Oregon State
Using Paper Chromatography
Through the analysis of paper chromatography to separate ink from the pen found at the crime scene, learners analyze the different stains and through calculations determine the thief.
Curated OER
Using Plant Pigments to Link a Suspect to a Crime
Students use chromatography to separate plant pigments collected from a fictitious crime scene and suspects. They compare the Rf values of the plant pigments to determine whether the plant pigments found on any of the suspects match the...
Curated OER
Crime Scene Documentation
Students become forensic investigators. For this crime scene lesson, students go to the science lab which is the "scene of the crime." They collect evidence such as fingerprints, "blood" evidence, chromatography, footprints, and more.
Curated OER
Lipstick Chromatography/Ink Chromatography
Junior crime scene investigators are instructed in two different chromatography exercises. For female suspects, they separate and compare lipstick pigments. For male suspects, they separate and compare ink samples. A data sheet is...
Curated OER
Lesson One: Lifting Latent Fingerprints
Crime scene investigators practice collecting fingerprints off of surfaces in order to compare them to an imaginary crime suspect's prints. Instructions for using graphite powder and a Zephyr brush to collect the evidence are outlined....
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure. The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not...
Curated OER
Solving Mysteries Using Paper Chromotagraphy
Students solve the mystery of the kidnapped teacher by analyzing a ransom note using paper chromatography. They carefully prepare ink samples from the note to known ink samples to determine the kidnapper.
Curated OER
Ink Analysis
High school chemistry class members become "detectives for a day" and use the concept of paper chromatography to analyze a note left at the scene of a crime. Pupils test the ink on the note with a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, to...
Curated OER
T-shirt Chromatography
Students explore chromatography, a process used to separate mixtures. They create a colorful T-shirt design.
Curated OER
Science: Criminalistics - A New Look at Crime
Students examine the world of forensic science, focusing on fingerprint analysis. In the lesson, they implement a method by which fingerprints of class members are categorized and identified. Elementary students study classification...
Curated OER
Ink Analysis and Thin Layer Chromatography
Students explain the process of TLC. They identify at least three components of ink. They analyze data and make conclusions based on laboratory observations.
Curated OER
Chromatography
Students study about chromatography, a process used to separate mixtures.
Curated OER
My Science Box: DNA Fingerprinting
Young scholars identify DNA in a crime scenario. In this DNA lesson, students perform paper chromatography and compare it against the pens of various suspects.
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting
Students experiment with chromatography as a technique which is similar to electrophoresis that scientists use to identify DNA samples.
Cornell University
Forensic Science: Case of the Missing Diamond Maker
Someone stole a diamond-making machine. Who done it? Scholars use forensic science at six different stations to determine the culprit. They analyze fingerprints, use their senses, and complete chemistry experiments to determine the...
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting
Students discuss DNA Fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis before participating in a crime solving activity. Students simulate their DNA using adding tape and complete the steps necessary to do a gel electrophoresis. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Mixing Colors
Fifth graders perform experiments with color mixing and color changing. They observe the differences between physical and chemical changes and record their observations in journals.
Curated OER
CSI: Native America
Learners discuss the murders of Native Americans in Indiana. In groups, they research and make drawings of the scene as if they were part of a CSI team. They complete any needed experiments to help them solve the crime and create a...