Adventures in Chemistry and Physics: An Interactive Hands-On Forensics Workshop

Part of the forensic chemists work can involve supporting other agencies for investigation into crime, murder, or illicit drug use. This fictitious exploratory workshop will focus on illicit drug use through the identification of a new recreational pain-relieving drug: Tylorineâ, a derivative of cocaine. This will be collaborative effort in conjunction with the Bellhomme Police Department, which has decided that the drug problem in the community has reached epidemic proportions. Several drug arrests have been made. However, further investigation revealed that the individuals were falsely accused. These cases are currently before the courts and should be heard soon barring an out of court settlement. To avoid any further legal predicaments, your help is needed to conduct confirming tests of the evidence already performed by the police department’s own lab.

We will investigate the application of scientific principles to the evidence at hand by exploring several analytical techniques that can easily be duplicated in a class-room setting, easily prepared with minimal set up time, and modified depending on the age group of the classroom. Extensive handouts will be provided that can be reproduced for future classroom use. No chemistry background needed for this exploratory workshop just the willingness to get your hands dirty while having fun. Come step into the world of forensics through a scientific viewpoint as you sleuth your way through this fictitious scenario.

Pre-registration is strongly recommended (sign up when you register for NERM2008). You should be prepared to devote two hours to this activity. Spaces are limited and priority will be given to teachers and home school parents.

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