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Latent Prints
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In this activity, learners examine fingerprints. Learners leave a hidden print on a surface and then make their own print detecting powder from graphite (found in pencils).
Separating with Chromatography
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In this experiment, learners separate different types of molecules in marker inks (using a technique called "thin layer chromatography").
Chromatography
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In this activity, explore chromatography and the various colors that make up the ink in markers. Use this activity to investigate cohesion and adhesion.
The Proof is in the Powder
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In this activity, learners will design a way to identify a powder found at a crime scene by comparing it with known powders, with the goal of solving a crime.
Black Magic (Color Chromatography)
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With a coffee filter, a black marker, and a cup of water, discover the secret colors hidden in black ink.
Super Sleuths
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In this physical sciences activity, learners use science to solve a "crime." Learners collect trace evidence (glitter) and explore its characteristics, such as color, size, shape, and light reflection
The Ballistic Pendulum
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In this physics crime lab or demonstration, learners pretend they are criminologists and must find the "muzzle velocity" (speed of the bullet as it leaves the gun) of a gun used to commit a crime.
Dye Detective
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Learners analyze mixtures of dyes using filter paper chromatography. They place spots of the different dyes at the bottom of a piece of filter paper, and hang the paper to touch the surface of water.
Print Hints
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In this physical sciences activity, learners explore how forensic investigators collect prints from a crime scene. Learners make hand impressions in damp sand and analyze the patterns they observe.
Exploring Structures: DNA
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In this activity, learners create a necklace of wheat germ DNA. Learners add alcohol to wheat germ so that the DNA clumps together.
Dye Detective
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Learners use filter paper and water to analyze six different markers. They mark the paper with ink, and dip the paper in water. The water travels up the paper and dissolved ink travels with it.
Dusted!
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Learners press their fingertip onto a clean Plexiglas sheet. The fingerprints are then revealed as learners dust over the print with fingerprint powder.
Paper Whites
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Learners observe different paper samples under ordinary room light and under a black light to learn some of the chemical differences between different types of paper.