Forensic Science
DNA Analysis and Micropipetting Practice
Scholars will practice using micropipetting techniques by measuring specific volumes in a fun and colorful way. I use the Edvotek Pipetting by Numbers Canvas Activity.
Teacher pre-lab setup is required. You will need the following for each group or station:
5 Micro centrifuge tubes- one tube for each food color (red, blue, yellow, green, purple)
4 Micropipettes- One of each size (1-10 μl, 2-20 μl, 20-200 μl, and 100-1000 μl)
Specific tips to fit each size of micropipette.
Feel free to adjust to fit your needs. If you just have 1 or 2 micropipettes per group, then simply rotate. The same is true for the food coloring. You can do this activity with just 2 or 3 food colors.
The objectives is to have students practice the technique of using a pipette.
Forensic Toxicology
Students will perform experimental testing to determine the identity of an unknown substance. Students can then interpret the toxicology results in addition to any other potential clue to solve a crime scene case scenario.The kit I use is from Carolina- Forensic Chemistry of Unknown Substances Kit.
The lab setup is quite simple (see image below). You can either buy 1 kit and share the indicator by group or use this as a demonstration. In the image below, you can see how I invited the groups to a front table where they all conducted their testing in a single station. This can also be done in separate groups if your school has the means to purchase 6 to 8 kits (1 per station or group).
Template Available on my TPT Store
Sketching a Crime Scene
Students will analyze a crime scene, note down evidence pieces and sketch a scene. This lab can either be done in person (lab setup required) or virtually (no lab setup required). Remember, always adjust lessons to fit your needs.
Resource Available on my TPT Store.
If done virtually, Crime Scene Page needs to be printed and given to students to measure using a ruler. 1 cm = 1 ft
● Additional Evidence slides can be projected on the screen as you go over them in class.
● This is a great crime scene alternative if you don’t have the space or time to recreate a physical one in the classroom.
● Students will have to create a crime scene sketch using the given crime scene.
● Crime Scene Sketch Template is printed and given to students to start them of as they create a final sketch that includes a scale, sketch, key of evidence and legend.
Fingerprinting
Students get excited and engaged when they get to take a piece of their DNA blueprint back home! This is possible using the Ward's Science Fingerprinting Magnetic Powder kit. Students get a hands-on experience when collecting their own fingerprint and analyzing it for different patterns and minutiae.
The awesome part is that there is no setup necessary. One kit is enough for a class of 30 students (if you don't mind sharing). I would purchase 3 kits since I have 6 groups and each kit comes with 2 wands and 2 magnetic powders (enough for 2 groups only).
Students will place their fingerprint on the glass slide.
Students will then dust their imprinted fingerprint using the magnetic powder and wand.
Students will then use the clear tape to lift (pick up) their print and place on their ID card.
Students can then use the magnifying glass to analyze for patterns and minutiae.
If you don't have the materials, no problem! You can use colored markers, tape and a white sheet of paper. Works the same way. Color your finger, press on the slide or glass and lift using regular clear tape. This can also be done at home.