FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
SEP 127
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
This booklet introduces a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques that can be used in forensic chemistry to find out the composition of samples, and there is a particular emphasis on how microscale techniques can be used in the school laboratory. The selection of activities has a clear link to the How Science Works curriculum with student practical work, teacher demonstrations and student research activities drawing on secondary sources of information. Keywords Boiling point, breathalyser, chromatography, colorimetry, DNA, electrophoresis, fingerprint, forensic science, freezing point, halide, instrumental technique, melting point, microchemistry, precipitate, qualitative, quantitative, retention factor, spectroscope, spectroscopy. OBTAINING THE BOOKLET This booklet is published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme, and is available for purchase from Mindsets (www.mindsetsonline.co.uk). A pdf version of the booklet and accompanying downloadable resources are available to registered users of the National STEM Centre (www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk). OBTAINING THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES Forensic Chemistry is accompanied by a range of low-cost practical resources that are available for purchase from Mindsets. Spectroscope (SEP 205a) This ultra-low cost spectroscope is made from a black plastic sheet folded along pre-scored lines. It uses a CD or DVD as a reflective diffraction grating, and clearly shows the characteristic lines in an emission spectrum. Colorimeter Box (SEP 260) The colorimeter box is made from a black plastic sheet which is folded along pre-scored lines to form the box shape. A white LED and five cuvettes are also supplied. The colorimeter is designed to be used with the Mindsets Light Sensor (not included). Light Sensor (SEP 202) This light sensor produces an output voltage that is proportional to brightness. It can be used with a digital multimeter to give an indication of light intensity. (Includes battery box.) Requires 3 x AA batteries. Colour Mixing Set (SEP 240) This pack contains a red, blue and green LED each will light up when the LED legs are placed either side of a 3V lithium button cell (not included). The LEDs can be used with the colorimeter box to select different colours to be passed through the sample in the cuvette. USEFUL LINKS Chemistry Teachers (Royal Society of Chemistry) A comprehensive database of activities and experiments to support secondary school chemistry teaching. It includes experiments on introducing forensic science and testing for drugs. How to buy a copy of this booklet and the related practical resources How to download a pdf of this booklet and other e-resources
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FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
SEP 127
Practical Chemistry This website provides a wide range of chemistry experiments that illustrate concepts and processes, and that provide starting points for investigations. Technical information and teachers notes give advice on using the experiments in the classroom. The resources include microscale experiments including microtitrations. Wikipedia There is an interesting article about Forensic chemistry that gives an overview of the different areas covered in this booklet. There is also information about the innovations within this field, and individual entries about the different disciplines within forensic science including Forensic toxicology. American Chemical Society This website represents an organisation of degree level chemists, and has a lot of information about the field of chemistry. There is a web page specifically outlining the role of a forensic chemist. The Higher Education Academy This organisation works with universities and colleges to provide subject-based support. There is a lab manual on Forensic chemistry that provides a context and some further experiments on forensic chemistry applications. The Forensic Science Service This organisation is the UKs leading provider of analysis and interpretation of evidence from a crime scene. There is an alphabetical listing of their services that outlines different analytical techniques that they have at their disposal. This site also provides details of real case studies. YouTube A collection of video clips uploaded from around the world there are many clips about Forensic chemistry, including using chemical techniques to develop fingerprints. Be aware that these videos are unsolicited and should always be reviewed before use in class teaching. Crime Science Investigator Network This provides is a good compendium of materials from published articles looking at advances in forensic science, general information on forensic techniques, and resource listings. This is a good site to use as a basis for developing a course with forensics embedded within it. Reddys Forensic page This website is designed by a retired forensic scientist who used to work with the New York Police Department. The site is packed with information many of which are links to other web pages with lecture notes and videos. Forensic Evidence This is intended as an information centre for educators, law professionals and forensic scientists. You can also subscribe for a newsletter with updates. This site contains many reference pieces on different types of evidence and how they can be analysed. FURTHER INFORMATION Other related practical resources and copies of SEP publications can be purchased from Mindsets.
SEP publications and accompanying downloadable resources are available to registered users of the National STEM Centre.
www.mindsetsonline.co.uk
www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/sep
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