SB01: Science Bound Fully Online High School Summer 40 Hour Course
Introduction to Forensic Science
Drug/Toxicology Activity
Due Saturday June 24 11:59 PM
A common method for drug analysis is through the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometry.
This process creates a spectra fingerprint for each drug. This spectra is based upon wavelength variations within the molecules at different frequencies.
For this exercise, you are going to use Radio frequencies in specific areas to simulate the drug interaction.
1. Use an AM/FM radio (home or car).
2. Use graph paper and chart the strength of signals as you move across the dial. You can do this online at http://polarski.cz/graph_paper/
3. Use strength on the vertical axis, 0 at the top and 10 at the bottom and frequency numbers on the horizontal axis.
4. Start on the far left of the AM dial or lowest number and slowly change the dial to the highest value. Mark indicators on strong or weak radio signals, or no signal at all. Connect your points in to a smooth spectra.
5. Repeat this for a second graph on the FM frequency.
6. Label your graphs with your name, town(city) and date.
7. Submit your graphs
8. If possible, travel to another area and repeat. This will give a fingerprint for each location.
Blood Spatter Activity
Due by Saturday July 1st, 11:59 PM
(This exercise is best done outdoors)
From the tool kit:
White paper
Bottle of fake blood
Measuring tape
1. Place a clean white sheet of paper (in tool kit) on the ground.
2. Use the fake blood dropper and drop a single drop from fixed heights. You will need several pieces of paper for this and your tape measure from the tool kit or a ruler.
6 inch
9 inch
12 inch
15 inch
18 inch
21 inch
24 inch
30 inch
36 inch
3. Allow all the drops to dry, then measure the diameter of each spot.
4. Create a table of height and diameter.
5. Write up a summary of your findings and your table. What does this experiment tell you about height and diameter of blood spatter.
6. Tape a sheet of clean white paper to a tree or vertical structure that will not be damaged by squirting fake blood. The height of paper should be at your shoulder height.
7. From 6-8 inches away, squirt blood at various angles. You will need several sheets of paper.
8. Squirt the fake blood at approximately 90, 120, 145, 170 degrees (use your best estimate, does not need to be exact)
9. Allow the drops to flow and then dry.
10. Measure the length and width of the drops.
11. Create a table of your findings.
12. Write up a summary of your findings and your table. What does this experiment tell you about length and diameter of blood spatter?
13. Submit your summaries.
Footwear Casting
Due by Saturday July 22nd, 11:59 P
From the Toolkit:
Casting material
From Home:
optional shoe box or cardboard box
mixing bowl for casting material
1. Find a 15" x 9" dirt area outside that can be used to make a footprint. You may to wet it down a bit, but do not make it too sloppy.
- another option is to fill a cardboard shoe box or similar size, with 2-3 inches of soil. Make sure it is damp.
2. Take an old athletic shoe and create a shoe print in the dirt. Carefully lift your shoe out.
3. Using the casting material provided in your tool kit, mix it with water and make a cast of your shoe print.
4. Allow it to thoroughly dry before attempting to remove it. Once removed, carefully clean off the dirt.
5. Photograph your cast and submit. Photograph the bottom of your shoe and submit.
6. Print out a copy of your cast photograph and mark any individual characteristics that you can identify.
7. Compare your cast to your shoe, write up a description of your entire process and how well your cast matches what you see on shoe. Are there characteristics that did not show up? Submit your write-up.