Apologia Chemistry: Forensics Project

 My Chemistry Co-op class seems to like projects with prizes.  The kids are doing a Forensics project based on the Poisoner’s Handbook.  The kids will chose a CSI case study, pick a lab, do the lab, and assemble the notes, links, photos, and short videos into a slideshow.  The prize is a set of syringe ink pens.  The project is summarized here.  One project idea is NOVA’s Killer’s Trail: Create a DNA Fingerprint.  Here are a series of related labs.  Here is a gel electrophoresis lab simulation.  I expect the kids to do Fingerprint Fuming or Fake Blood Splatter labs—not necessarily gel electrophoresis simulations.  The labs do not have to be strictly chemistry labs.  The kids have already done Paper Chromatography and the Mystery Powder labs—both Forensics labs.  We all are going to field test the CSI labs the kids selects.  I’m making an extra effort this year because we are working remotely.  When we meet IRL the labs and activities are engaging.  I want the kids to come away with a positive experience.  Here’s hoping the kids have fun.