Murder Mystery
Description:
The purpose of this lab was to learn how to perform forensics style tests or experiments in order to solve a murder mystery. We used various proccesses such as ink chromatography, karyotyping, blood testing, DNA profiling, pedigrees, and dusting for fingerprints. Our task was to identify the murder in the case provided for us. We were given the backstory of each of the suspects, and were told the evidence found at the scene of the crime. Our team worked together in order to evaluate all of evidence and come to a conclusion of who commited the crime. After the fingerprints, karyotypes, blood type, ink chromatography, and pedigrees matched one person, we concluded that Nancy Normal was in fact our murderer.
Evidence:
Fingerprints
Description: To find our fingerprint we used the same process as crime scene investigators. We dusted the weapon to reveal any fingerprints. We then lifted the print and compared it to those of the suspects present at the scene.
Karyotypes
Description: To aquire our karyotype results, we were given two karyotypes based off of the blood found at the scene. After organizing the chromosomes and identifying ay chromosomal disorders, we compared our karyotypes to the suspect examples to find a match.
Pedigree
Description: We were provided with the family histories of each of the suspects. From there, we drew a pedigree chart to connect all of the families in order to determine a connection to the victim and possibly a motive for murder
Ink Chromatography
Description: One of the pieces of evidence found at the scene, was a death note reading "U are a dead man". To determine the writer of the note, we used the process of ink chromatography. We placed paper with ink from the pens belonging to the suspects in alcohol, and waited for the ink to seperate in order to compare them with the results of the ink from the note.
Blood type
Description: There were two types of blood found on the murder weapon. We used a process to test the blood with antibodies and antigens in order to conclude the blood type of each of the suspects and samples.
DNA Profiling/Fingerprinting
Description: Using the blood samples found at the scene and of the suspects, we conducted a DNA fingerprinting experiment. We placed the samples into gel electrophoresis, which uses the electric charges of the samples to show how far each of the strands of DNA travel. The color patterns were how we determined which suspects match the samples found at the scene
Vocabulary
Forensics: scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime
Evidence: information given personally, drawn from a document, or in the form of material objects, tending or used to establish facts in a legal investigation or admissible as testimony in court.
Ink Chromatography*: Chromatography is a method of separating out materials from a mixture. *Specifically with ink
Gel Electrophoresis: Gel electrophoresis is a method for separation and analysis of macromolecules and their fragments, based on their size and charge
DNA profiling: DNA profiling is the process of determining an individual's DNA characteristics
Motive: An idea, belief, or emotion that impels a person to act in accordance with that state of mind. Motive is usually used in connection with Criminal Law to explain why a person acted or refused to act in a certain way
Reflection:
Overall, I felt our group was very successful in the execution of this project. We correctly completed the processes for each of the forensic testing. We followed all of the directions given to us by the teacher, especially since there were many aspects of the project that took place over a several week period. My group used our collaboration skills to complete each of the individual experiements or tests, to help us hypothesize a possible motive for our suspect(s). We also used critical thinking in order to connect all of the evidence with the killer and then use the same method of critical thinking to connect the killer to the victim and the motive behind the murder. Something that could have been improved within our goup was how we divided the work for the various activities. It felt like some group members were not offering help for portions of the entire project. Secondly, we could have improved on the organization of time, and materials. We had a folder to hold all of our papers, evidence etc. Next time I would make sure that the materials were organized and make sure that we use our time effectivley.