In the Identification of Unknown Substances I Forensics Laboratory Kit, assume the role of a crime lab chemist and create a set of standards for the identification of four simulated drugs.
The FBI Crime Laboratory works closely with pharmaceutical companies to produce tests for drugs they develop. The “standards” are critical for the proper identification of “unknown” drugs at a later time. Accurate drug identification has many crime scene implications. In this activity, your students will assume the role of a crime lab chemist and create a set of standards for the identification of four simulated drugs. Once the set of standards has been established, students will perform chemical tests on an “unknown” simulated drug found at a crime scene. This laboratory, set in a crime scene scenario, will create enormous interest and motivate students to learn numerous chemistry procedures. All simulated drugs and chemical test materials are provided as well as detailed teacher and student materials.
Complete for 30 students working in pairs.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter MS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter HS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
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