Analysis of Minerals and Soils Lab Activity

Students will take on the role of investigators and analyze samples of soil, glass, dust, and metal traces in order to place or eliminate a suspect’s presence at the crime scene. There are enough materials for 24 students working in 6 groups with 4 students per group.

Materials Included:

Instruction manual MSDS Soil Samples Microscope slides Magnifying glasses Glass beads Bromobenzene Universal Indicator w/chart 0.5M Potassium chromate Small gummed labels 0.5M Hydrochloric acid Sieve Fine

Student Data sheets Assessment Manual Density gradient tubes (vials) Polarizing film Dropper pipettes Bromoform Plastic spoons Aluminum pans Sieve Medium Forceps

Materials needed but not included:

Test tube rack Grease Pencil Microscope Gloves Suction bulbs Oven, lamp, or hot plate 25ml Erlenmeyer flasks/bottles w/stoppers Tongs

UV light Test Tubes 10ml graduated cylinders Dropper pipettes and suction bulb Distilled water Wax paper Scale White paper