molecular formula. Once you find the molecular formula do a web search to find the name of this drug. Determine the lethal dose of this drug as well. Complete your answers on the google form on Converge. You will collaborate with your CSI team and look at the toxicology report to determine which compound was the culprit of Mr. Decker’s death.

• Toxicology Report: Curt Decker (45 year old male)
  • Hydrogen Cyanide or Prussic acid was found in blood to be 22 ppm
  • Acetaminophen found in blood to be 85 mg/kg of body weight
  • Benzene found in respiratory system and blood stream to be 75 mg/kg of body weight
  • Rofecoxib in blood stream to be 180 mg
  • Mirex found in blood stream to be 250 mg/kg