Written by R. Q. Thompson of Oberlin College with contributions from several other faculty members. While designed to provide chemistry faculty help with developing lab experiments for their classroom; this resource might prove useful for advanced students, who need to conduct their own experimentation as part of a forensic chemistry course.
Each forensic chemistry laboratory experiment includes information on storing the samples, methods, special equipment required, procedural information for students (less-detailed) and faculty (more-detailed) and typical results.
The site also has a number of crime stories that were created for forensic chemistry students to conduct chemical analyses of crime scene samples like blood, paint and powders. These are full case histories with autopsy reports, crime scene reports, witness statements and more. Designed to be set up where the outcomes can be changed based on the evidence provided.
Forensic Chemistry Experiments & Stories
- Alcohol
- Analysis of a simulated blood sample for ethanol
- Arson
- Analysis of carpet samples for flammables
- Drugs (blood)
- Analysis of a simulated blood sample for drugs
- Drugs (bulk)
- Analysis of a simulated bulk drug (uses caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin in lieu of illicit materials)
- Explosives
- Identification of organic explosives on plastic surfaces
- Fabric
- Composition and color analysis of fabric samples
- Glass
- Analysis of glass fragments
- GSR
- Analysis of handwashings for gunshot residue
- Paint
- Microscopic and spectral analysis of paint chips
- Pen Ink
- Spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis of pen ink
- Stories
- The Case of the Bloodied Bully
- The Case of the Trampled Teen
- The Case of the Tempered Testament
- The Case of the Olympic Outrage (coming soon)
- The Case of the Pilfered Painting (coming soon)
View this Free Online Material at the source:
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Manual
