Spring SAVY 2019, Day 1 – Forensic Science (1st/2nd)
What a great first day! We took some time to get to know each other, examine our crime scene, review case files, and read through our suspect profiles. Students learned that while in the office last week my laptop went missing! They were so excited to examine the crime scene and form some initial hypotheses. We emphasized how this course will focus on using scientific processes to analyze evidence and reveal relationships between suspects and the crime scene.
Today, we focused on forensic chemistry, specifically chromatography. Students were asked to identify the visible differences of molecular compositions in ink solutions. We conducted hands on experiences that allowed students to see ink solutions undergo separation in a “mobile phase”. This mobile phase was initiated by our solvent (water) and the various molecular compositions were suspended on the testing paper. The different colors that we saw revealed various molecular solutions in the ink’s chemical mixture. We discussed that the ability to see color is a result of how our brain processes reflected light. Some molecules are visible through visible color pigmentation, but some are not. With the proper solvent, ink solutions can be separated, analyzed, and matched. Chromatography is a great scientific testing process that forensic chemists use in the real world!
Here is a link to chromatography activities you and your child may enjoy doing together with this week with ink samples from around your home.
Have a great week,
Ms. Mills
Checking Out One of Our Suspects
Our Forensic Scientists Exploring the Crime Scene
